Touch ID Not Working? How to Fix It?

Touch ID enables you to log in to apps, make purchases from the App Store and transact on Apple Pay. A simple finger touch enables all these on the sensor for biometric confirmation. It is always satisfying if the spec is seamless and utile.

However, in instances that this feature isn't working, and you have tried all your hacks to no success, there is a high probability that all Apple products will turn you off out of frustration. We don't want that. So, there are several ways to work around your device's Touch ID when it stops responding to optimize its operations.

Part 1. My Touch ID Is Not Working, Why?

There are many reasons why your Touch ID would stop responding. Although rare, your sensor can stop responding due to manufacturer error, you cannot blame yourself for this. However, if it does happen, there are some quick fixes you can attempt to restore usability. We have highlighted these hacks in this post, alongside some probable reasons why your Touch ID would fail to respond.

Possibly the reason why the Touch ID is not working is simply that your hand could be: wet, dirty, moisty or oily. The other cause could be that the fingerprint module has dirt or liquid. Use a clean damp cloth wetted with alcohol or some wipes to clean the module, and this should finish gently. Another issue that can make the Touch ID fail is a poorly connected fingerprint module, changed fingerprint pattern, software that is not updated and unwiped system cache.

Part 2. How to Fix Touch ID Problems on my iPhone, iPod or iPad Touch?

It can quickly become frustrating when you experience this challenge with your device. For instance, say you have forgotten your PIN and rely solely on biometrics for identification and authentication. Then after making a purchase and wanting to process the payment using Apple Pay, the system fails, or the hardware loses sensitivity. So, what do you do?

Several things should be right for Touch ID to work seamlessly. Just one of the components being off can cause or intensify the problem. Then solution involves beginning troubleshooting simple items as you advance to complex ones. Notably, you need to test your device after each step to see if it works, and only move to the next step if it isn't working.

1. Clean your finger and the Home button

Use a lint-free piece of clothing to clean both the finger and the fingerprint reader. Note that anything as minor as a tiny bit of sweat or water can interfere with the sensor working of your iPad, iPhone or iPod in reading the fingerprint. If you have dirt on your "Home" button, clean it repeatedly and ensure that almost everything is cleared.

2. Restart your iPad or iPhone

This method involves holding the on/off buttons at once for some seconds. This powers on the iPad or iPhone. If the phone is on, it will prompt you to either restart or power off.

Restarting your device, also called power cycling involves switching off and then back on your device to refresh it. This process performs a network data refresh as well as a setting refresh. As processes stopped, some cache was deleted enabling your Touch ID to work. If this fails, move to the next step.

3. Add New Fingerprints

Adding your fingerprint is done via a simple procedure, and here is how to go about it.

• Step 1. Simultaneously long-press the Side/Top and Volume Down buttons until iPhone enters the recovery mode.
• Step 2. Tap Add Fingerprint immediately after you have typed your passcode. Your device will prompt you to add a fingerprint. Go to the Home button and press it with your desired finger. Do this several times. Repeat until the whole scan of the fingerprint is displayed on the screen.

Upon registering your new fingerprint, you will realize that it is listed as finger one or finger two. If you need to change the fingerprint, tap on the one you wish to remove, followed by the delete button.

4. Re-enable the Touch ID features

Re-enabling the Touch ID is done by hard rebooting the iPhone or iPad. A good reboot will re-enable the Touch ID features.

The procedure is as follows: Go to the Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Here, disable all the available options. Upon attaining this, restart your device, and re-enables all the features you need to stay turned on.

5. Updating IOS or iPadOS version

Updating your devices such as the iPad, iPhones and iPods can be done wirelessly. Following is the process by using a computer or iCloud back up the device.

• Step 1. Ensure that your iPhone or other device is plugged into power and well connected to either Wi-Fi-enabled internet.
• Step 2. Move to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Step 3. If you happen to note two software updates, go for the one you wish to install.
• Step 4. Tap the Install Now button. In a situation where you note Download and Install then tap to download the update. Fill in your passcode then tap Install Now.

6. Factory setting your iPad or iPhone

Although this reset erases your device's data and settings, it is the best rebooting reset. If you had synced your device and backed the data, you do not have a reason to worry. Restoring your device to the factory settings option is found in the phone's settings, and you can initiate it externally using a PC.

You could use iTunes to restore your device. This can finish without necessarily needing a passcode. Since the process erases data and settings, you need to back this data to restore after erasing. There are two scenarios to consider whether you have iTunes already synced with your device or not.

Bonus: How to unlock iPhone/iPad/iPod without Touch ID/Passcode?

Using LockEraser to Fixed Touch ID Not Working

• 1 Download, install and launch LockEraser on your computer. Select "Unlock Screen Passcode" mode.

• 2 Choose the firmware version provided based on your device model and click "Download". Then wait a few minutes for LockEraser to download and verify the firmware package.

• 3 When the extraction is completed, click the "Unlock" button. When the unlocking work is done, you will see the notification on the screen.


Pros

• · Do away with your Apple ID easily without a passcode.
• · It is a simple tool to use, it will help solve devices issue in the comfort of your home.
• · It is cost-effective, you can't compare its cost and how it can work on your devices.
• · It is capable of supporting all kinds of iOS versions and devices, including the latest such as the iPhone 13 series.

Conclusion

As pointed out earlier, a failed Touch ID can be frustrating, especially when you need to use your iPad, iPhone, or iPod urgently. The good news is that you now have a LockEraser for that. With just one tap, you have a quick and reliable solution for various problems in the palm of your hand. Next time your device bothers you with this issue, you know where to get help.