Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad? Try These 10 Fixes

Touch ID, a fingerprint identity sensor, makes it easy for iOS users to unlock device, download apps, or make purchases in App Store, iTunes Store, iBooks Store instead of entering Apple ID password.

However, many users complained that Touch ID not working after screen replacement or iOS 15 upgrade. You can imagine how inconvenient it is if you can't unlock your iOS devices or make purchases using Touch ID.

If you're experiencing issues with Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad, read on this guide to learn what you can do to fix this issue and get Touch ID work again.

Why Is My Touch ID Not Working on My iPhone?

A number of things can cause your iPhone Touch ID fail to work. If your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are not clean and dry, or your finger not cover the Touch ID sensor completely, the Touch ID may not work.

Besides, if you are using a case or screen protector and the Home button is covered, your Touch ID may also fail to work. What's more, software errors and hardware problems can cause Touch ID not working on your iPhone or iPad.

Fortunately, the following solutions can help you fix an iPhone Touch ID not working. Let's check out.

Tip 1: Keep Your Finger and Home Button Clean and Dry

The most immediate cause of Apple ID performance is the home button and your finger. Check whether the Home button is full of dust, or check whether there is sweat on your finger as well. If necessary, take a clean and dry cloth to wipe the Home button and your hands, then try again.

Tip 2: Properly Scan Your Fingerprint

Due to the sensibility of Touch ID, you need to correctly use this button. Press the Home button lightly to allow the iPhone a few seconds to recognize your fingerprint. What’s more, ensure that your finger is completely lying on the Touch button.

If you don't like this "Press Home button to unlock" feature, you can turn this feature off and enable "Rest Finger to Open" to unlock your iPhone without pressing the Home button.

To do that, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Home Button and toggle "Rest Finger to Open" to ON.

Tip 3: Remove Case/Screen Protector from iPhone

The fingerprint scanner may sometimes be blocked if your iPhone is protected with a case. Besides, it will trap too much heat, which may prevent the Touch ID sensor from read your fingerprint properly. So, you'd better remove your case or screen protector when Touch ID is not working on your iPhone.

Tip 4: Force Restart Your iPhone

If the Touch ID is still not working, you can force restart your iPhone. Follow these steps to do it:

• For iPhone 8: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button. After that, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time until the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 6S: Press and hold the Power button and the Home button at the same time unitl the Apple logo appears.

Tip 5: Turn Off All Touch ID Features Then Back On

If you are still having this issue, try to turn off and turn on the Touch ID for Apple Pay, iPhone Unlock, iTunes/App Store, etc. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click on "Touch ID & Passcode" and disable all of the options (the ones in the read box in the image below).
3. Restart your iPhone or iPad and then enable the fatures you want turn on.

Tip 6: Delete and Add New Fingerprint

Another feasible way is to deleted the Touch ID fingerprints from Settings and then add a new one.

• Delete Fingerprint: To do so, go to Settings, scroll down to click on "Touch ID & Passcode". Choose one Fingerprint that you set before and select "Delete Fingerprint" to remove it.

• Add A New Fingerprint: Still go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, click "Add a Fingerprint" to reset the fingerprint when prompted.

Tip 7. Check for iOS Update

After releasing the new feature of Face ID, problems on Touch ID occur frequently. To solve the Touch ID not working issue, Apple has updated new iOS version.

So you can head to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iPhone to the latest iOS 15 and check out whether this strategy is useful or not.

Tip 8. Reset Network Settings

After resetting network settings, all the saved WiFi passwords and added Bluetooch devices, cellular data settings will be erased. But the personal data on your iPhone such as photos, videos, app data will be kept.

1. Open iPhone Settings and click on General.
2. Scroll down and select "Reset", then click on "Reset Network Settings".
3. Confirm to reset network settings by typing into the device's passcode.

Tip 9. Factory Reset Your iPhone (Data Loss)

If you've tried all of the above solutions but the Touch ID is still not working, you can do a factory reset. This will completely erase all the software and give your device a fresh start.

To do that, navigate to Settings > General > Reset and choose "Erase All Content and Settings. All of your apps, photos, videos, etc, will be deleted after reset. So, make sure to back up your important iPhone data before doing this.

Tip 10. Fix iPhone Touch ID Not Working without Data Loss

It is very common to encounter the issue of Touch ID not working after upgrading to iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.This kind of issue could be fixed with the method above or with a professional iOS repair tool.

FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is a professional tool that contains powerful features to fix various iOS system issues. Besides, the remarkable features make it possible to repair common issues without data loss.

Core Features of FoneGeek iOS System Recovery:

• Two repair modes are supplied with the program that enables you to repair iOS issues with the higher success rate.
• A large number of iPhone issues can be repaired, including iPhone stuck in reboot loop, Apple logo, Recovery/DFU mode, iPhone black screen, etc.
• It is 100% secure to use the program.Not data will be disclosed or get lost.
• Compatible with all iOS versions and iPhone models, including the latest iOS 16 and iPhone 14/13.
• Recommended by Filehorse, All PC Worlds, GetDroidTips, Lera Blog, Webku, TechTricksWorld and many other media sites.

How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad without Data Loss

Step 1. Install and launch the application on your computer. Then click on "Standard Mode" from the main interface.

Step 2. Then connect your iPhone to computer with a USB cable. When the device is detected, click "Download" to get the matching firmware.

Step 3. When the download is complete, click on "Fix Now" and the program will start repairing your iPhone.

The Bottom Line

If the Touch ID is not working on your iPhone or iPad, you can follow the solutions in this article before taking it to a local Apple Store for repair. If you have following all of these tips but still have issues with your Touch ID, it is possible that your device is suffered a harware problem. In this case, you need to consider contacting Apple for more professional support.