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What Is Touch ID and How to Use Touch ID on iPhone and Mac

Apple products, like iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, are popular around the world due to their integrated advanced technologies. Touch ID, for instance, is a great way to enable a good balance between security and convenience. However, if you want to use this biometric security measurement properly, you must understand it. This article will explain what Touch ID is, how it works, the supported devices, how to set it up on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and more.

Part 1: What Is Touch ID

As mentioned previously, Touch ID is a security feature that was first released with the iPhone 5s in 2013. Currently, it is one of the three security options included in iOS and Mac devices with a fingerprint identity sensor.

Touch ID is activated through a fingerprint sensor built into a Home button with a sapphire surface. It can be used for unlocking an iPhone or iPad. If you have an iPad Air(4th generation), it is the top button. Plus, it is built into the Power button on specific Mac models and Magic Keyboard.

The Supported Devices

iPhone SE(2nd generation)

iPhone SE(3rd generation)

iPhone 8/8 Plus

iPhone 7/7 Plus

iPhone SE(1st generation)

iPhone 6s/6s Plus

iPhone 6/6 Plus

iPhone 5s

iPad Air 2 and later

iPad Pro 9.7-inch/10.5-inch/12.9-inch(1st and 2nd generation)

iPad mini 5/4/3

iPad 5th generation and later

MacBook Air(Retina, 13-inch, 2018 - 2020)/(M1, 2020)

MacBook Pro(14-inch, 2021)/(13-inch, M1, 2020)/(16-inch, 2019, 2021)/(15-inch, 2016 - 2019)/(13-inch, 2016 - 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)

Tips: The newer iPhone and iPad models use Face ID instead of Touch ID.

Part 2: Set up Touch ID on iPhone and Mac

By default, Touch ID is disabled on either iOS devices or Mac computers. To unlock your device with your fingerprint, you need to set up Touch ID. We demonstrate the workflow respectively below.

How to Set up Touch ID on iPhone/iPad

Set Up Touchid iPhone

Step 1. Run the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2. Choose Touch ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode for authorization. If you do not have a passcode for Touch ID, you will be asked to create one.

Step 3. Tap the Add a Fingerprint button. Place a finger on the Touch ID sensor and leave it there until your iPhone buzzes. Next, lift your finger and place it back down. Follow the on-screen instructions until all edges of your finger are scanned.

Step 4. Then tap the Continue button to complete setting up Touch ID. You can add multiple fingerprints and repeat the workflow above.

Step 5. Go back to the Touch ID & Passcode settings screen, and toggle on iPhone Unlock. You can also set up Touch ID for iTunes & App Store, Apple Pay, and Password AutoFill.

How to Set up Touch ID on Mac

Set Up Touchid Mac

Step 1. To access Touch ID settings on Mac, go to the Apple menu, and choose System Settings.

Step 2. Next, pick the Touch ID & Password tab, and click the Add a Fingerprint button. When prompted, enter your Mac password, and hit Unlock.

Step 3. Now, place your finger on the Power button to scan it. Once it is complete, click the Done button to confirm it.

Step 4. Make sure to check the box next to Unlocking your Mac under the Use Touch ID for section. Plus, you can use Touch ID for Apple Pay, iTunes Store, App Store & Apple Books, or Password AutoFill.

Part 3: Fix Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad

Touch ID enables you to unlock your iPhone, download apps, autofill details, or authenticate Apple Pay transactions easily. However, you may experience issues with your Touch ID. You can fix Apple Touch ID by following the solutions below.

Solution 1: Clean Fingerprint Sensor

Clean Fingerprint Sensor

Touch ID recognizes your fingerprint through a sensor built into the Home or Top button, depending on your device model. As for the hardware, any stain may affect its functionality. When Touch ID is not working, clean the fingerprint sensor with a piece of cotton. Plus, remove the improper case and screen protector.

Solution 2: Turn off Touch ID and on

Disable Touchid

Step 1. Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. Choose Touch ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode.

Step 3. Toggle off iPhone Unlock and other options.

Step 4. Restart your iPhone, and head to Settings, Touch ID & Passcode. Then toggle on iPhone Unlock and other options.

Solution 3: Delete and Re-add a Fingerprint

Step 1. Run your Settings app.

Delete Fingerprint

Step 2. Go to Touch ID & Passcode, and input your passcode.

Step 3. Press the not-working fingerprint, and tap Delete Fingerprint.

Step 4. Next, tap the Add a Fingerprint button, and set up the Touch ID again.

Add Finger

Part 4: Unlock iPhone Without Touch ID

Can you unlock an iPhone without a Touch ID? The answer is yes, and all you need is Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker. It is able to remove all Touch ID fingerprints and regain access to your iOS device quickly.

Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker

Best Way to Unlock Your iPhone or iPad If Touch ID Not Working

  • Unlock the iPhone lock screen without Touch ID.
  • Support both digit passcodes, Tch ID, and Face ID.
  • Remove MDM, Screen Time, and iTunes Backup Password.
  • Compatible with the latest versions of iOS.
Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

iOS Unlocker

How to Unlock an iPhone Without Touch ID

Step 1. Connect to your iPhone

Launch the best Touch ID unlock tool after installing it on your computer. Choose the Wipe Passcode mode, and hook up your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a Lightning cable.

Select Wipe Passcode

Step 2. Download firmware

Click the Start button, check your device information, and hit the Start button to download the necessary firmware.

Apeak Download Firmware Package

Step 3. Unlock your iPhone

When the download finishes, input 0000 into the box, and click on the Unlock button to begin unlocking your iPhone without Touch ID.

Confirm Unlock

Conclusion

Now, you should understand what is Touch ID on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can follow our concrete guide to set up this biometric screen lock on your Apple device. Apeaksoft iOS Unlocker enables you to unlock your iOS device without a Touch ID or passcode. If you have other questions about this topic, please feel free to write them down below.

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