How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad in No Time? (Incredibly Simple)

"Touch ID stopped working on iPhone SE running iOS 18.3.2. When I first unlock my iPhone SE, it now immediately requests the passcode, no chance for Touch ID. When I go into the iPhone and try to add a fingerprint or any other system type of change, it requires Touch ID, which I can't do. It does request a passcode to get into some settings, but it still requires Touch ID to change any settings. Am I missing a Touch ID required setting somewhere else on my iPhone?"

- from Apple Community

When using an iPhone or iPad daily, the Touch ID fingerprint recognition feature provides great convenience for unlocking the device. However, many users encounter issues with Touch ID not working, such as the fingerprint not being recognized, Touch ID being greyed out and unavailable, etc. These issues not only affect the user experience but may also cause security and efficiency concerns.

This article will systematically analyze the possible reasons why iPhone/iPad Touch ID may not be working, and provide several verified solutions to help you quickly restore fingerprint recognition functionality.

Part 1. Why Is My Touch ID Not Working on My iPhone/iPad?

Why has my Touch ID stopped working on my iPhone? Before starting the fixes, it's important to understand the root cause of the issue. Generally, iPhone Touch ID failure is often related to the following causes:

* The fingerprint sensor is covered with dirt, sweat, or moisture.

* The finger is injured, too dry, or too wet, leading to recognition failure.

* Bugs in the iOS system or version compatibility issues.

* Abnormal Touch ID settings or corrupted fingerprint data.

* Hardware failure (such as a damaged Home button or water damage).

Once the cause is identified, targeted troubleshooting and repairs will have a higher success rate.

Part 2. How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on iPhone/iPad?

Here are 9 fixes for "fingerprint ID not working". It is recommended to try them one by one in order.

Fix 1. Clean the Home Button and Your Finger

Touch ID relies on the fingerprint sensor's ability to accurately recognize fingerprint patterns. If the Home button or the surface of your finger is dirty, the recognition may fail. This is the most basic step, but also the most commonly overlooked. Steps to follow:

• Gently wipe the Home button with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
• Ensure your finger surface is dry and free of sweat or oils.
• Avoid using Touch ID right after washing your hands, when sweaty, or in a humid environment.
• Remove any protective case or screen protector that may cover the Home button before trying again.

Fix 2. Properly Scan Your Fingerprint

The reason why Touch ID is not working could also be due to an incorrect scanning position. You should gently touch the Home button and hold it for a few seconds. Make sure your entire finger is placed on the scanner, and avoid moving your finger during the scanning process.

Fix 3. Turn on and off Touch ID

Sometimes, Touch ID services stop responding due to a temporary system glitch. Restarting the Touch ID function itself can help reload the service.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Touch ID & Passcode".

Step 2. Enter your lock screen password.

Step 3. Turn off the "iPhone Unlock", "iTunes & App Store", and other Touch ID options.

Step 4. Wait for 30 seconds, then turn these options back on.

Fix 4. Remove and Re-add Your Fingerprints

Corrupted fingerprint data is another frequent reason why Touch ID is not working. Removing old fingerprints and re-adding them often restores normal functionality.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Touch ID & Passcode" > Enter your iPhone passcode. Under "FINGERPRINTS", select and tap the fingerprint you want to remove, then tap "Delete Fingerprint".

Step 2. Next, go back to "Settings" > "Touch ID & Passcode" > Tap "Add a Fingerprint" under "FINGERPRINTS". Follow the on-screen instructions and repeatedly place your finger on the Home button to add a new fingerprint.

Afterward, test if Touch ID works by using your fingerprint to unlock the device.

Fix 5. Force Restart iPhone/iPad

Temporary system glitches or background process conflicts can also cause Touch ID to malfunction. Restarting the device can refresh the system state and resolve minor software issues.

For iPhone 8 or later:

• Press and release the "Volume Up" button.
• Press and release the "Volume Down" button.
• Press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears, then release the button.

For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

• Press and hold both the "Volume Down" button and the "Sleep/Wake" (Side) button at the same time.
• Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.

For iPhone 6s and earlier, and iPads with Home buttons:

• Press and hold both the "Home" button and the "Sleep/Wake" button at the same time.
• Keep holding until the Apple logo appears, then release both buttons.

Fix 6. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Apple frequently releases iOS updates to fix known bugs, including issues where Touch ID does not work after system upgrades or crashes.

To update iOS to the latest version, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 2. Check if there is an available iOS update.

Step 3. Download and install the latest version.

Fix 7. Using iOS System Recovery

When basic troubleshooting fails, Touch ID not working is usually caused by deeper iOS system errors rather than user settings. These errors can occur after a failed iOS update, system crashes, or damaged system files. Even if the hardware itself is intact, the Touch ID service may not function properly.

In such cases, professional iOS system repair tools become the safest and most efficient solution. iOS System Recovery is specifically designed to fix various iOS system issues, including Touch ID malfunctions, without erasing your personal data.

Main features of iOS System Recovery:

* Fix Touch ID not working on iPhone/iPad without data loss.

* Fix your iOS system in 32 scenarios: iPhone disabled, iPhone dropped in water, charge issue, activation, battery drain, no service on iPhone, frozen iPhone, blue/white/black/red iPhone screen, no response screen, Touching ID not working,etc.

* Very easy to use for fresh hands, highly secure and widely compatible.

* Download and upgrade iOS versions.

* Fix the iOS system without data loss.

* Two repairing modes: Standard and Advanced mode.

* Work well with the latest iPhone 17 and iOS 26.

Free Download for PC

 

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How do I fix Touch ID not working on iPhone/iPad without data loss?

Fix 8. Restore iPhone to Factory Settings

If Touch ID still doesn't work, resetting your iOS device is also an option. However, before doing so, it's best to back up your iPhone to a computer, as all data on the iPhone will be erased after the reset.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Unlock your iPhone and go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings".

Step 2. If prompted, enter your iPhone passcode.

Step 3. When a pop-up appears, tap on "Erase iPhone".

Fix 9. Contact Apple Support

If the above methods do not work, it is likely that there is a hardware issue with Touch ID, such as a damaged Home button, water damage, or a non-official screen replacement. It is recommended to visit an official Apple service center or authorized repair provider for diagnosis, and avoid attempting to disassemble the device yourself to prevent further damage.

Bonus: How to Unlock iPhone/iPad Without Touch ID or Password?

If Touch ID is completely disabled and you've forgotten your screen passcode, you may get locked out of your device. Don't worry. iPhone Unlocker is a simple, easy-to-use, and efficient unlocking tool that can solve Touch ID issues, unlock Apple ID, screen time passcodes, and even bypass MDM locks.

With iPhone Unlocker, you can unlock your iPhone in just a few straightforward steps, without needing a password, and bypass the "Touch ID not working" issue.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to use iPhone Unlocker to unlock your iPhone/iPad without Touch ID or a password:

Words in the End

When you encounter the "Touch ID not working" issue, in most cases, it does not require immediate repair. Basic troubleshooting and system setting adjustments can often resolve the problem. If you're looking for a safe, data-loss-free solution, iOS System Recovery is highly recommended. In extreme cases where Touch ID is unusable or you've forgotten your password, iPhone Unlocker can also serve as an effective remedial tool.

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