Touch ID not working on your Mac? Fix it easily
3 min. read 
Updated on
Key notes
- Not being able to use Touch ID on your Mac can cause some discomfort, but this guide will help you.
- To tackle this issue, reset the SMC, and also disable Touch ID temporarily.
- Don’t hesitate to bookmark our extensive Mac page for more up-to-date information on the subject.
- Bookmark our detailed Mac Fix Hub to be absolutely sure you will always have a few tricks up your sleeve when encountering issues.
Touch ID is a great way to protect your MacBook, but some users reported that Touch ID is not working on their MacBook. This can be an issue, especially if you want to log in quickly with just your fingerprint. However, there’s a way to fix this problem and in this article, we’ll show you how to do it.
Table of contents
What to do if Touch ID is not working on Mac?
MacBook touch id not working after update
1. Reset the SMC
If Touch ID is not working on your MacBook, you might be able to fix the problem by resetting the SMC. To do that on models with the T2 chip, follow these steps:
- Shut down your MacBook.
- Press and hold the left Control, left Option, and right Shift.
- Keep the keys pressed for 7 seconds (don’t release them) and then press and hold the Power
- Keep the keys pressed for about 7 seconds and then start your MacBook.
The process is slightly different on models without T2 chip:
- Turn off the MacBook.
- Press and hold the left Shift, left Control, and left Option.
- Without releasing the keys, press and hold the Power button.
- Keep all four keys pressed for about 10 seconds.
- Release the keys and start your MacBook.
2. Disable Touch ID temporarily
According to users, you might be able to fix this problem simply by disabling Touch ID and enabling it again. To do that, follow these steps:
- Navigate to System Preferences > Touch ID.
- Uncheck Use Touch ID for Unlocking your Mac.
- Log out and log back into your profile.
- Go back to System Preferences > Touch ID, but this time enable Use Touch ID for Unlocking your Mac.
Few users reported that unchecking all Touch ID options and deleting all fingerprints and adding them again fixed the problem, so you might want to try that.
In today’s guide, we explored a couple of solutions that might help you if your MacBook Touch ID isn’t working. If you found our solutions helpful, let us know in the comment section below.
If you’re still unable to set up fingerprint recognition, there’s a detailed guide on how to fix Touch ID setup issues on Mac that walks you through extra troubleshooting steps.
FAQ
This often happens if your finger is wet or dirty, or if the sensor has smudges. Clean your finger and the Touch ID sensor, then try again.
Yes. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest macOS version, which can include Touch ID fixes.
Restart the Mac again, then re-enroll your fingerprint in System Settings > Touch ID & Password. On Intel Macs, consider resetting the SMC. On Apple silicon, a normal shutdown and restart is sufficient.
Some features require permission. Check System Settings > Touch ID & Password and ensure options for unlocking your Mac, Apple Pay, and App Store purchases are enabled.
Yes. If it still fails after cleaning and software updates, the sensor or top case may need service. Contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider.
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Improve this guide
User forum
0 messages