If Touch ID isn't working on your Mac

If you can't unlock your Mac using Touch ID, can't enrol a fingerprint or can't use Touch ID to enter your password, find out what to do.

Locate the Touch ID sensor

The Touch ID sensor is located in the top right-hand corner of your keyboard.

Touch ID button

Check compatibility

To set up and use Touch ID on a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, you’ll need a Mac computer with Apple silicon and macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later.

To use the built-in Touch ID on a Mac laptop computer with Touch ID, just set up Touch ID in System Settings (or System Preferences) > Touch ID & Password.

Try these steps

Try using Touch ID after each step:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of macOS.

  2. Make sure your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry.* Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris on the Touch ID sensor.

  3. Your finger should cover the Touch ID sensor completely. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn't tap too quickly or move your finger around.

  4. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Users & Groups, then click the lockNo alt supplied for Image to make changes. Click Login Options, then make sure Automatic login is off.

  5. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Touch ID & Password, then turn on the setting to use Touch ID to unlock your Mac.

  6. Try to add a different fingerprint. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Touch ID & Password, then click Add Fingerprint.

  7. For Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, turn your keyboard off and back on again, then connect your keyboard to your Mac with the USB to Lightning cable. After you've turned Magic Keyboard off and back on again, Touch ID may be unavailable for up to 10 seconds.

  8. Restart your Mac.

If you need to enter your password

The first time you log in after you've turned on, restarted or logged out of your Mac, you must log in by entering your password manually. After that, you can use Touch ID to log in.

Additionally, you may need to enter your password instead of using Touch ID in these situations:

  • Your fingerprint isn't recognised five times in a row

  • You haven't unlocked your device in over 48 hours

  • You're trying to change settings in the Touch ID & Password pane of System Preferences

* Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts or dry skin may affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercise, showering, swimming, cooking or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.

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