Touch ID doesn't work

If the Touch ID doesn't work when charging, it is possible that you are charging your device with a cheap, fake charger, which may prevent the Touch ID sensor from functioning properly.

Test if your device's Touch ID will work, when the device is being charged using an original Apple charger. If it does, replace the fake charger with an original one, purchased from an authorized Apple store.

If your MacBook, iPad or iPhone touch ID doesn't respond, it is possible that the Touch ID sensor is dirty and it can't recognize your fingerprint. Grab a piece of soft cloth, gently clean the sensor and try again.

Maybe a minor software-related bug is the reason why the Touch ID doesn't work for apple pay or in the App store. To fix this, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings -> Touch ID & Passcode -> Enter your passcode;
2. Disable the iTunes & App Store option by moving the slider to the left;
3. Restart your device;
4. Repeat the first step, but enable the iTunes & App Store option this time.

Maybe the Touch ID doesn't work because your fingers are dirty. Before touching the Touch ID sensor, make sure to wipe any oil or sweat from your fingers.

Maybe your device's Touch ID works, but it "forgot" your fingerprint pattern. In this case, consider deleting your fingerprint pattern and adding it again. If you are not sure how, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple menu icon in the upper left corner of the screen and select System Preferences;
2. Click on Touch ID;
3. Move the mouse pointer over the fingerprint icon you want to delete and click on X in the upper left corner, once it appears;
4. Enter your password to confirm and click on Delete;
5. Repeat steps 1 and 2, click on Add a fingerprint and follow the on-screen instructions.

Maybe the Touch ID works perfectly but it doesn't recognize your fingerprint because you are using the wrong finger. Every finger on our hands has a different fingerprint pattern so, if you used your thumb when setting up the Touch ID, the Touch ID sensor will recognize only the thumb.

Note: If you want, you may save up to 5 fingerprint patterns in your device, in Settings -> Touch ID & Passcode.

Maybe the Touch ID doesn't work because your device "forgot" your fingerprint pattern. In order to fix this and make the Touch ID sensor recognize your fingerprint pattern again, you will have to "retrain" it.

To retrain your device, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings -> Touch ID & Passcode;
2. Enter your passcode, tap on a fingerprint pattern and tap on Delete Fingerprint;
   *Delete all the fingerprint patterns if you have more than one, to make way for new ones;
3. Tap on Add a Fingerprint... and follow the on-screen instructions;

Feel free to watch the video below if you are not entirely sure on how to add fingerprint patterns:

Note: Ensure to wipe the Touch ID sensor before "training" it.

Maybe the Touch ID sensor has malfunctioned and is unable to recognize your nor any other person's fingerprint patterns. If restoring the device didn't work, a hardware-related issue is definitely the reason and in his case you should take your device to an authorised repair shop.

If you tried all the other solutions to make the Touch ID work, but unsuccessfully, consider restoring your device, via iTunes or via the device itself. Before restoring your device, make sure to make a backup of all your data to avoid losing them.

If you are not sure how to restore your device to its factory settings, feel free to consult the don't know how to reset my device guide.

Maybe a temporary software-related issue is the reason why the Touch ID doesn't work. In this case, restarting the computer should be enough, in order to fix it.

If the Touch ID doesn't work and you are not sure what to do, contact Apple's support and they will instruct you on how to fix the issue. You can contact them online, on getsupport.apple.

Maybe a temporary issue with the app through which you want to make purchases is the reason why the Touch ID doesn't work. Restart the app and try again.

Feel free to consult the don't know how to close (quit) programs/applications guide if you are not sure how to fully close apps.

Maybe the Touch ID doesn't work because the repair guy forgot to attach the Touch ID sensor to the motherboard, or, in a worst-case scenario, they have damaged the flex cable of the sensor. To be on the safe side, take your device to the repair shop, to have this issue resolved.

If the Touch ID doesn't work, turn off your device and turn it back on, as this may be the only thing you need to do, in order to fix this issue.

If restarting your device didn't work, feel free to check the other solutions.