Touch ID Not Working on Mac (Sequoia), How to Fix?

Touch ID on MacBook is a convenient feature that enhances security while making authentication faster and easier. Whenever faced with password requirements, verifying your fingerprints via Touch ID is definitely faster than typing the password, right? However, what if Touch ID stops working one day? Whether you're trying to unlock your Mac, make purchases, or autofill passwords, a non-functional Touch ID can be a headache.

You're here because your Touch ID isn't working on your Mac, and you want to get things fixed. Let's cut to the chase and explore the common reasons why Touch ID might be failing on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, along with practical solutions to resolve the issue.

Why Is My Touch ID Not Working on MacBook Air/Pro?

Touch ID not working on your MacBook can arise from several factors, impacting either the setup process (e.g., difficulty adding a fingerprint) or daily use (e.g., failing to recognize a fingerprint for login or purchases). These problems can generally be attributed to two primary causes: software glitches or hardware-related issues.

Software faults may stem from bugs, recent updates, or system errors, while hardware issues often involve dirt, grease, or moisture on the sensor or fingers. Additionally, worn or altered fingerprints and rare cases of sensor damage can contribute to the problem. You should rule out the root cause before applying the appropriate fix, whether it’s cleaning the sensor, updating macOS, or addressing a more serious hardware malfunction.

How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on MacBook (Sequoia)

Based on the above-mentioned causes, let’s see how to address the malfunctioning Touch ID in this part.

1. Clean the Touch ID Sensor and Your Finger

To start with, the quickest way to fix Touch ID not working is to clean the sensor as well as your hands. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the Touch ID sensor. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly to ensure your fingers are clean and dry. Make sure there’s nothing dirty or covered on your fingerprints.

2. Re-connect Magic Keyboard

For users who use a magic keyboard with Touch ID, switch the keyboard off and then back on. Next, connect it to your Mac using the USB to Lightning cable. Keep in mind that after turning the Magic Keyboard back on, Touch ID might not be available for up to 10 seconds. After that, it should be good to go.

3. Restart Your Mac

Yes, restarting your Mac works surprisingly effectively under most circumstances. In this case, restarting your Mac clears temporary files and, on Apple Silicon Macs, also performs boot disk checks and resolves certain issues. To restart, click the Apple menu and select Restart.

4. Keep macOS Updated

It's not a rare situation. Users encounter various problems after updating to a new macOS. For example, users have reported the Touch ID stopped working after the Sonoma update. It makes sense, as most new systems are not stable, and that’s why you should keep an eye on any latest macOS release. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates to ensure you’re running the latest version of macOS. Hopefully, the latest version can fix this bug.

This method works the same if you have been running an old macOS for ages. When the Touch ID stops working one day, try updating the macOS!

5. Reset Touch ID

Resetting Touch ID on your Mac is a straightforward process to resolve many issues related to unresponsive or malfunctioning fingerprint recognition. Here’s a detailed tutorial to guide you through resetting and reconfiguring Touch ID.

Step 1: Click on the Apple logo and open System Settings.

Step 2: Click Touch ID & Password.

Step 3: In the Touch ID settings, you’ll see a list of saved fingerprints, often labeled as Finger 1, Finger 2, etc. Click the x button or select the fingerprint and choose Delete.

You may be prompted to enter your Mac’s password for confirmation. Remove each registered fingerprint one by one until the list is empty.

Step 4: Restarting your Mac ensures that any glitches related to Touch ID are cleared before adding new fingerprints. It’s optional but recommended.

Step 5: Return to Touch ID settings and click the Add Fingerprint button. Follow the on-screen instructions to place your finger on the Touch ID sensor. Depending on your preference, ensure that Touch ID is enabled for the desired tasks like unlocking your Mac, making purchases, or using Apple Pay.

6. Reset the SMC (For Intel Macs)

The SMC (System Management Controller) manages low-level hardware functions, such as power, battery, fans, and sensors, which may influence the functionality of Touch ID. For Intel-based MacBooks, consider resetting the SMC as a possible way to troubleshoot the Touch ID not working issue.

Check our detailed guide on how to reset SMC on Mac.

Bonus: Preventing Future Touch ID Issues

Touch ID not working often arises due to a lack of proper system maintenance. Regular upkeep, such as running maintenance scripts and reindexing Spotlight, can prevent many common problems. To make things easier, we recommend BuhoCleaner as your helper. With it, you can keep your Mac in proper shape by freeing up RAM and removing unnecessary files and apps with ease. In this way, your Mac stays optimized and runs smoothly. Additionally, to keep your Touch ID functioning smoothly, we have some tips for you:

• Regularly clean the Touch ID sensor and your hands.
• Avoid using Touch ID with wet or dirty fingers.
• Keep macOS up to date with the latest updates.

The Bottom Line

When Touch ID isn’t working on your Mac, it’s usually a temporary issue that can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps, unless it’s a serious hardware breakdown. Start with simple solutions like cleaning the sensor or restarting your Mac. If the problem persists, more advanced steps like resetting Touch ID or updating macOS may be necessary.

By following these guidelines, we are sure you can quickly get your Touch ID back to working condition, ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.