MacBook Touch ID Not Working: 6 Steps to Fix It

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 23 Dec 2024

Apple laptops sometimes fail and malfunction when MacBook Touch ID is not working. In this article, we will discuss the main reasons why Touch ID may stop working. We will also offer a step-by-step guide on how to solve this problem, depending on its cause, using simple software methods.

Why Touch ID is not working on MacBook

Some of the most common reasons for MacBook Touch ID not working are as follows:

Improper settings, such as disabling important Touch ID options;
Problems with the Touch ID sensor that cause non-recognition of your finger;
An outdated version of macOS,
software glitches;
Physical damage to Touch ID and related hardware;
malware infection.

6 Steps how to fix Touch ID on MacBook

Most of the problems of Touch ID not working on MacBook can be solved without any technical assistance, even with minimal knowledge of computer hardware. It is sufficient to follow the recommendations in our manual and move from simple to complex. At each stage of testing and eliminating causes, you should strictly follow the step-by-step process of how to fix Touch ID on a MacBook.

1. Clear Touch ID

A common cause of Touch ID not working on your MacBook is a dirty sensor. If there's dirt or liquid on the sensor, it may simply not respond to touch. Clean your Touch ID with a dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth. Also check if your hands are clean — if your fingers are greasy, sticky or wet, wash them, dry and check Touch ID again.

2. Check the settings

If Touch ID is somehow disabled in the settings, the feature will not be available. To solve the problem, you need to activate this option:

In the upper left corner, click on the Apple symbol.
Go to "System Preferences" and select "Touch ID".
Click on "Use Touch ID for."
To see all services that affect this feature, open "Use Touch ID for".
Check and activate services where Touch ID is used.

3. Restart your MacBook

Restarting your MacBook helps resolve various software glitches that prevent Touch ID from functioning properly. To solve problems with your operating system that may be the reason why MacBook Touch Id not working t, follow these steps:

Go to the Apple menu and select "Reboot".
In the box asking if you want to open windows when you restart the system, select this option.
Click on "Restart."

If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step.

3. Re-enter your fingerprints

It's possible that the Touch ID sensor may have stopped recognizing your fingerprints for some reason, such as a system glitch. It also sometimes happens that the MacBook Touch ID is not working after an update. In this case, do the following.

Go to the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen.
Go to "System Preferences" and click on "Touch ID".
Click on the Touch ID cross, enter the password for confirmation.
Click on "Add a fingerprint."
Enter your password again and follow the on-screen instructions to rescan and save your fingerprints.
At the end of the procedure, click on "Done".

5. Update macOS

With an older version of macOS installed, it is not uncommon for failures and various errors to occur, preventing normal operation. Among these errors, there are often those that negatively affect the functioning and can be the reason for Touch ID not working on MacBook. To solve the problem of an outdated macOS, you will need to update it, provided that a newer version is available.

Open the Apple menu and select "About This Mac."
In the small window, click on "Software Update".
Wait for macOS to automatically check for updates.
If an update is found, click "Update Now".
Reboot the device.

Also: How to Install macOS High Sierra: The Full Guide

6. Reset SMC

SMC is responsible for various functions, including the performance of individual components. Sometimes, resetting the SMC is necessary to fix Touch ID on the MacBook. You can't reset SMC on M1, because this Apple chip doesn't have this function. You can do it only on Intel-based notebooks.

Reset on MacBook Air/Pro models with Apple T2 (2018-20 model years):

Turn off the device by holding down the power button for 10 seconds.
If this does not work, turn off the notebook by pressing the Right Shift+Left Option+Left Control+power button combination. Hold it down for 6-8 seconds.
Restart your MacBook.

On models with a non-removable battery (up to 2018):

Turn off the device, press the combination of keys Option+Control+Shift and the power button on the left side of the keyboard.
After 10 seconds, release all buttons and turn on your MacBook.

On devices with a removable battery:

Turn off your MacBook.
Remove the battery, press and hold the on/off button for 5 seconds.
Replace the battery and turn on your MacBook.

Also: How to Fix Slow Running MacBook: 11 Tips

In rare cases a malware infection of your device can be the cause of malfunction. To make sure that this is not the case, use the built-in System Monitoring tool. You can also scan the device via antivirus cloud services and third-party programs.

If your Touch ID is physically damaged, there is a high probability that you will need to replace it. In some cases, repair can help, but it is better to entrust it to professionals.

If the problem of the MacBook Touch ID not working is not solved, it is possible that you need to replace the Touch ID with a new one. On the Apple Parts website you can find original parts for different MacBook models. There are only certified parts in the store of components for Apple equipment that are always tested by the technical department before they are released for sale. Also you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices and speed of delivery.

If you are not sure that you can replace the part yourself, order a MacBook repair at Apple Parts by mail. You need to send your device, wait for prompt diagnostics and repair cost estimation. After payment for the service, your MacBook will be with you in 1-2 days.

Genuine Touch ID button A2337 2020

FAQ

1. Why is Touch ID not working on my MacBook?

There can be several reasons: macOS malfunctions, Touch ID settings, the controller or an outdated version of the operating system. Sometimes Touch ID doesn't work because the sensor is dirty or your hands are wet or dirty.

2. How to restart a MacBook if Touch ID isn't working?

To do this, you need to tap on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen to open the menu and select "Restart" from the list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io