How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on Mac

Touch ID provides its users with an alternative way to authenticate themselves on their computers. Instead of entering/re-entering the password time and again, one can easily log in to the OS directly through their ID. However, sometimes, this feature fails to respond and abruptly stops working on a Mac.

This unresponsive Touch ID issue usually occurs due to unsuitable configurations on your System Preferences. Also, this form of authentication is not compatible with every Mac version. So, a system update and altering the preference settings are your best bet for fixing this issue.

However, there are a couple of other fixes as well, and all those methods are explained below briefly.

Why is My Touch ID Not Working?

How to Fix Touch ID Not Working on Mac?

Whenever your Touch ID is not working, it’s best for you to restart your computer first. This will remove any OS bugs and glitches from the previous session.

Furthermore, the next time you turn on your system, make sure that you lightly hold and cover the Touch sensor with your finger. That’s because, sometimes, the sensor might take a while to verify your ID. So, if you move your finger quickly, it might not work. But if it does not do much, follow the methods briefed below.

Ensure That Your System is Compatible With the Touch ID Feature

The Touch ID authentication feature is not compatible with every mac computer. Moreover, if your iMac has an Intel chip instead of Apple Silicon, the magic keyboard’s Touch ID sensor will not work on your system.

Furthermore, your macOS version also determines if the Touch ID is compatible with your system or not. That is, if your system build is lower than Big Sur 11.4, this feature is not compatible. But you can counter this shortcoming by updating your system to the latest version (if possible).

Here’s how you check your system’s characteristics:

1. Open Finder.
2. From the finder menu bar, click on Apple > About This Mac.
   
3. Here, on the Overview panel, you’ll see the build of your operating system.
   
4. Then, click on System Report.
5. Click Hardware on the sidebar to view your hardware overview.
6. Note down which Chip is present on your system.
   

Restart Your Keyboard

If you use a magic keyboard with an iMac, you can try and restart your keyboard to see if it fixes your issue. Doing so will discard certain hardware glitches and establishes a fresh connection with your system. The magic keyboard usually has an ‘Off’ button on its side panel. Press this button to turn on your keyboard.

Then, connect the keyboard to your computer with its lighting cable. Now, turn on your keyboard and start up your OS. The Touch ID could work now.

Configure Your Touch ID Settings

The System Preferences window offers you to configure your Touch ID in various different ways. For starters, you can add multiple Touch IDs on your system, all of which can be used to authenticate your account.

Also, if you have not set your Touch ID to unlock your computer or use the Apple Pay service, among others, your Touch ID will not respond when you perform those particular tasks. So, here’s how you correctly configure your Touch ID settings.

1. Open Finder.
2. From the finder menu bar, click on Apple > System Preferences.
   
3. Go to the Touch ID settings.
4. Then, click on Add a fingerprint.
   
   Even if you have already done so before, re-add your fingerprint again. 
5. Enter your login password to continue.
6. Rest your finger on the touch sensor and let your system capture your print completely.
7. Once the Touch ID is ready, click on Done.
   
8. Finally, on the Touch ID settings, set what you want to Use Touch ID for.
   
   The options include Unlocking your Mac, Apple Pay, iTunes Store, App Store & Apple Books, and Password AutoFill.

Clean the Dust and Dirt

Greasy hands and a dirty touch sensor are not a good combination. When your hands are unclean, the touch sensor will not be able to read and register your fingerprint. Similarly, when the sensor itself is dirty/dusty, it will not work.

So, it’s important that you clean your hands and dry them up before you try logging in to your system. Also, you can clean your sensors with a soft microfibre cloth dipped in Isopropyl alcohol (70%). However, be sure that you let the sensor completely air dry before using it.

Disable Automatic Login

The automatic login feature on the macOS is designed to automatically log the user into the OS without the need for a password or any other authentication method. So, if you have this feature enabled on your system, there is no need for the Touch sensor to register and verify your fingerprint.

1. Open Finder.
2. From the finder menu bar, click on Apple > System Preferences.
   
3. Go to the Users & Groups options.
4. Click the lock on the bottom left corner of the window to enable new changes.
5. Select your Current User.
6. Click on Login Options.
7. Select Automatic Login and turn it Off.
   
8. Click the lock to save your changes.

Clear Your Keyboard’s Plist Files

The keyboard plist files store certain keyboard options and profile options. However, sometimes these plist can get corrupted and will result in certain malfunctions, such as a faulty Touch sensor.

But, these corrupted data can be reset by deleting the plist file entirely. Once you do so, your system will automatically create a new plist file the next time you use your keyboard. So, here’s how you clear the plist files:

1. Open Finder.
2. From the finder menu bar, click on Go > Go to Folder.
3. Enter ~/Library/Preferences
   
4. Delete the com.apple.keyboardtype.plist file.
5. Then, from the dock, right-click on your Trash Can and Empty Trash.
6. Restart your computer.

Reset SMC

The SMC is responsible for ensuring that your hardware devices perform their tasks efficiently and without any fault. It’s a pretty important part of your system’s stability and performance. So, the SMC manages your Touch ID and registers your fingerprint when you place it on the sensor. 

But, if your Touch ID is not working, the data in your System Management Controller (SMC) might have gone corrupted. And to fix this corruption, you can reset the SMC. Once you do so, your touch sensor will go up and running in no time.

Update macOS

As we mentioned above, the Touch ID feature will only work on macs with a build of Big Sur 11.4 or greater. So, if you have not updated your system for a long while, now is the time to do so. Then, not only will you be able to use this feature to its full potential, your system will be patched with additional software features and security strategies as well.

1. Open Finder.
2. From the finder menu bar, click on Apple > About This Mac.
   
3. Go to Software Update.
4. Let your system scan the servers for new compatible software updates.
5. If a macOS update is found, click on Update Now to install it and upgrade your firmware.