Touch ID Not Working on Macbook: Some Quick Fixes (Compatible with macOS Sonoma)

Touch ID is one of the reliable features that enables the user to unlock the MacBook and make authentic purchases from the platforms like iTunes, App Store, and Apple Play. This advanced feature can also be used to auto-fill your saved passwords instantly if you are signing in to different websites. However, if you are encountering that Touch ID is not working on MacBook, this article is for you. By exploring this piece of writing, you can learn about the root causes of this problem along with simple solutions that you can apply easily.

Part 1: Why Did My Touch ID Stop Working on Mac?

There can be several reasons why your MacBook Touch ID is not working. The main cause can be the inappropriate settings of your Touch ID. If you have disabled any option of Touch ID on your MacBook, eventually, you won't be able to use this feature for that purpose.

In some other cases, the sensor of Touch ID shows issues that it is unable to recognize your finger. Moreover, if you are running an outdated version of macOS, the software glitch can prevent you from using the Touch ID feature.

Many users also report that due to the physical damage to their MacBook, they are unable to use the Touch ID. Any physical damage can harm the Touch ID sensor or any related hardware.

In such circumstances, you can face issues like Touch ID not working on MacBook Pro. Lastly, if your system has been detected with any malware infection, it can have bad consequences on your Touch ID feature.

Part 2: How to Fix My Touch ID Not Working on MacBook?

Do you want to fix your MacBook Pro Touch ID not working? Read this section carefully to know the easy yet effective solutions to fix this problem.

Method 1: Clean the Touch ID Sensor and Wash Your Hands

One of the main problems that cause Touch ID not to work on MacBook is a dirty Touch ID sensor. If there is any dirt particle or liquid on your Touch ID sensor, you won’t be able to use this feature. For this, clean your Touch ID sensor with a dry microfiber cloth. Moreover, if your hands are oily or wet, wash your hands and then make them dry. After taking these measures, now try to use your Touch ID.

Method 2: Check the Touch ID Settings

If you have disabled the Touch ID settings on your MacBook, the feature won’t work consequently. For this, you should visit your Touch ID settings to enable this option. To do so, read the below steps.

Step 1: On your MacBook, tap on the "Apple" icon displayed in the top left corner. Once done, click on the "System Preferences" and then tap on "Touch ID."

Step 2: Navigate to the heading of "Use Touch ID for:" to see all the services where you can use this feature. Check on the services where you want to use the Touch ID.

Method 3: Restart your MacBook

Restarting your MacBook can resolve any existing software glitches instantly that are causing the hurdle to using Touch ID. To solve MacBook Air Touch ID not working, read the below steps.

Step 1: Tap on the "Apple" menu and then choose the option "Restart..." by clicking on it.

Step 2: A pop-up window will show up asking if you want to reopen windows when logging back in. To do so, tap on this option and then click on the "Restart" button.

Method 4: Re-Enter Your Fingerprints

There is a high possibility that your Touch ID sensor is not recognizing your fingerprints. For this, you should try to add your fingerprints again. By removing your Touch ID fingerprints and then entering the back, you can fix the issue quickly.

Step 1: Go to the "Apple menu" icon on the top left side and tap on it. Select "System Preferences" and then click on "Touch ID."

Step 2: Now click on the cross icon of Touch ID and then add the password for confirmation. Now click on the "Add Fingerprint" button to re-enter your fingerprints.

Step 3: Add your password again for confirmation, and then follow the instructions given on-screen to scan your fingerprints. After the process ends, tap on the "Done" button.

Method 5: Update Your Mac

If you are running an old macOS version, your MacBook can encounter bugs or glitches that can disrupt the normal functionality. Resultantly, you can face MacBook Air Touch ID not working. To eradicate this issue, update your Mac using the below steps.

Step 1: Select the "Apple Menu" icon from the top left and click on "About this Mac." A small window will open from which tap on "Software Update."

Step 2: After clicking on "Software Update," it will automatically check the pending updates of macOS. If your MacBook finds the pending update, tap on "Update Now" to install the latest version.

Method 6: Reset the System Management Controller

SMC is responsible for various kinds of functions in MacBook, especially the performance of hardware. By resetting the SMC, you can fix your Touch ID not working on MacBook Pro. However, you can reset the SMC on M1 Mac because Apple’s Chip doesn’t have this feature and can only do it on Intel-based Macs.

Reset SMC on MacBook Pro/ MacBook Air with the Apple T2 Security Chip (Models from 2018 to 2020)

Step 1: Turn off your MacBook and then press and hold the "Power" button to restart it for almost 10 seconds.

Step 2: If it does not work, shut down your MacBook again. Now press and hold the "Right Shift," "Left Option," and "Left Control" keys for seven seconds. Make sure to hold these keys along with pressing and holding the "Power" button for 7 seconds.

Step 3: Now release all the keys and restart your MacBook after some seconds.

Reset SMC on MacBook with Non-removable Battery (Pre-2018)

Step 1: Turn off your system and press and hold the "Option," "Control," and "Shift" buttons given on the left side of the keyboard.

Step 2: Along with the above buttons, press and hold the "Power" button. Now release all the buttons after 10 seconds and turn on your system.

Reset SMC on Older MacBook with Removable Battery

Step 1: Start by shutting down your Mac. Now remove the battery of your MacBook and press and hold the "Power" button for 5 seconds.

Step 2: Now attach your battery again and then turn on your MacBook.

Part 3: FAQs about Touch ID on Mac

1. How Do I Enable Touch ID on Mac?

To do so, go to "Apple Menu" and then open "System Preferences." Here, select the "Touch ID" option and enable this option by adding your fingerprints through scanning.

2. How Do I Reset My Touch ID on My MacBook?

To reset the Touch ID, go to "System Preferences" and then open the "Touch ID" settings. Now remove the fingerprints from the settings first. Once done, re-add your fingerprints to reset the Touch ID.

3. Where is the Touch ID Sensor on MacBook Air?

On the keyboard of your MacBook Air, the Touch ID sensor is available on the top right side.

4. How Do You Check Touch ID on MacBook Pro?

To check this, go to "System Preferences" and then open the "Touch ID" settings. Here, you can see the services where you have enabled the Touch ID feature.

5. How Do I Lock My Mac with the Touch ID Button?

To lock your Mac with Touch ID, just tap on the Touch ID sensor once with your finger.

Part 4: An All-in-one PDF Solution on Mac to Improve your Productivity – UPDF

Do you want to increase the productivity of your Mac? Install the UPDF for Mac tool on your MacBook to experience the exceptional environment to read and edit PDF documents. It does not have any restrictions or limitations in opening PDF files. It contains various features to edit PDF files, such as adding text boxes with the given options for changing fonts and colors.

Moreover, you can re-arrange the PDF pages by replacing them with a single click. You can add watermark, electronic signatures, stickers, and comments flawlessly by using this single platform. Also, you can rotate pages and can enhance the reading experience of your PDF files effortlessly through the UPDF tool.

Features:

• It is also one of the best ways to read PDF documents, complete with annotation tools that you can use to highlight and underline text, strike out text, and even add comments and sticky notes.
• It allows you to organize PDF pages.
• The advanced OCR function allows you to easily edit scanned PDF documents.
• You can also use it to protect your PDF document in numerous ways.

Pros:

• Support Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
• Comprehensive features like edit, annotate, convert, merge, combine, protect, flatten PDF and etc.
• It has a beautiful and user-friendly UI interface.

Want to learn about the ultimate PDF editor for Mac users? Watch this video:

Conclusion

Many users complain that their Touch ID is not working on MacBook. It can occur due to multiple reasons, such as hardware issues or any software glitch. To solve this problem easily, this article brings simple yet effective solutions that you can execute without installing a third-party app. Also, if you want to ease your workflow on your Mac, you can try the UPDF tool to manage your PDF files.