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How to Set Up Touch ID on an iPhone or iPad

Touch ID is a feature that saves the user's fingerprint for security and verification purposes, such as unlocking the device, making purchases on the iTunes Store and App Store, or for Apple Pay. You can store multiple fingerprints for easier access and increased security. You can even give multiple people fingerprint access!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Configuring Touch ID

  1. You can enable Touch ID from the Settings app of your iPhone or iPad.
    • Touch ID requires an iPhone 5s or later, or an iPad Pro, Air 2, or Mini 3 or later. [1]
  2. You'll find this in the third section of options, above "Battery."
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  3. If you have a passcode, you'll be asked to enter it before you can proceed.
  4. Touch ID requires a passcode, which will be used if you can't unlock your device using Touch ID.
  5. This will start the process for registering a new fingerprint for Touch ID.
  6. Moisture or oil can cause problems with the registration and detection process. Make sure your finger is dry and that the Home button is clear of debris and grease.
  7. Don't press the Home button in, just rest your finger on it. Press a little firmly so that the scanner can register your finger, but don't press the actual button.
    • Most people will want to register their thumbprint(s), since this is the most common finger used to work the Home button.
  8. The fingerprint illustration will fill with red a little more each time. Repeat this process until the fingerprint has been filled. [2]
    • Try to place your finger back down in the same spot each time. You may be prompted to move your finger a little during the setup.
  9. Once you've registered a regular finger press, you'll be instructed to "Adjust your grip" and scan the sides of your finger. Place your finger in different positions on the button so that Touch ID can register the sides and tip. Like the previous step, you'll need to do this several times.
    • It can be helpful to add another fingerprint of the same finger to improve the accuracy of Touch ID, or you can add a fingerprint for a different finger.
  10. If you didn't create a passcode earlier, you'll be prompted to create one after setting up Touch ID. This is required as a backup in case the scanner doesn't work.
  11. You can register multiple fingers with Touch ID. This is useful if you want to unlock your phone with either hand, or if you want your spouse or partner to be able to unlock your phone.
  12. There are three options you can enable/disable for Touch ID: iPhone/iPad Unlock, Apple Pay, and iTunes & App Store.
    • iPhone/iPad Unlock allows you to unlock the device with your fingerprint. This is the most common use for Touch ID. On newer iPhone models you can also set up Face ID to unlock your phone.
    • Apple Pay allows you to confirm payments using your fingerprint instead of your passcode.
    • iTunes & App Store allows you to confirm your account information without having to enter your Apple ID password when making purchases.
    • Password autofill allows you to use your Touch ID to login to various accounts on your phone if you save the password and enable Touch ID to login.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Using Touch ID

  1. Click the home button with one of the fingers you've stored, then leave your finger over the home button. You need to use one of the fingers you've registered in the Touch ID settings.
    • Try to place your finger directly on the center of the Home button. Make sure your finger and the Home button are both clean and dry.
    • Don't hold the button down. This will enable Siri instead of unlocking your iPhone or iPad.
    • When you restart your phone, you'll need to enter the passcode. Touch ID only works when the phone is asleep, not turned off.
  2. Usually when you make a purchase, you're prompted for your Apple ID password. With Touch ID, just place your registered finger on the Home button when prompted for your login information during a purchase. When your finger is recognized, the purchase will be authorized.
  3. If your device supports it, you can use Touch ID for one-touch payments with Apple Pay. You'll need an iPhone 6, 6s, or SE to use this feature. Just hold your finger on the Home button and move the iPhone near the terminal. If Apple Pay has been properly configured, the payment will process automatically.
    • See Set Up Apple Pay for details on getting started with Apple Pay.
  4. iOS 9.3 added the ability to lock notes in your Notes app. When Touch ID is enabled for Notes, you'll be able to quickly unlock your notes with your fingerprint. See Password Protect Your Notes in iOS for more details.
    • Open the Settings app and select "Notes." Make sure you're running iOS 9.3 or later.
    • Select "Password Protection and toggle "Use Touch ID" on.
    • Test it out. You can lock a note in the Notes app by tapping the Share button in an open note and selecting "Lock Note." Once the note is locked, you'll need to scan your fingerprint on the Home button after trying to open it.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

  1. The most common reason that your finger won't scan is because there is too much moisture or debris in the way. Wipe your fingers and the Home button clean and try again.
  2. If you can't reliably unlock your device, you may want to try re-registering the fingerprint. When registering your print again, try to hold the phone and place your finger like you naturally would.
    • Open the "Touch ID & Passcode" option from the Settings app.
    • Tap "Fingerprints" and then select the fingerprint you want to remove.
    • Tap "Delete Fingerprint" and then follow the steps above to re-register it.
  3. You'll be prompted to enter your passcode after your device boots up from being completely powered off. This is due to the way your data is encrypted. Touch ID will start working again once you enter your passcode.
    • You'll also be prompted to use your passcode if you haven't unlocked the device in 48 hours, or if you're trying to change your Touch ID settings.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why I cant use my touch ID?
    RetardedFacts69
    Community Answer
    Go into settings, go to Touch ID and Password, find Touch ID and set your fingerprint.
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  • Question
    What should I do if my phone gives a 'Failed' message?`
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    Ensure your finger is clean, dry and free from any cuts or debris. Any of these things can impair the ability of the fingerprint reader to scan your print, and may be the reason this isn't working. If this doesn't work, speak to Apple customer support or an authorised service provider for a physical hardware inspection and help diagnosing the problem professionally.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Why doesn't Touch ID work on my phone?
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    Try repeating the steps in this article as your fingerprint may have been incorrectly read to start off with. If this doesn't fix your problem, speak to Apple's customer support or an authorised service provider for a physical hardware inspection and professional diagnosis of the problem.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • While in the settings for Touch ID & Passcode , if you place any of your already registered fingerprints on the scanner, its label will be highlighted.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201371
      2. ↑ http://appadvice.com/appnn/2014/09/how-to-set-up-touch-id-on-your-new-iphone-6

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