HT201371: Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

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Oharadva

Q: My iPhone 5s won't let me set up my fingerprint for touch id

My iPhone 5s won't let me set up my fingerprint for touch id. I've followed all instructions but when I press touch id, it only gives me "add fingerprint" but won't allow me to do so. It won't let me even choose the option to add fingerprint. I've set it up once before and all of a sudden it stopped working. Now I can't even set it up. Anyone else have this issue?

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Jan 11, 2014 6:31 PM

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Q: My iPhone 5s won't let me set up my fingerprint for touch id

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  • by pedro d,

    pedro d pedro d Jan 14, 2014 1:41 PM in response to Oharadva
    Community Specialists
    Jan 14, 2014 1:41 PM in response to Oharadva

    Hello there, Oharadva.

     

    The following Knowledge Base article provides some great information as well as steps for troubleshooting Touch ID:

     

    iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5883

     

    This particular section deals with troubleshooting:

    Troubleshooting Touch ID

    1. Verify that you are using the latest version of iOS.
    2. Ensure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.*
      Note: Cover the Home button completely. Don't tap too quickly, don't press down hard, and don't move your finger while Touch ID is scanning.
    3. Tap Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID and verify that:
      1. iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is enabled.
      2. One or more fingerprints have been enrolled.
    4. If one finger isn't working, tap Edit in Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID > Edit to delete and then reenroll the finger.
    5. If that finger still isn't working, try enrolling a different finger.
    6. If you are unable to enroll any of your fingers, take your iPhone 5s to an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact AppleCare for further assistance.

    * Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts, or dry skin may affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercising, showering, swimming, cooking, or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.

     

    Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

     

    Cheers,

    Pedro.

  • by Paul Keleher,Helpful

    Paul Keleher Paul Keleher Oct 6, 2015 10:52 AM in response to pedro d
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 6, 2015 10:52 AM in response to pedro d

    I think you may have misunderstood the question as I have an identical problem.

    I have no fingerprints enrolled

    When I select "Add a Fingerprint the screen changes immediately to "Failed Unable to complete Touch ID setup".  I never even get the chance to try to enrol my fingerprint

  • by Brittain7,

    Brittain7 Brittain7 Oct 16, 2015 6:25 PM in response to Oharadva
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 16, 2015 6:25 PM in response to Oharadva

    HI just had same problem but I have sorted it now when you get to your fingerprints and it says fingerprint 1 delete it then scrowl to add fingerprint and it will let you put your fingerprint in and then delete fingerprint 2 and so on until you have enough hope this works for you as it did me

  • by lovebug18,

    lovebug18 lovebug18 Oct 16, 2015 7:05 PM in response to Oharadva
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 16, 2015 7:05 PM in response to Oharadva

    I Had this problem once too! It wouldn't let me set my fingerprint 50 times, I finally realized it just doesn't recognize it because either your hands are wet and clammy or you finger isn't fully on the home button. dry your hands off really good and then it will recognize yor fingerprint. And don't forget if you want to unlock your screen with your finger, your your fingers are wet, it will not unlock it and it will say try again. Hope this helps!

  • by reaper44,

    reaper44 reaper44 Nov 11, 2015 2:54 PM in response to Paul Keleher
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iBooks
    Nov 11, 2015 2:54 PM in response to Paul Keleher

    Did you get a solution for your problem?

  • by halid_vrtiguz,

    halid_vrtiguz halid_vrtiguz Jan 18, 2016 12:24 AM in response to Paul Keleher
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 18, 2016 12:24 AM in response to Paul Keleher

    Hi,

    I have the same problem and was searching on various forums for solution...still no good answers.

  • by iSam__13,Helpful

    iSam__13 iSam__13 May 8, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Paul Keleher
    Level 1 (9 points)
    May 8, 2016 9:46 AM in response to Paul Keleher

    I had this problem after I had my front cam fixed (because I was careless and shattered it).
    What I did tho, was I "force" restarted it (pushed the home and power button simultaneously for around 10 seconds or until the phone visibly shuts down), and then I tried enrolling my fingerprint/s again, and they were back.

    Hope this helps!

  • by IYQ2,

    IYQ2 IYQ2 May 10, 2016 1:34 PM in response to iSam__13
    Level 1 (12 points)
    iPhone
    May 10, 2016 1:34 PM in response to iSam__13

    Thank you iSam! I just had to replace my camera since it would no longer focus. I turned my phone off and then on again and alas...it let me set the fingerprint.

  • by john.....,

    john..... john..... Jun 2, 2016 11:06 AM in response to iSam__13
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jun 2, 2016 11:06 AM in response to iSam__13

    Thank you!  

    That did it, after restart I selected Settings, Touch ID & Passcode, was then able to add two fingerprint!    

  • by Zackcook856,

    Zackcook856 Zackcook856 Jul 14, 2016 1:54 PM in response to iSam__13
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jul 14, 2016 1:54 PM in response to iSam__13

    I Have a iPhone 6+. I broke the front glass. After having it replaced the touch-Id no longer worked. When I attempted to reset it in settings there wasn't fingerprints listed and the add a fingerprint tab was there but dull grey and couldn't be selected. I read several posts here. None seemed to match until iSam__13's. I force shut down my phone. When it restarted my fingerprint was recognized. And both thumbprints were listed in settings. Great post! Thanks iSam_13

  • by clarissasof,

    clarissasof clarissasof Aug 13, 2016 5:00 AM in response to Paul Keleher
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 13, 2016 5:00 AM in response to Paul Keleher

    i have the same problem and it's so annoying

  • by hidez123,

    hidez123 hidez123 Aug 13, 2016 7:13 AM in response to clarissasof
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 13, 2016 7:13 AM in response to clarissasof

    same here.... i was doing the process of what mr. Isam_13 still it was a failure.. can anyone out there help us? ti's kinda annoying...

  • by Asdfghjklnbl,

    Asdfghjklnbl Asdfghjklnbl Sep 10, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Paul Keleher
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 10, 2016 10:46 AM in response to Paul Keleher

    Mine does the same, how do you fix it?