Touch ID scanner does not scan the finger print

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Level 1

8 points

Touch ID scanner does not scan the finger print

Following MacOS update 10.14.15, my MacBook Pro 2019 Touch ID scanner begins to fail to detect the fingerprint. Therefore, I removed the fingerprint that was registered and tried to register a new one. The Touch ID software continuously displayed the error message "Failed" without allowing the software to scan the fingerprint. Touch Bar also didn't display any message.

After macOS update 10.14.16, the touch bar displays the message "Lift and rest your finger on Touch Id repeatedly" and software also ready to scan. But when I place the finger on scanner (i.e., touch id) software doesn't recognise my fingerprint (finger is dry and clean), and the Touch ID software display "Failed" message after about 10-15 seconds.

Can any body help to fix this problem?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Oct 1, 2019 1:19 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Teddy_B

Community Specialist

Oct 3, 2019 3:24 PM in response to chathuracse

Hi chathuracse,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. It seems that you’re having a problem registering your fingerprint for Touch ID. I’m happy to help.

Based on what you’re describing, I suggest resetting your Mac’s System Management Controller (SMC) using the steps below:

Touch ID not working - Apple Community

Once you’ve done that, check to see if you can register your fingerprint.

If you’re still unable to do so, I suggest backing up your Mac and then reinstalling macOS:

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

Let me know if the problem persists afterward.

Have a great day.

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Answer 2

Oct 3, 2019 6:48 PM in response to chathuracse

can you log in with your userid and password, and discard all the old fingerprints (even if there aren't any) and start over?

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Answer 3

chathuracse Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 3, 2019 5:41 PM in response to Teddy_B

Hi! Jameson.h,

Thank you for your reply.

According to the article which describe SMC restting I need to use power button in some setps. In the 2019 model of macbook pro 13 inch does not have a power button physically where I can reach. Have I over looked the article?

Thank you

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Answer 4

chathuracse Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 3, 2019 6:25 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you Grant Bennet-Alder,

Steps of SMC was followed successful (both ways described for T2 chip version).

Now finger print scan software complains with "Finger print limit reached." though there is no finger print details added earlier.

Thank you

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Answer 5

chathuracse Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 3, 2019 7:35 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I can log in to the system with userid and password. But once I launch the Touch ID software and press the + mark to add a new finger print details it display the message "Finger print limit reached". No further operations are allowed within the Touch ID software. Before, SMC resetting, when I press + mark in the Touch ID software, it asked my password but now it doesn't.

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Answer 6

Oct 3, 2019 5:55 PM in response to chathuracse

The power button on your model is a deep press of the touch-id sensor. For this use, whether it can detect your fingerprint at the same time is irrelevant.

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Touch ID scanner does not scan the finger print

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