Level 1

46 points

Touch ID stopped working after Big Sur update

I have a 13-inch 2019 MacBook Pro that I just upgraded to Big Sur 11.1. After the restart, I wasn't being asked for Touch ID, only my password. I went into System Preferences and everything was checked. I tried restarting but that didn't help. I deleted my fingerprints, turned off all the Touch ID options and restarted the Mac. I went back into System Preference and tried to add a fingerprint, but when I click on the +, nothing happens. I can check the boxes, but once I exit the Touch ID screen and go back in, they are unchecked again. Any ideas?

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Dec 17, 2020 4:22 PM

Top-ranking reply

Peter Almere

Level 3

512 points

Posted on Mar 11, 2021 5:40 AM

I believe I finally solved the problem of, at least, my own touch-id problems.

I tried to re-install Big Sur a few times but it did not resolve the problem. However each time that I completely wiped my HD I could set touch-id up and it would keep working. But the problems came back as soon as I used Migration Assistant.

This led me to believe that some settings etc. that I could not skip from migration, were each time taken from my old MacBook Pro. That did not run Big Sur and was an Intel without T2 chip. Since Big Sur many security settings had changed and on a MacBook Pro M1 there are even security differences in the hardware.

But what went wrong I wondered. Then on this Apple support Forum some users told that their problems went away after deleting Little Snitch. And these problems even stayed away after re-installation of this FireWall module.

When I first set up the M1 computer I was struck by the fact that the FireWall was disabled by default. I thought of that as a serious fault on Apple's side. But now I thought that this might have been on purpose. Maybe my own firewall was blocking the use of touch-id. Or maybe some settings of my old laptop were imported into the settings of my new one and caused a conflict. Or maybe some apps that originally had full disc access on my old computer, could obstruct security settings on my new one.

So I went to the security and privacy panel in the system settings. I first removed all app's that had full disc acces, I had already disabled them but now I removed them from the list until the list was blank. Then I went to the firewall and disabled it. Then I deleted all my fingerprints.

I closed the system settings and with my cursor I restarted the computer.

After initial start-up the laptop stalled and a program called Recovery Assistant came up. And it started to recover the security settings. I did not do anything it started by itself I have never heard of this app before.

After restoration of the security settings, the app disappeared and the M1 started up as normal.

This morning my touch-id is still working as normal and I am pretty sure that it will keep working. I have enabled the FireWall after giving in new finger prints yesterday. But I did not enable Stealth mode.

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154 replies

ogikolo

Level 1

24 points

Dec 20, 2020 3:45 AM in response to mrsjdup

It did not help after resetting, Dont know why.

Jan 29, 2021 8:20 AM in response to urtzy13

Thanks for the info. I was able to restore the touchID by holding power button as well.

mrsjdup

Level 1

4 points

Dec 19, 2020 9:45 PM in response to urtzy13

Had the same situation after I upgraded. Dealt with it for a couple days before I decided to google it and was led to this forum. Resetting as suggested in the previous comments fixed it. Just commenting in case anyone else finds themselves here after googling the problem, it really works. Thanks!

JKMacman

Level 1

4 points

Dec 20, 2020 2:34 PM in response to RMoman

I tried three things: 1) Resetting the SMC following the shutdown + right shift-left option-left control for 10 seconds + power button for 10 seconds then waiting 30 seconds. Problem still exists. 2) Reset by shutting down + holding the power button for 10 seconds. Problem still existed. 3) Deleted and recreated my fingerprint. Problem still exists. I have a 2020 MacBook Pro 13"

sele18

Level 1

4 points

Dec 23, 2020 11:16 AM in response to RMoman

Hi I’m having the same issue with my MacBook :( and I suck with technology.

these Are the steps I did :

1) shut down my macbook

2) pressed the power button for 10 seconds

3) by then my MacBook was on, and simply put the password

but after this, I still couldn’t change fingerprints or use them :( please help where I went wrong

Dec 27, 2020 11:19 AM in response to nikkirose2305

2018 Mac Book Pro 15"

Did the big slur update, having the same issues as stated on this thread, have tried all the above recommended fixes multiple times. Same problem reoccurs. I can unlock Mac Pro with Touch ID on the first try, but just as soon as Mac goes into Lock Screen, the issue occurs again, no Touch ID option on the Touch Bar. Having to reenter passcode every time after initial Touch ID unlock upon every restart

BMJD9999

Level 1

8 points

Dec 31, 2020 8:26 AM in response to urtzy13

I have had the same thing happen. After the Big Sur update, my fingerprint did not work to log onto my computer or buy Apple Music songs. I went in and deleted my old fingerprint. When I click on "Add Fingerprint" nothing happens. When I click on the boxes that I want to use my Fingerprint for, once in a while it will ask for my apple password, but once I enter. it, nothing happens.

Jan 1, 2021 7:33 PM in response to urtzy13

I have this same problem too... I have a 13-inch 2019 MacBook Pro that I just upgraded to Big Sur 11.1. After the restart, I wasn't being asked for Touch ID, only my password. I went into System Preferences and everything was checked. I tried restarting but that didn't help. I deleted my fingerprints, turned off all the Touch ID options and restarted the Mac. I went back into System Preference and tried to add a fingerprint, but when I click on the +, nothing happens. I can check the boxes, but once I exit the Touch ID screen and go back in, they are unchecked again. Any ideas?

Jan 4, 2021 8:06 AM in response to jiroch

Unfortunately all the people having the issue with the hard restart being able to resolve your issue, is a different problem.

the problem most are having on this thread is that after you initially log in to your Mac upon boot, go to your Home Screen, then put Mac in screensaver security mode. It will prompt you to use Touch ID to unlock the Mac, which works.!!!, BUT, this is the only time it will prompt you there after. ONLY WORKS ONCE. You’ll will have to renter your password to login after Mac sleeps or to access passwords or logins for accounts. I have tried all the aforementioned fixes to na avail. None have worked. The Mac will only show you the bouncing arrow alert to use Touch ID one time after logging on to computer, after that Touch ID will not show up on the tool bar.

Jan 5, 2021 7:13 AM in response to urtzy13

I've tried the Hard Reset and was able to establish a fingerprint and it works fine for 24 hours. Then by the next day, my fingerprint isn't recognized and the Touch ID doesn't work. I delete the fingerprint, I establish a new fingerprint, it works for 24 hours, then it stops working. I do the Hard Reset again. I've gone in this pattern for several days. Clearly, the hardware is working.

Any ideas?

shikariu

Level 1

8 points

Jan 5, 2021 9:40 AM in response to urtzy13

The same problem, I delete Touch ID. Did how everyone writes with restart, but this doesn't help, I still cannot add a fingerprint, it asks for macs password, I write it and nothing happens. I really hate to write the password and usually use Touch Id, what to do now, I don’t know. Really bad update.

Jan 8, 2021 8:15 PM in response to Please-HelpMyMac

Still not working for me. Followed both steps. After the restart, it says password is required to enable touch id. When I do and try to put the screen off to check, touch id option disappears and can only be opened via password again.

Jan 26, 2021 4:54 AM in response to urtzy13

After upgrading from Catalina to Big Sur, I found not only touch ID issue, also sound notifications from the messengers - Skype, Slack, MS teams doesn't work while there is wasn't changes in settings.

Jan 27, 2021 4:00 PM in response to urtzy13

Hello, I'm having this issue too. I've shut down and restarted (after holding power button for 10 secs). I've also tried the SMC with no avail. I still need to enter my password; Touch ID is not working. Please help, Apple.

Jan 31, 2021 9:38 AM in response to urtzy13

2018 MBP 13" Touch Bar has unusual fingerprint issue after upgrading to Big Sur. I can start the process of creating a fingerprint however when I get to the sequence where you finish the edges of the fingerprint it locks up. I've tried every remedy suggested without success. Also, I have not seen others complaining of this particular fingerprint problem. Anyone else have this problem?

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Touch ID stopped working after Big Sur update