On the new M1 MacBook Air, is it possible to login after startup with touch id?

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On the new M1 MacBook Air, is it possible to login after startup with touch id?

I was surprised to find I cannot login to the new M1 MacBook Air using touch ID; I have to login with a password (Big Sur says you must login with password to enable touch ID). Touch ID does work elsewhere so I know it has been setup properly. In the system preferences, there is not an option to enable touch ID for login so I am assuming (?) Apple doesn't want to support touch ID at login? If so, anyone know why? Or am I missing something?

Posted on Jan 15, 2021 6:06 PM

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Answer 1

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FoxFifth

Level 10

469,059 points

Jan 15, 2021 6:17 PM in response to jlaca

You need to enter your password after powering on. The same is true for Touch ID and Face ID on iPads and iPhones.

See the following from Touch ID security - Apple Support

Apple devices with a Touch ID sensor can be unlocked using a fingerprint. Touch ID doesn’t replace the need for a device passcode or user password, which is still required after device startup, restart, or logout (on a Mac).

It doesn't have much impact on me and many (most?) others as I rarely restart my MacBook Pro, my iPhone or my iPad.

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Answer 2

jlaca Author

Level 1

19 points

Jan 15, 2021 6:24 PM in response to FoxFifth

Thanks for the link; it isn't a big deal to login with password... I had just assumed Touch ID on the Mac would work for login as well. Maybe someday we'll have retina scan login option using the camera which would be a nice option as well (like the Windows Hello capability)?

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On the new M1 MacBook Air, is it possible to login after startup with touch id?

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