Iphone and ipads will not recognize fingerprint and to unlock it requires keyed passcode to open

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Iphone and ipads will not recognize fingerprint and to unlock it requires keyed passcode to open

I have 2 iPads, 1 iPhone 7 Plus and a 2017 27” iMac. I recently started using the fingerprint to unlock feature which is very nice, if it works. What happens is I will set it up using a certain finger and once I go through all required steps it tells me it has been completed. So I lock the device so I can use the fingerprint and it usually works. Now after using and then laying it down when I’m done. Now the next time I pick it up to use it I use the same finger to unlock but it won’t allow me to and it says to use keyboard to key in code. now this has happened numerous times and so I did a little research and checked all the reasons why Apple says it may be doing that. The last thing I tried was registering the same finger 3 times. It worked for the first time or two but after I quit using the device and I lay it down the same thing happened when I picked it up to use it again.

this is happening on my 2 iPads and my iPhone.

Now I have been told that that behavior could be a sign of a hacker or malware. Could someone please help me figure out how to use these features properly. Also, if someone could point me into a direction where I could have a tech go through and look at my computer and devices and tell me if in fact someone has hacked my other devises? I am concerned that someone has indeed been able to get into my internet, my computer, iPhone, iPads and wyze cameras.

thanks

iPad Pro, 14

Posted on Jan 17, 2021 4:04 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MichelleT18

Community Specialist

Jan 18, 2021 7:31 PM in response to Just4alaf

Hi, Just4alaf.

We appreciate you taking the time to post in the Apple Support Communities. We completely understand needing to be able to rely on both the security and the Touch ID feature on your Apple devices. If we understand correctly, you’ve tried multiple times to create your fingerprint on both of your iPad devices and your iPhone, but it doesn’t consistently accept your fingerprint, and you’re wondering if it’s possible that your devices have been compromised.

Apple takes security very seriously, so if you’re keeping your devices up-to-date, it’s unlikely that the Touch ID issue is caused by compromised accounts of devices. If it's happening across all three of your devices, it's also not likely a hardware issue.

Let’s check to see if it’s possible you’re experiencing expected behavior. For example, there will be times where you won’t be able to use your fingerprint to unlock your iPad or iPhone and you'll be asked to use the passcode instead. From your description, it sounds like these expectations may apply in your case:

- you just enrolled or deleted fingerprints,

- you haven’t unlocked your device in more than 48 hours,

- you just restarted your device, or

- your fingerprint isn’t recognized five times in a row.

It’s also important to note that things like moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, a cut on your finger, dry skin, trying to use Touch ID immediately after an activity that could subtly change your fingerprint (e.g. exercising, continued submersion in water like showering or swimming, or cooking), a Home button that needs to be cleaned, or even a case or screen protector may affect the Touch ID sensor's ability to accurately read your fingerprint. It’s important to make sure that your hands are clean and dry, that the Home button is free of lint or debris, and that you test without a screen protector or case.

This article explains:

If Touch ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Warmest Regards.

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Iphone and ipads will not recognize fingerprint and to unlock it requires keyed passcode to open

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