calibration of new touch ID button with new Logic Board

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calibration of new touch ID button with new Logic Board

I have a Apple Backbook Pro 15" (2017). I had a hard disc issue and took the MacBook to an Apple Authorised Service Provider here in Malaysia (Machines @The Curve, Lot G17 - G18 Ground Floor, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, 47810, Petaling Jaya Selangor.). They inspected the MacBook and told me that it was classified as a vintage model and advised that due to them not having the parts that I should take the MacBook to a Third Party repairer. I did so and they replaced the LogicBoard. When I got the MacBook everything worked fine except for the Touch ID button which could not be used for fingerprint authentication, it could only be used as a power button.

I did my research and found out that the Touch ID from the old system could not be used with the new LogicBoard because the two are paired and calibrated at the factory. Hence, I was advised that I should have the Touch ID button replaced (which I can get the part easily and have the same Third Party repairer install for me, then have the two new parts calibrated. The calibration needs an Apple Proprietary Calibration software to be done so that the fingerprinting can work and the third party repairer says only Apple would have this.

Can this calibration be done remotely by Apple (from the factory) or via the Apple Authorised Service Provider at Machines / Switch in Malaysia? Surely that could be done remotely or at the Apple Authorised Service Provider as it will not be a parts issue, its just required to be done by Apple's proprietary software...

Can someone advise please ???

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Sep 26, 2022 8:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

HWTech

Level 9

68,630 points

Sep 27, 2022 2:21 PM in response to Felix Davidson

It appears you had an independent unauthorized repair shop unaffiliated with Apple to perform the repair. The shop should have informed you of the risks before performing the repair.

Unfortunately there is no way to pair the TouchID and Logic Board. Even if an authorized Apple tech wanted to pair them, they would be unable to do so because Apple does not have a utility for an AASP to use on the 2016 - 2017 laptops. Apple instead sells the Logic Board and TouchID for the 2016 & 2017 models as a pair from the factory to the AASP.

It is only with the 2018+ models that Apple sells the TouchID separately from the Logic Board, however, even then the AASP is only able to pair the TouchID to the Logic Board when the part has been ordered through their Apple service portal since Apple must have the information on file in order for their online service utility to program the T2 security chip with the information. Apple will not pair anything acquired from a third party or even the used part market.

FYI, if you have a 2017 model, then it is still fully supported by Apple. Only the 2016 model has gone "Vintage" which may only have limited hardware support as long as the necessary parts are still available. It is possible in some regions the rules for "Vintage" hardware may vary. See the following article for details for your region:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

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calibration of new touch ID button with new Logic Board

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