Fingerprint log in

Hello jazzbarrington,

If Touch ID is not working on your Mac, here's some steps you can try:

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS.

2. Make sure that your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry.* Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris on the Touch ID sensor.

3. Your finger should cover the Touch ID sensor completely. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn't tap too quickly or move your finger around.

4. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Users & Groups, then click the lock to make changes. Click Login Options, then make sure that Automatic login is off.

5. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Touch ID, then make sure that "Unlocking your Mac" or "iTunes Store, App Store & Apple Books" is on, and that you've added one or more fingerprints.

6. Try to add a different fingerprint.

7. For Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, turn your keyboard off and on, then connect your keyboard to your Mac with the USB to Lightning cable. After you turn Magic Keyboard off then on, Touch ID may be unavailable for up to 10 seconds.

8. Restart your Mac.

If Touch ID is working sometimes, keep in mind that in certain situations you will need to type in your password:

• The first time you log in after you turn on, restart, or log out of your Mac, you must log in by entering your password manually. After that, you can use Touch ID to log in.

• Your fingerprint isn't recognized five times in a row

• You haven't unlocked your device in more than 48 hours 

• You're trying to change settings in the Touch ID pane of System Preferences

If Touch ID isn't working on your Mac

Cheers!