Touch ID on Mac mini M2 Pro with Ventura 13.2.1

Hi

I opened a case with Apple: to cut it short, it seems its a hardware issue, they asked me to bring it to an Apple Service Provider\Apple Store for further investigation.

In details:

1. The 1st advisor went with all questions via Chat, and at the end, s\he recommended to schedule a call with an advisor..
2. The 2nd advisor were pretty helpful, he checked the logs, and asked me create a new partition with a new MacOS on it -without even setting the profile-, in order to see if the problem still exist, and collect fresh logs from untouched version of the OS, which I did and found the problem still exist, he confirmed that it is not Keyboard issue, either a software or hardware issue.
3. Since MacOS takes time to be installed, I had a 3rd advisor checking the logs, which, according to her, had been shared with a senior advisor, who at the end says it seems a hardware issue, and recommended to take for further investigation by an Authorized Service Provider.

Now, from where I live, I don't know how long will it take to get it replaced, and whether will I keep the device until I get the replacement or not.

JF Storey,

After the Touch ID stopped working when I installed the update I referenced above, I rescheduled the Genius Bar appointment. At the store they said that they would exchange the keyboard which they did with one that came as a "part" that they ordered (it was new and wrapped but not in a retail box). Although I was skeptical that this would change anything, it does in fact seem to be working as it should. I've had it for five days and it continues to work through multiple shutdowns of the Mac mini and long periods of not being used. Although I suppose the problem could return, I am starting to be optimistic that the problem was in fact a bad Touch ID module in the old keyboard that is fixed in the new one.

I was having this issue too, but have had no problems since upgrading to macOS Sonoma version 14.1.2.

Details:

• Mac mini M1 2020
• Magic Keyboard A2449

So for starters and to be clear, I have the new M2 Mac mini Pro running Ventura 13.3.1 and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID that I bought separately to use. I went through the initial pairing steps and the keyboard itself works fine at all times but the Touch ID worked only at first and then each time after turning it off and on but would stop responding within 10-20 minutes.

Here are the steps I went through with the support rep, Steve, using the feedback from the Engineers. I also want to give a shout-out to Steve. Since it takes about 10-20 minutes to know if the Touch ID stops responding, he called back numerous times to follow-up after we went through each step.

1) Started up in Safe Mode - Problem was still there

2) He said that the Engineers noted from the logs that I had a VPN installed and, even though it was not being used, they wanted me to uninstall it completely since that can sometimes interfere. I use IP Vanish so I first trashed the file com.ipvanish.IPVanish.plist from the preferences folder in the Library directory and then also uninstalled the IPVanish App using Clean My Mac X. After a reboot, problem seemed to still be there.

3) I added a new user ("Test User") along with a Touch ID. I then logged in as that user - Problem was still there.

At this point, Steve said the next step was to check, and maybe replace the keyboard, at the local Genius Bar and proceeded to update my Case file with the latest outcomes and set up the appointment. While he was doing that, I logged out and then back in as myself and also deleted "Test User". I should note that we did not test the Touch ID again after this since we were essentially done for the night.

However, I noticed a few hours later that the Touch ID was still working and it continued to work when I woke the computer on Friday morning. After a while, I decided to see what would happen if I restarted the computer and sure enough, after doing that, the Touch ID problem was back. After turning the keyboard off and then back on, it worked and I plugged it in via USB to see what would happen. Later on Friday, it still worked while plugged in (I think that previously the issue was there even when plugged in) and I then unplugged it. It continued to work and is still working through this morning.

So hard to reach a conclusion as to why it now works, whether it was uninstalling the VPN, starting up as a different user and then back again as myself or some combination. Either way, I will take the win and avoid shutting down the computer as long as I can since having the Touch ID work consistently makes life easier. For now, I have cancelled the Genius Bar appointment.

If you are able to duplicate any of this and find it makes a difference, please post the results since it might help know which was the step that addressed the issue.

Sorry the issue persists in Ventura 13.3

You may start by the Apple Article ( if not already done so ) to Trouble Shoot this issue

link below

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support (CA)

If still no resolve, FYI.

Have sen a few, not many but a few, where the Keyboard was defective.

That was only determined by taking the keyboard and Making an Appointment at the Apple Genius Bar and have them evaluate the keyboard

Try the recently released Ventura 13.3 update

Try forgetting the device in the Bluetooth settings and then re-pair it.

If you still have this issue,

Turn off the keyboard, and Turn it Back on.

Disconnect the keyboard and connect to Bluetooth.

Make A Time Machine Back up and Update Your Mac to the Latest MacOS

Reset The Touch Id

Create Test User and Experience issue in Test User Too.

Reinstall macOS

If still persist, Contact Apple Support for Escalation.

hello again everyone.

i'v got news.

i've tested the keyboard's touch id with a MacBook Pro M1. everything was fine even after an houre.

So it seems the problem is not from keyboard Or, the keyboard has problem only with M2 (probably on Mac Mini only) series.

what's your guess?

what we can do about it?

Have had the power cord connected to the keyboard for 6 days and Touch ID is working as it should. Unplugged it yesterday for a few minutes, restarted and Touch ID failed to work so reconnected it and all is well. This in not right. PS, using macOS 14.

Is the Router broadcasting wifi signals in both the 2.4 gHz and 5gHz bands ?

From my understanding the 2.4 gHz band is also used for the Bluetooth Signal and maybe a contributor factor

This can be a further if the Router is too close to the computer - 4 Feet

Having check the iFixit website for theTread Down of this machine.

Q - " My Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse have never lost their connection to my Mac "

There I must admit I am not sure I have this right, so please excuse me

The Wifi antenna are at the base of the unit. If sitting on its side or upside down the device’s wifi RSSI, Quality and TX Rate improve significantly. Noting the ventilation design, can the device be used in alternate orientations?

Now the Bluetooth antenna that I am not sure exactly where that is located or where it is incorporated into the same antenna as the Wifi

The Touch ID Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 used on the Mac mini M2 Pro are the the same Keyboard and mouse used on the Other machine ?

Or maybe you are just referencing another Bluetooth Keyboard which is not experience this disconnection issue

As for the Mac mini Pro 2 being defective - doubtful unless the machine is presenting other abnormal behaviours

same problem on my Mac Mini M2 Pro.(OS V13.3)

the touch id would not work after about 10~15 minuts if you don't use the keyboard(without going to sleep mode).

after that even if you enter password and try to set a new finger, the sensor will not response at all.

but it would work if you restart device/reconnect/turn off & on blutooth.

Really annoying.

I opened a support case, all their suggestions were already been tried, they offered nothing much of help, they advised to go to a an authorized apple service center.

But what would they do if it is a bug.

Can’t someone confirm if its OS Bug or Mac mini hardware issue?! So far, complains are raised by Mac mini M2 owners.