SOLVED: Touch ID on Magic Keyboard not working on Mac when in Clamshell

All the Magic Keyboard Touch ID fixes I've seen all say essentially the same thing: unplug it, restart it, etc. The common thread I've noticed is that they all say to unplug the keyboard. This is a *wireless* keyboard! Did I miss the memo saying it's a requirement that the keyboard be plugged in with a cable in order to use Touch ID? And, by the way, I did tell my Mac to forget the keyboard in my Bluetooth settings, re-added it, and Touch ID worked maybe once, after which it went back to not working.

I will ask our moderators to move this to the Macbook Pro forums. You found instead a seldom-visited for for Apple hardware made before 1998.

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<< why not just leave the lid open? >>

I'm with you on this issue, ku4hx. You paid dearly for that display, and you can use both display at the same time in "extended desktop"

They can be arranged left-and right, but also up and down, if you put a block of wood under the external, and open the built-in below.

Thank you bob hope. I followed your simple instructions and now my Touch ID is working!

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between 'does't work' and 'works, but bad at recognizing my fingerprint'.

You can program several fingerprints. if you store an additional instance of the SAME finger, recognition often improves dramatically.

"External magic keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader."

Ah ... why didn't I think of that. Thanks!

But doesn't that just negate the closing of the lid? If you have to have a KB, why not just leave the lid open? Like I said ... no experience with clamshell mode.

Understand, but at least it's where clamshell mode issues are common questions. Thanks for contributing!

AJ

Me Too. Thanks.

worked for me too! I am on a M1 iMac (2021) and recently the TouchID on my keyboard appeared to have died - thought I was up for a new one but found this post - all good now thanks

I guess I'm just not a knowledgable clamshell user. How do you use the Touch Bar when the lid is closed?

External magic keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader.