You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

My fingerprint sensor won’t work anymore

My fingerprint sensor won’t work anymore


iPad (8th generation)

Posted on Jun 6, 2023 3:41 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 4:13 AM

Are you suggesting that the TouchID sensor doesn’t work at all - or just for authentication?


The iPad User Guide describes the straightforward process of setting-up TouchID:

Set up Touch ID on iPad - Apple Support


After registering fingerprints, while still in the TouchID settings page (Settings > TouchID & Passcode) you can test that your registered fingerprint is recognised by the sensor. Just place your registered finger on the TouchID sensor; the fingerprint should be recognised, to which the iPad will respond by highlighting the registered biometric.




If the TouchID sensor is completely inoperable, you won’t be able to successfully register fingerprints at all. If TouchID doesn’t work, refer to this support page:

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


By default, TouchID will be used as an available alternative to entering your iPad Passcode - although you can alter some settings that will disable or enable TouchID for some authentication tasks. If the TouchID sensor has been demonstrated to functional (as described above), check your iPad settings to ensure that you have not disabled TouchID authentication:


Settings > TouchID & Passcode > [Use TouchID For] 

  • iPad Unlock
  • Wallet & ApplePay
  • iTunes & App Store 
  • Password AutoFill
  • Other Apps (these will only be listed for Apps that are compatible with TouchID)


If all settings are enabled as expected, try a forced restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.



If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 7, 2023 4:13 AM in response to Ranman737

Are you suggesting that the TouchID sensor doesn’t work at all - or just for authentication?


The iPad User Guide describes the straightforward process of setting-up TouchID:

Set up Touch ID on iPad - Apple Support


After registering fingerprints, while still in the TouchID settings page (Settings > TouchID & Passcode) you can test that your registered fingerprint is recognised by the sensor. Just place your registered finger on the TouchID sensor; the fingerprint should be recognised, to which the iPad will respond by highlighting the registered biometric.




If the TouchID sensor is completely inoperable, you won’t be able to successfully register fingerprints at all. If TouchID doesn’t work, refer to this support page:

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


By default, TouchID will be used as an available alternative to entering your iPad Passcode - although you can alter some settings that will disable or enable TouchID for some authentication tasks. If the TouchID sensor has been demonstrated to functional (as described above), check your iPad settings to ensure that you have not disabled TouchID authentication:


Settings > TouchID & Passcode > [Use TouchID For] 

  • iPad Unlock
  • Wallet & ApplePay
  • iTunes & App Store 
  • Password AutoFill
  • Other Apps (these will only be listed for Apps that are compatible with TouchID)


If all settings are enabled as expected, try a forced restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.



If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


My fingerprint sensor won’t work anymore

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.