"Authentication is required before you can add a fingerprint" error on iPhone

I had this same problem. Took awhile to figure out. When that screen pops up requesting authentication, use your finger on Touch ID. It won’t work, but will trigger a pop-up screen asking for your passcode. Once entered, you should be able to delete existing fingerprint and replace with a new one.

Don’t know why the Touch ID stops working in the first place.

1. Is this your corporate iPhone? Then please contact the system administrator of your corporate
2. If it is your personal device, in that case, do you have any profile installed by your corporate/organisation/enterprise/School Management?
   1. Erase the profile added by you If you have installed a profile on your own --> Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone - Apple ...
   2. Or please contact the system administrator of the organisation who provided the profile to you

The error message you're encountering, "Authentication is required before you can add a fingerprint," typically indicates that there's a problem with the Touch ID sensor or its connection to the device.

Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot the Touch ID issue on your iPhone:

1. Restart your iPhone: A simple restart can sometimes resolve software glitches that might be interfering with Touch ID.
2. Clean the Home button (Touch ID sensor): Make sure the Home button is clean and free of any dirt, debris, or moisture. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it gently.

Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

When you encounter issues with your Apple devices, the Genius Bar at Apple Retail Stores is the go-to place for expert assistance. The Genius Bar is staffed by knowledgeable Apple employees, often referred to as "Geniuses," who can diagnose and resolve a wide range of hardware and software-related problems. To ensure personalized attention and a convenient visit, Apple provides the option to schedule a Genius Bar Reservation.

Contact Genius Bar.

Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple

Take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support:

1. If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit an Apple Retail Store. Apple Retail Stores are designed to provide a hands-on experience with Apple products and offer support services. You can speak with Apple specialists, known as "Creative Pros" in some locations, who can assist you with product-related inquiries or minor troubleshooting.
2. In addition to Apple Retail Stores, there are Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) that are authorized to perform repairs on Apple products. AASPs are independent businesses certified by Apple to offer service and repairs for various Apple devices.
3. If visiting a physical location is not possible or convenient, you can seek support by contacting Apple Support. Apple offers various channels for support, including phone support, live chat, and email. The official Apple Support website provides information on how to reach out to Apple for assistance.

Finally, you can also start a repair log or track the status of existing repair --> Apple Repair and Repair Status Check - Official Apple Support

In summary, Apple provides customers with a range of support options, including the Genius Bar Reservation system, visits to Apple Retail Stores or Authorized Service Providers, and various channels to contact Apple Support for assistance with their products. These services aim to ensure that Apple users receive the necessary help and support whenever they encounter issues with their devices.

Have same problem on a NEW bought iPhone SE.. Updated to the latest iOS (17.5.1) , button is clean ( that seemed like a joke comment but earlier poster - because it doesn't get to part where the fingerprint gets entered )....

SAME problem it says "needs authentication" then does nothing more.. It is not only the "add a new fingerprint" . It is a BUG that affects other parts of the security elements too. Let me explain: I thought it may be related to the "Stolen Protection" that imposed a 1 hour wait... I wanted to turn that OFF... so I waited the hour... and then SAME PROBLEM "says it wants authentication, then does nothing" So I tried change to "ALWAYS" - and it did that, but still wouldn't add the fingerprint... so I went to change it back to "NON familiar location" and it will not because it gives the SAME PROBLEM , that is " "says it wants authentication, then does nothing".

This is EXTREMELY annoying because each of the changes above (mostly just investigative or trying add a fingerprint) included a one hour wait - just to test it !

PLEASE ESCALATE THIS AS A BUG SO IT CAN GET FIXED - and stop trying to pretend it is a user error or usage error and just needs "support" which is mostly just cut/paste nonsense that is is barely tangentially related (like "clean the button".

THIS IS A BUG - PLEASE FIX IT

I’m having the same problem and it’s obviously a software issue since fingerprint worked prior to 17.3.1. I’ve updated to 17.5.1 and the issue has remained. Apple has to know about the issue by now, but hasn’t provided the software bug fix to solve the problem. I’d like to know what the holdup is or do we have to physically take in our phones to fix the problem.

Thank you!! It worked!! I've managed to remove my fingerprint. It has been annoying me for ages!