I have an iPad Air 11-inch (M3), iPadOS Version 18.4.1I have set up Touch ID, but still have to always use passcode when it is locked. I went to Settings>Touch ID & Passcode>Require Passcode. It is set on ‘Immediately’. I tried to change it, but ‘Immediately’ is the only choice available. Why can’t I use Touch ID to turn it on when it is locked?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad Air, iPadOS 18
The iPad User Guide describes the straightforward process of setting-up TouchID:
Set up Touch ID on iPad - Apple Support
If you are having difficulty setting-up TouchID, refer to this support page:
If Touch ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
As documented by Apple in its Security Guide, for devices with TouchID or FaceID enabled, entry of your device Passcode will still be required in the following circumstances…
A passcode or password is also required if the device is in any of the following states:
• The device has just been turned on or restarted
• The user has logged out of their Mac account (or hasn’t yet logged in).
• The user hasn’t unlocked their device for more than 48 hours.
• The user hasn’t used their passcode or password to unlock their device for 156 hours (six and a half days), and the user hasn’t used a biometric to unlock their device in
4 hours.
• The device has received a remote lock command
• The user exited power off / Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously for 2 seconds and then pressing Cancel.
• There were five unsuccessful biometric match attempts (though for usability, the device might offer entering a passcode or password instead of using biometrics after a smaller number of failures).
When Face ID with a mask is enabled on an iPhone, it’s available for the next 6.5 hours after one of the following user actions:
• Successful Face ID match attempt (with or without a mask)
• Device passcode validation
• Device unlock with Apple Watch
Any of these actions extends the period by an additional 6.5 hours when performed.
The iPad User Guide describes the straightforward process of setting-up TouchID:
Set up Touch ID on iPad - Apple Support
If you are having difficulty setting-up TouchID, refer to this support page:
If Touch ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
As documented by Apple in its Security Guide, for devices with TouchID or FaceID enabled, entry of your device Passcode will still be required in the following circumstances…
A passcode or password is also required if the device is in any of the following states:
• The device has just been turned on or restarted
• The user has logged out of their Mac account (or hasn’t yet logged in).
• The user hasn’t unlocked their device for more than 48 hours.
• The user hasn’t used their passcode or password to unlock their device for 156 hours (six and a half days), and the user hasn’t used a biometric to unlock their device in
4 hours.
• The device has received a remote lock command
• The user exited power off / Emergency SOS by pressing and holding either volume button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously for 2 seconds and then pressing Cancel.
• There were five unsuccessful biometric match attempts (though for usability, the device might offer entering a passcode or password instead of using biometrics after a smaller number of failures).
When Face ID with a mask is enabled on an iPhone, it’s available for the next 6.5 hours after one of the following user actions:
• Successful Face ID match attempt (with or without a mask)
• Device passcode validation
• Device unlock with Apple Watch
Any of these actions extends the period by an additional 6.5 hours when performed.
You need to type in the password to unlock the iPad. If you put the the iPad to sleep you don’t need a password.
From Google…
Yes, you typically need to enter your password to unlock an iPad if it's locked. However, if you have Face ID or Touch ID set up, you can sometimes use those biometric options as well, depending on your iPad model. The password is always required when the iPad is turned on or restarted, according to Apple Support. Additionally, you may be prompted for your password if the iPad hasn't been unlocked in a while, such as 48 hours, according to a Reddit thread.
How can I use Touch ID instead of passcode on iPad Air?
