Touch ID option intermittently missing in MacOS Tahoe

Since MacOS Tahoe, I keep seeing only the option to enter my password when waking up my MBP after screensaver activates. It is not every time, but it certainly is not only after restarts, or when I'm doing things that require high level admin authentication. Has anyone else seen this?


MacOS Tahoe, 26.0

2019 Intel MBP

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 30, 2025 8:17 AM

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11 replies

Sep 30, 2025 9:14 AM in response to Donot_Haveone

Donot_Haveone wrote:

Since MacOS Tahoe, I keep seeing only the option to enter my password when waking up my MBP after screensaver activates. It is not every time, but it certainly is not only after restarts, or when I'm doing things that require high level admin authentication. Has anyone else seen this?

MacOS Tahoe, 26.0
2019 Intel MBP



reference—

If Touch ID isn't working on Mac -Apple Support



if no resolve you can reinstall the macOS on top of the existing macOS


How to reinstall macOS Recovery (both M1/M2/M3/M4 and Intel) — How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support




The current stable release of Tahoe  including bug fixes,  security updates  is macOS 26.0.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support


Oct 4, 2025 2:36 PM in response to stevestate21

stevestate21 wrote:

Mine does this, and it's remarkably consistent in the timing - 13 seconds after the device wakes, Touch ID shows up. I've re-added fingerprints, cycled Touch ID, etc., but nothing has worked. Still have to wait 13 seconds every time.

This is what I'm seeing, and reinstalling fingerprints (as above) and updating to OS 26.0.1 did nothing.


Is this annoying delay meant to be a feature and not a bug?

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Touch ID option intermittently missing in MacOS Tahoe

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