Touch ID no longer works.

Hi everyone! I experienced the same problem after updating to macOS Tahoe 26.3 on my MacBook Air M2 (2022). My Touch ID worked for everything except unlocking my Mac after the screen was locked. I finally resolved the issue and wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone else.

First, I should mention that my Mac has two user accounts: a standard user and an admin user. I always use the standard account and only use the administrator account for safety reasons.

To fix the problem, I started my Mac in Safe Mode as the standard user. I attempted to disable and re-enable Touch ID for unlocking my Mac, but this didn’t work. Then, I switched to the admin user and logged back in. Interestingly, macOS displayed an installation completion screen with pending steps, including reconnecting to my Apple ID. I tested unlocking with Touch ID and it still didn't work. I then disabled and enabled Touch ID again as an admin, without changing my registered fingerprints. When I tested unlocking the screen, it finally displayed the message indicating Touch ID was available for unlocking.

Next, I logged out of the admin account and returned to the standard user. Testing again as a standard user, I found that Touch ID unlock was working once more. Finally, I restarted in Normal Mode, and Touch ID was available to unlock the device again.

I haven't seen this solution posted before, so I hope it proves helpful to others who have tried everything else without success and are willing to try this alternative fix.

Good luck!

Oliver

OliverValerian wrote:

First, I should mention that my Mac has two user accounts: a standard user and an admin user.

To fix the problem, I started my Mac in Safe Mode as the standard user. I attempted to disable and re-enable Touch ID for unlocking my Mac, but this didn’t work. Then, I switched to the admin user and logged back in. Interestingly, macOS displayed an installation completion screen with pending steps, including reconnecting to my Apple ID. I tested unlocking with Touch ID and it still didn't work.

I then disabled and enabled Touch ID again as an admin, without changing my registered fingerprints. When I tested unlocking the screen, it finally displayed the message indicating Touch ID was available for unlocking.

Next, I logged out of the admin account and returned to the standard user. Testing again as a standard user, I found that Touch ID unlock was working once more. Finally, I restarted in Normal Mode, and Touch ID was available to unlock the device again.

Thanks for your post OliverValerian

This has been stated as the resolve in so many words across several similar post in these communities—yes

  —Log into your admin account and toggle Touch ID off and back on., Now log back into your standard accountant compare your results

ref: MacBook Pro Touch ID not working after 26.3 update

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256244768?sortBy=oldest_first

ahw-apple wrote:

Since MacOS Tahoe 26.2, touch ID no longer works on my 2021 Macbook Pro M1 or on my 2024 Macbook Pro M2.

Disabling then re-enabling Touch ID in settings works for a while, then stops working again. The same with deleting then re-adding fingerprints. Rebooting doesn't help, period.

Both my MBPros use Apple power connectors and cables, so that isn't the problem: the operating system is.

I have not experience this issue on MacOS Tahoe 26.2....

A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Does a quick disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled temporarily.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS

There are a few instances where Touch ID will not be accepted by macOS:

If you restarted your Mac, or if you're not logged into your user account.

If you have not unlocked your Mac for 48 hours.

If you are trying to unlock Security & Privacy

If you are trying to unlock Users & Groups Settings (when FileVault is on)

If 5 wrong fingerprint attempts

ref: If Touch ID isn't working on Mac

I wouldn’t be so quick to blame Apple when many other people (including myself) are not facing this particular issue.

I also understand your concern completely.

As a volunteer, I won’t expect you to be satisfied until your problem is resolved.

All I can recommend is to → Contact Support and let them know the troubleshooting tips that managed to work.

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Thanks for sharing all the details about your situation, ahw-apple.

It’s impossible to know what the cause of failure actually is without testing, so I have written a user-tip specifically for situations just like this.

See ▶︎ Mac Troubleshooting Tips and respond back here with your results and any further questions.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

ahw-apple wrote:

I have the same problem with my iPad Mini since iOS 26: touch ID no longer works. Is there a Safe Mode-equivalent for iPads?

re: iOS 16.2 iPad

if a restart does not solve your problem

Restart your iPad

Follow the 3R 's- if a restart does not solve your problem proceed :

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

Reset iPad settings to their defaults - Apple Support

Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support

Further ref: iPad - Apple Community

Call Customer Support  (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line  https://getsupport.apple.com/

or call  AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support 

ahw-apple wrote:

Thank you both, Leroy and Smilin-Brian.

You’re welcome! 👍🏼

Is there a Safe Mode-equivalent for iPads?

You can tell Siri: "Restart" and see if that has helped.

Thank you leroydouglas for the follow-up. No need for me to respond with the same advice.

Let us know how it goes with your iPad mini, ahw-apple. 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Thank you for the clarification and the link, leroydouglas!

I've been searching for something similar and haven't found it until you pointed me to the discussion you linked above. I'm happy to find that my fix isn't as weird as I thought and that it helps others. :)