How do I log in to my MacBook Neo without a password after using thumbprint?

Fingerprint only allows you to enter your Device’s Local User Password less frequently.

It does NOT replace it.

You’ll have to now reset your forgotten password with something memorable.

You will need to reenter it periodically.

See how here:

If you forgot your Mac login password - Apple Support

If you run into a problem, post back w/ the exact step where you encounter your roadblock.

The fingerprint will get you into your MacBook for the most part; however, the computer will occasionally ask you for your password, as you have found out. If you do not remember your password, you can turn off your MacBook by pressing and holding the power button. Then, when the computer enters recovery mode, you can reset your password there.

And to add, these are the times it is required to use your Login Password and not Touch ID.

• after you restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac;
• when more than 48 hours have passed from the last time you unlocked your device;
• to add or delete a fingerprint to use with Touch ID; 
• to change the iPhone or iPad passcode or Mac system password, and for other security settings like FileVault on your Mac;
• when there have been more than five unrecognized Touch ID authorization attempts in a row; and 
• after you log out of your Mac.

About Touch ID advanced security technology - Apple Support

I believe you are also required to use the Passcode, instead of Touch ID, after 7 days when the Passcode has not been entered at all during that time. It is not documented in that Support Article, but that seems to be the case in my experience. TouchID is not a replacement for the Passcode and you are always going to want to remember what your Login Password is.

Frwebb wrote:

my Neo demands the full password every. single. time. it wakes from sleep. Whether that has been half an hour or overnight.

Post the screenshot of what you see after waking from sleep. If it shows Touch ID or Enter Password, then Touch ID will work as long as it is reading your fingerprint correctly. The amount of time it takes to require the Touch ID or Password is determined by the setting at  > System Settings > Lock Screen > Require Password after Screen Saver begins....". If it is not reading your fingerprint correctly, then delete it and set it up again.

Use Touch ID on Mac - Apple Support

Again that is only possible if you have the Neo model that includes Touch ID, otherwise the Password is the only option. You can still adjust the time it takes to require that password with the setting above.

Frwebb wrote:

But there's another setting under "lock screen" that forces me to choose a timeline for requiring the password (no option to require or accept touch ID) anytime the "screensaver begins or the display is turned off". I can choose a short time or a long time (or never) - it will not ask for any security at all until the time elapses. No password OR touch ID needed; the machine is wide open to me and whoever passes by. But if I choose a short time for security, it requires the password every time and never accepts the touch ID.

That is the exact setting I was referring to and although it does not mention Touch ID in the Setting there, the screenshot I provided is when mine is set to 1 minute where you should be seeing "Touch ID or Enter Password" after the time you have set passes. That is why I asked for your screenshot for what you are seeing. If you see the same message and Touch ID is not working, then you should delete your Fingerprint and set it up again.

If your device restarts, you will always be required to enter your Password and Touch ID cannot be used. The message you see on the screen asking for your Password then says the Password is required to enable Touch ID.

Frwebb wrote:

my Neo demands the full password every. single. time. it wakes from sleep. Whether that has been half an hour or overnight.

Do you have a Neo with Touch ID?

Sounds like you have the base model, without the Touch ID scanner, in which case it will just always ask for a password.

If you have the 512GB version, that includes the Touch ID fingerprint Scanner, and Touch ID can be set up in Settings ➜ Touch ID & Password.

click here ➜ Use Touch ID on Mac - Apple Support

I do have the 512 version with the fingerprint scanner. And I have gone into the settings for touch id and password, and selected the option to unlock the computer with the touch ID. But there's another setting under "lock screen" that forces me to choose a timeline for requiring the password (no option to require or accept touch ID) anytime the "screensaver begins or the display is turned off". I can choose a short time or a long time (or never) - it will not ask for any security at all until the time elapses. No password OR touch ID needed; the machine is wide open to me and whoever passes by. But if I choose a short time for security, it requires the password every time and never accepts the touch ID.

So i'm having a hard time understanding just how i'm able to "unlock the Mac with touch ID" as that other setting promises.

my Neo demands the full password every. single. time. it wakes from sleep. Whether that has been half an hour or overnight.