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Joe_Fo Author

Level 1

30 points

5s Fingerprint unlock problem solved

Like several (many?) here, I've had 5s fingerprint unlock issues since launch. Works

for 1 or 2 days only, requiring a re-scan.

I've finally solved the issue I've been having. Very simple fix...

I had been using the end of my finger only, with the very end slightly

over the far end of the sensor, varying the rotation between training scans.

This worked well for unlocking, but sadly failed over time.

My fix, which hopefully works for others: Use a thicker part of the finger.

It didn't take much, just stay away from the end of the finger. I also

moved more during training than the "move slightly" prompt you get

if you don't move enough.

So far I'm on day 4 and have not had any failures where I had

to resort to using the passcode.

If you have unlock problems, and this works for you, please

let others know to help spread the word.

HTH,

-Joe

iPhone 5s

Posted on Oct 14, 2013 10:38 AM

37 replies

Joe_Fo Author

Level 1

30 points

Dec 1, 2013 6:32 PM in response to Joe_Fo

Video uploaded to YouTube. I have a cold, so be nice 🙂

hatch7x

Level 1

4 points

Jan 3, 2014 10:43 AM in response to Joe_Fo

I have this problem also.Called Applecare two weeks ago and they walked me through a reset of the 5s. Worked for a while and then got progressively erratic again. Apple IS aware of this issue and I suspect many people are also having the same problem. The touch ID needs a fix.

Jan 29, 2014 1:17 PM in response to hatch7x

Apple will not admit that they have a problem with the touch sensor i.d. At least if they would have the courage to admit that there is a problem a lot of people could stop wasting their time trying to resolve a problem with no resolution. Apple gave me a replacement phone and the the touch sensor is still erratic. It recognizes my fingerprint initially after I set it and then it degrades within hours. This is not an isolated incident in the Apple community. So, Apple, 'fess up, already!😠

Joe_Fo Author

Level 1

30 points

Jan 30, 2014 3:09 PM in response to hatch7x

hatch7x wrote:

I have this problem also.Called Applecare two weeks ago and they walked me through a reset of the 5s. Worked for a while and then got progressively erratic again. Apple IS aware of this issue and I suspect many people are also having the same problem. The touch ID needs a fix.

Perhaps, but changing how you enroll fingers makes all the difference in the world. I won't be updating this thread further. All updates will be posted here. If anyone has not checked it out, or the YouTube link in it, you should.

Mar 28, 2014 6:16 PM in response to Joe_Fo

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, FINALLY a true fix since I rescanned my fingerprints in the manner you described I have not had a single issue has been working for over a week now, prior to this it never worked more than maybe 2 days. So thank you this FIXED my issue

Sep 22, 2014 3:39 PM in response to Joe_Fo

Mine's still wrecked. I gave up on it, figured I'd wait till iOS8...nope. Works for a few hours/scans, then rapidly deteriorates till it 100% doesn't work. I've even scanned in the same finger into all 5 positions...no luck. I'm on the phone to Apple again now.

Have a genius appointment tomorrow to replace the phone yet again. One last try till I give up completely. I love this phone in every respect except this.

Not a happy camper

Cameron

Sep 27, 2014 11:38 AM in response to Cambo III

And Apple replaced the phone YET AGAIN, and >>>>>>>>>>>MIRACLE!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<< it works FLAWLESSLY. They must have had a LOT of faulty sensors early on, because this is my 3rd handset. It works 99% of the time, except if my hands are wet, or I really put my thumb in the wrong place. It's been working steadily now for FOUR days, which NONE of the others did EVER. If you are still having this issue, and are still under warranty (if you didn't buy Apple's extended warranty, shame on you!), ask them for another phone - INSIST on one. I bought my 1st faulty 5s in December 2013, got a faulty replacement in Feb 2014, but this one, manufactured six weeks ago, works flawlessly. Now I just got to train myself to use it all the time. It's FABULOUS.

Cheers,

Cameron

A Happy Camper FINALLY!

5s Fingerprint unlock problem solved