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iPhone 5s fingerprint scanner stopped working

I had my. iPhone 5s for 3 days, them I updated the software to iOS 7.0.4 and suddenly my fingerprint scanner stopped working, and would only work on a chance of 1 out of 30. The fingerprint scanner isn't scratched so I don't know what happened?

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.0.4

Posted on Dec 21, 2013 5:39 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Dec 23, 2013 8:41 AM

Hi Dominika1xo,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. This article has some steps you can try that may help:


iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5883

Troubleshooting Touch ID

  1. Verify that you are using the latest version of iOS.
  2. Ensure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.*
    Note: Cover the Home button completely. Don't tap too quickly, don't press down hard, and don't move your finger while Touch ID is scanning.
  3. Tap Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID and verify that:
    1. iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is enabled.
    2. One or more fingerprints have been enrolled.
  4. If one finger isn't working, tap Edit in Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID > Edit to delete and then reenroll the finger.
  5. If that finger still isn't working, try enrolling a different finger.
  6. If you are unable to enroll any of your fingers, take your iPhone 5s to an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact AppleCare for further assistance.


Cheers,

- Ari

5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Dec 23, 2013 8:41 AM in response to Dominika1xo

Hi Dominika1xo,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. This article has some steps you can try that may help:


iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5883

Troubleshooting Touch ID

  1. Verify that you are using the latest version of iOS.
  2. Ensure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.*
    Note: Cover the Home button completely. Don't tap too quickly, don't press down hard, and don't move your finger while Touch ID is scanning.
  3. Tap Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID and verify that:
    1. iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is enabled.
    2. One or more fingerprints have been enrolled.
  4. If one finger isn't working, tap Edit in Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > Touch ID > Edit to delete and then reenroll the finger.
  5. If that finger still isn't working, try enrolling a different finger.
  6. If you are unable to enroll any of your fingers, take your iPhone 5s to an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact AppleCare for further assistance.


Cheers,

- Ari

Jan 20, 2014 12:43 AM in response to ariel s

I have the same problem. My fingerprint scanner always worked, but as soon as I updated to 7.0.4, Touch ID was no longer available in my Settings > General >


It is as if my phone has become a iphone 5c.


The above solution doesn't help because:

1) I have the latest version of iOS (it was this update that caused the problem)

2) My fingers are clean and dry

3) I can't tap on Settings > General > Touch ID & Passcode > because it no longer exists in my phone


Thanks

Matt

Dec 8, 2014 2:18 PM in response to Dominika1xo

I have a 5s running IOS 8.1.1 and my finger print scanner has never worked the way that it should. First off instructions on this post say go to settings/general/touch id & password. When in fact my phone is Settings/touch id & password. I can delete my fingerprints and reinstall them and they work fine for a few hours. than they wont work. It is very upsetting that I spent more money for the 5s because I wanted the fingerprint scanner. I could have saved money by buying the 5c. I have gone to the Apple store on at least 5 different occasions, and they have even exchanged my phone. This is my first Apple and I feel like I have been ripped off.

iPhone 5s fingerprint scanner stopped working

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