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Touch ID is broken after update to iOS 7.1

I just updated to iOS 7.1 on my iPhone 5s and now my Touch ID is not recognizing that I am placing my finger on the sensor on lock screen. Is anyone else experiencing this also? I knew I shouldn't have upgraded so quickly. Thanks. 😟

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.1

Posted on Mar 10, 2014 2:34 PM

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76 replies

Mar 13, 2014 5:10 PM in response to jin512

I posted here earlier with agreement that Touch ID didn't work after install of OS 7.1.

I just finished a 'chat' with Apple Support and my issue was resolved by doing a "reset all".

Go to >Settings>General>Reset>Reset All Settings.


The reset….Resets all the personalized settings on the Iphone.

You will need to reset the Ringers and tones and the Wi-Fi password

Mar 14, 2014 9:47 AM in response to Jason_AU

Same ! I've reset everything and restored but it still hasn't fixed the problem. It appears to be an intermittent fault though because it works perfectly sometimes but then doesn't work at all. I can't add new fingerprints. It's clearly a software problem as it only started after I updated to iOS 7.1.


I've got an appointment with at the Genius Bar on Sunday.

Mar 14, 2014 10:37 AM in response to Jakalos

I have spent time in 5 sessions of "Chat" and "Phone" support with Apple (over 3 hours on computer and phone). Late last night I did a Restore and it worked until approx 10 am this morning. While on the chat this morning, while attempting various approaches, the Touch ID worked until I did an edit in the settings to change from "Finger 1" label to "Right Thumb" and for the other labels in the bank. Touch ID immediately quit working. I laid it down on the desk top while conversing with support and after a few minutes, I changed the labels back to the generic "Finger 1" etc. Touch ID started to work.

However, when attempting to add another finger, the sensor would not recoginze that it was being touched. At that time Touch ID would not allow opening the iPhone (from off). Again laid the iPhone down and after about 5 minutes I was able to pick up the iPhone and access via Touch ID. I immediately went to the "Add another finger..." and the sensor started to work, but quit partway through the process. From "off" condition, Touch ID would not work.

Conclusion is that temperature matters (being held warms up the iPhone and sensor, laid on the desk allows it to cool); this to me indicates a sensor, hardware issue that was exacerbated when OS 7.1 was installed.

I have an Expedited Replacement process in the works. I'm not doing anymore troubleshooting at this point. Currently Touch ID is working when used straight from the holster, for at least one fingerprint (all other fingerprints have been removed).

Mar 14, 2014 11:15 AM in response to ddbutton

I'm not sure if this observation is true for others, but I found just being more careful not to move my finger while I'm performing a touch ID seems to make a difference. If I'm careless and in a hurry, then more often than not it fails. If I'm more deliberate and steady putting my finger down, so it doesn't move, then it seems to work more reliably.


I had 7.0 and had grown frustrated with its lack of recognition. I deleted all my scans before performing a 7.1 upgrade and now it seems better after scanning both thumbs and index fingers. At first it was no better, recognizing the first time or two, and then seeming to be broken. Now when I take my time putting my finger (or thumb, either hand) down, it seems to be working 90% of the time. YMMV.


I'll check back if it breaks again.

Mar 14, 2014 11:42 PM in response to jin512

i have iphone 5s here in the uk, my touch id was fine until update, now sensors won't work, i contacted apple, the guy told me to restore phone with back up, nothing happened, then i did a restore to a new phone, again nothing happened, he told me to take it into my local apple store, i get on the touch id page the phone unlock and itunes-app store buttons are unchecked, i click on them and it jumps straightaway onto the place your finger screen, you cant see the buttons actually been checked, cos it does it so fastm i then try my prints, nothing happens, no buzz no vibration. i have tried with phone plugged into charger, and without, nothing, i have tried many times and on the odd occasion it has buzzed once or twice got a couple of red marks on, then it freezes, deleted prints and tried again, nothing, come on apple listen up to us guys, and give us a fix

Mar 15, 2014 11:17 AM in response to jin512

Hi,


Touch ID not working sometimes.Sometimes its not even try to scan finger, i need to type the passcode to unlock ,but when i try later it will work,And it will stop working again.I tried reseting the phone ,added new finger prints still same issue.Problem started after the software upgrade to 7.1.It was working fine with old version 7.0.x.Somebody please help ...

Touch ID is broken after update to iOS 7.1

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