ZethyrFaeyd
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My fingerprint scanner is very unreliable

I have an iPhone 6, and the fingerprint scanner is very unreliable. We're taking like 2/5 times it reads. Almost every time I want to open my phone I have to wipe off the scanner and my thumb, or just punch in the code. Is this normal or should I have it looked at?

 

Also, what is the possibility of swapping my Gold 6 for the Black one?

iPhone 6

Posted on May 8, 2015 9:00 PM

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ZethyrFaeyd

Q: My fingerprint scanner is very unreliable

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  • by bobby_d,

    bobby_d bobby_d May 10, 2015 2:11 PM in response to ZethyrFaeyd
    Level 3 (770 points)
    May 10, 2015 2:11 PM in response to ZethyrFaeyd

    Hi ZethyrFaeyd,

     

    It seems Touch ID does not always work when using your device. The following article provides troubleshooting steps which may help:

     

    Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

     

    Get help with Touch ID

    1. Make sure that you're using the latest version of iOS.
    2. Make sure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.*
    3. 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. Make sure that your finger touches the metal ring around the Home button.
    4. If you're using a case or screen protector, make sure it doesn't cover the Home button or the surrounding ring. If it does, remove the case or screen protector and try again.
    5. Tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and make sure that iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is on. Also make sure that you've enrolled one or more fingerprints.
    6. Try enrolling a different finger.
    7. If you can't enroll any of your fingers, take your device to an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact AppleCare for help.

     

    * Moisture, lotions, sweat, oils, cuts, or dry skin might affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition, including exercising, showering, swimming, cooking, or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.

     

    Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.

     

    Take care,

    Bobby_D

  • by ZethyrFaeyd,

    ZethyrFaeyd ZethyrFaeyd May 11, 2015 8:19 AM in response to bobby_d
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 11, 2015 8:19 AM in response to bobby_d

    I did see that article. However, mine works VERY infrequently. As in it is less of a "quickly unlock your phone" feature and more of a "try five times while wiping your thumb and button off, only to just swipe to the right and enter my pin."

     

    is it really supposed to be that unreliable?

  • by modular747,

    modular747 modular747 May 11, 2015 9:25 AM in response to ZethyrFaeyd
    Level 6 (19,343 points)
    iPad
    May 11, 2015 9:25 AM in response to ZethyrFaeyd
    is it really supposed to be that unreliable?

    No it isn't.  If you did what was suggested in that article, follow step #7.