iphone demanding passcode for fingerprint id

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Level 1

12 points

iphone demanding passcode for fingerprint id

Randomly, my phone demands my passcode for not being used within 48 hours. However, I have used it frequently within the prior 48 hours. The last time I had the problem, I contacted support who suggested I wipe my phone and re-install/restore backup. I did so and the same problem just happened just over a week after I re-installed and restored. This seems like a bug, not a feature. Does anyone have any idea how to prevent this? I would prefer NOT to remove my fingerprint lock.

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.2

Posted on Jan 2, 2016 6:35 AM

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Answer 1

AJ397

Level 6

12,949 points

Jan 2, 2016 6:38 AM in response to OscarGuy

If you restart the phone that will also require the passcode. If you are not restarting I would try to restore to factory settings and dont restore to a backup. About Touch ID security on iPhone and iPad - Apple Support

-AJ

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Answer 2

OscarGuy Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 2, 2016 8:55 PM in response to AJ397

That's ludicrous. Lose all the data, settings and app data on my phone just because Apple can't fix a bug in the OS?

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

273,222 points

Jan 2, 2016 9:08 PM in response to OscarGuy

I do not believe for a minute there is any "bug in the OS" related to this issue.

Instead, AJ397 proposed a very reasonable solution which would eliminate a "bug" in one of your applications. Very likely, there is some app that is overstepping its bounds. I recommend you strive to find an offending app by very carefully considering what you restore to your iPhone.

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Answer 4

OscarGuy Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 3, 2016 12:01 PM in response to sberman

I was not aware that Apple was in the habit of giving control over its login procedures, including the fingerpint id, to other apps. I would think that level of security breach would be dangerous and quickly stopped. If they are unconcerned with a bug that exploits the fingerprint/security code settings, then I am quite disappointed.

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Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

273,222 points

Jan 3, 2016 12:27 PM in response to OscarGuy

The "security breach" you refer to - in other words, a difference in security requirements from those you expect, is an increase in security, not a decrease. It sounds like the behavior you're seeing requires additional security, not less.

So, although I absolutely disagree with your assessment of any "bug" in Apple's software, and I disagree with your assessment of "a bug that exploits the fingerprint/security code settings", I also disagree with your implication that you have been exposed to any breach of security, or found any way to bypass security on the iPhone.

Again, I recommend you try what AJ397 proposed above.

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Answer 6

OscarGuy Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 3, 2016 4:19 PM in response to sberman

I've been reading other places and it appears that others have tried the method you suggest and the issue recurred, so it does not appear to be app-dependent.

As for it being a decrease in security, I'm referring to allowing an app to access the fingerprint id in such a way as to create a but that forces behavior that is atypical for the device. That sounds like a serious breach in security even if I'm being forced to input a passcode rather than a fingerprint. After all, the fingerprint is more secure than the passcode.

Regardless, as I specified above, it appears not to be an issue with an app, so I guess there's no point discussing this further with you since you assume that it's an app issue rather than an OS issue and anecdotal evidence suggests it's an OS issue.

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Answer 7

sberman

Level 10

273,222 points

Jan 3, 2016 4:27 PM in response to OscarGuy

OscarGuy wrote:

After all, the fingerprint is more secure than the passcode.

Consider the fact that when restarting an iPhone, a fingerprint cannot be used and a passcode is required and is the only way to unlock the iPhone.

OscarGuy wrote:

... so I guess there's no point discussing this further with you ...

I agree.

Good luck.

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