Ahab the Eskimo

Q: Suggestions for getting fingerprint reader to work?

Anyone have any suggestions for how to get this fingerprint reader to work more reliably? It seems to never work with my right hand and my left hand is better presumably because I use it less, but still rarely works. In general it work about 1 in 10 times. I work at a computer all day so my fingerprints are typically not mangled.

 

I have tried setting it up such that on the second round of fingerprint scanning I move my finger a lot, I've also tried keeping it dead center and using the reader exactly with the same orientation and placement. Neither seem any better.

 

This was a problem I had with the iPhone 5S when it was new and I just never used it because of that, now I have a 6 and it behaves just as poorly.

iPhone 6, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Jan 29, 2016 11:43 AM

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Q: Suggestions for getting fingerprint reader to work?

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  • by razmee209,

    razmee209 razmee209 Jan 29, 2016 12:26 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
    Level 7 (33,405 points)
    Jan 29, 2016 12:26 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
  • by Ahab the Eskimo,

    Ahab the Eskimo Ahab the Eskimo Jan 29, 2016 12:29 PM in response to razmee209
    Level 1 (3 points)
    Apple Music
    Jan 29, 2016 12:29 PM in response to razmee209

    I know how to do it, just looking for suggestions for to make it work better.

  • by razmee209,

    razmee209 razmee209 Jan 29, 2016 12:33 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
    Level 7 (33,405 points)
    Jan 29, 2016 12:33 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo

    Ahab the Eskimo wrote:

     

    I know how to do it, just looking for suggestions for to make it work better.

    For Pete's sake, when someone provides you a link, please take the time to read it.

     

    I don't post it up just for looks, just because the title says use touch id on iphone or ipad doesn't mean there isn't more information to it.

     

    Someone who "works on a computer all day" should understand that.

     

    Directly from the link: see the footnote below.

     

    Get help with Touch ID

    Sometimes, you'll need to enter your passcode or Apple ID instead of using Touch ID:

    • If you've just restarted your device
    • If your fingerprint isn't recognized five times in a row
    • If you haven't unlocked your device in more than 48 hours

    • If you've just enrolled or deleted fingerprints
    • If you're trying to open Touch ID & Passcode in the Settings menu
    • If Require Password is set to Immediately under Settings > General > Restrictions

    If you still need help, follow these steps. Try again after each step:

    1. Make sure you have the latest version of iOS.
    2. Make sure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.1 For the Home button, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris.
    3. Your finger should cover the Home button completely, touching the surrounding metal ring. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn't press down hard, tap too quickly, or move your finger around.
    4. If you're using a case or screen protector, make sure it doesn't cover the Home button or the surrounding ring.
    5. Tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Make sure that iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is on, and 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 or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.

    1 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.

  • by Ahab the Eskimo,

    Ahab the Eskimo Ahab the Eskimo Jan 29, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
    Level 1 (3 points)
    Apple Music
    Jan 29, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo

    Do women have better luck because their fingers are smaller? What about guitarists or stringed instrument players? I can only imagine this feature absolutely does not work for you with calluses on your fingers.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 29, 2016 12:38 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
    Level 9 (58,896 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 29, 2016 12:38 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo

    I would imagine that callus fingers would be difficult. Mine seems to work just fine, but the most I do with my fingers is typing here on the keyboard. The only time I've had troubles is just after washing dishes at home and then drying off my hands. Otherwise, my works great, and I can get into the device with Touch ID faster than someone can with swiping the screen and no passcode. My iPhone 6s is even faster with Touch ID than my 5s was.

  • by Ahab the Eskimo,

    Ahab the Eskimo Ahab the Eskimo Jan 29, 2016 12:44 PM in response to razmee209
    Level 1 (3 points)
    Apple Music
    Jan 29, 2016 12:44 PM in response to razmee209

    razmee209 -- Maybe I've read that already. I did not come here without looking for answers first -- and the basics are something I've read through many times. I need suggestions for how to make this feature that I perceive as poorly executed actually work for me. Surely there are ways to improve the reader beyond the basics and other people can chip in on how they got it to work for them.

  • by razmee209,

    razmee209 razmee209 Jan 29, 2016 12:50 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo
    Level 7 (33,405 points)
    Jan 29, 2016 12:50 PM in response to Ahab the Eskimo

    Ahab the Eskimo wrote:

     

    razmee209 -- Maybe I've read that already. I did not come here without looking for answers first -- and the basics are something I've read through many times. I need suggestions for how to make this feature that I perceive as poorly executed actually work for me. Surely there are ways to improve the reader beyond the basics and other people can chip in on how they got it to work for them.

    Please show me in your original post, where you stated you've seen the link or done basic troubleshooting tips.

     

    You see what happens when your too vague with your question and don't provide details.

     

    Its akin to someone saying my computer doesn't work and doesn't provide any details or going to a mechanic and saying my car doesn't work.

     

    like the footnote says 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 

     

    I'll put in bold and underline so you can see it.

     

    I had a 5S and currently have a 6S never had any issue with the fingerprint.

     

    Why don't you go to the Genius bar at your nearest Apple store and ask them what is needed to improve thumb print.

  • by Ahab the Eskimo,

    Ahab the Eskimo Ahab the Eskimo Jan 29, 2016 3:15 PM in response to razmee209
    Level 1 (3 points)
    Apple Music
    Jan 29, 2016 3:15 PM in response to razmee209

    Actually. It just doesn't work as well for everybody. But thanks for pointing out the obvious thing and then getting mad at me.