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djm1960 Author

Level 1

47 points

Fingerprint limit reached Touch ID

After an Internet Recovery and hard drive erase MacOS Sierra 10.12.4 does not show the Touch ID setup screen. Once logged on and going into system preferences, Touch ID; when attempting to create a fingerprint the system, informs me fingerprint limit reached, please delete a fingerprint but there are no fingerprints to delete. Booted into safe mode and I can get to inputting a fingerprint but fails. I did have Filevault 2 installed before the internet recovery was performed. Called Apple Support, went up to Tier 2 but after an hour on the call line went dead with no resolution and the Tech Support person somewhat at a loss. Have tried reinstalling, turning file fault on and off etc but no luck

Any ideas? Is there a way to reset or delete old fingerprints from the command line?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016), macOS Sierra (10.12.4), Filevault 2 utilised

Posted on Apr 10, 2017 5:09 PM

Best reply

djm1960 Author

Level 1

47 points

Posted on Oct 17, 2017 2:59 PM

Finally Apple have fixed this issue.

Reboot system into recovery mode

Open terminal from menu bar

Type: xartutil --erase-all

answer yes

Reboot computer as normal. Can now input new fingerprint. Obviously the xartutil erase all command wipes old fingerprints from the Touch ID chip not erased with a conventional clean install. My Touch ID now works again.

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17 replies

jongyeon

Level 1

14 points

Nov 2, 2017 11:27 PM in response to djm1960

This doesn't solve the problem.

Nov 2, 2017 11:34 PM in response to jongyeon

Just go to an Apple store Genius Bar or premium third-party support center. I’ve had my entire top case replaced and works fine now, upgraded to high sierra no problem.

Fingerprint limit reached Touch ID