iPhone Duo Touch ID not working? Try these fixes
⚡Fast fix
- Clean the side button. Dirt, oil, or debris on the button can block the Touch ID sensor.
- Dry your fingers. Wet fingers interfere with the Touch ID sensor, so wipe them off.
- Re-enroll your fingerprint. Delete your fingerprint from Touch ID and re-enroll it.
- Restart your iPhone® Duo. A quick restart can clear out temporary system glitches.
Repeatedly pressing your fingerprint on your iPhone’s Touch ID sensor when it won’t read gets very frustrating, fast. You just want to move ahead, but your phone won’t let you.
When that happens, don’t just keep trying the same thing all over again. Asurion Experts help users solve tech problems like these every day so they can get back to using their devices. If your iPhone Touch ID is not working on your Duo, try these steps to get it back on track.
Clean your side button and fingers
You need a clean side button and clean fingertips to use Touch ID, so start there when your iPhone Touch ID stops working.
- Wipe the side button clean of any dirt, debris, or residue that may be interfering with the sensor.
- Dry your fingers, since moisture also blocks proper readings from the sensors.
- Make sure your finger completely covers the sensor on the side button.
- Try moving your finger around slightly on the button.
- Check that your iPhone case isn’t blocking the side button sensor.
You can’t use Face ID when Touch ID isn’t working on the Duo, since the Duo only offers Touch ID.
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How to re-enroll your fingerprint on iPhone Duo
If you see the message “Unable to activate Touch ID on this iPhone” when scanning a specific fingerprint with Touch ID on your iPhone Duo, try deleting and re-enrolling it with these steps.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your device passcode.
- Select the name of the fingerprint that’s giving you trouble and choose Delete Fingerprint.
- Choose Add a New Print > Add a Fingerprint.
- Rest your finger lightly on the side button and don’t click it so the sensor can read your fingerprint.
- Continually adjust your finger position on the side button as instructed on-screen to scan your full fingerprint.
- Tap Continue once the scan finishes.
- Give the fingerprint a name so it’s easy to identify later.
- Set up Touch ID for additional fingerprints (up to five), so you have more options with Touch ID.
While in Touch ID settings, check to make sure the feature is on for unlocking your device, Apple Pay® transactions, and the App Store®.
Restart and update to fix Touch ID glitches
When Touch ID glitches, try these quick fixes.
- Update iOS® to address outdated software issues by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Force restart your iPhone using the side button and volume buttons.
- Unlock your Duo with your passcode or Apple Watch®.
Signs your iPhone Duo needs a repair
Touch ID problems are usually due to physical interference from water or dirt or minor software glitches, but they can occasionally indicate a hardware problem. Look for these signs of hardware damage:
- Visible fractures in your iPhone Duo screen, dead pixels, discolored patches, or glass pulling away from the phone frame
- Loose charging port
- Buttons that feel jammed or won’t click
- Loose side button
- Touch ID sensor that never responds
If you notice any of these signs and your Touch ID is giving you trouble, consider bringing your Duo to a tech professional to be checked. They may be able to diagnose the exact problem and recommend appropriate repairs or replacement.
If Touch ID stopped working after your Duo was exposed to water, learn how to safely dry out a water-damaged phone before troubleshooting Touch ID.
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FAQ
Why has my Touch ID suddenly stopped working?
When Touch ID suddenly stops working on your iPhone Duo, look for a dirty sensor or wet fingers that could be interfering with the reading. Update and restart your phone in case the problem is a temporary software glitch.
How to fix iPhone Touch ID not working?
Try cleaning the Touch ID sensor on the side button, making sure your finger covers the entire sensor, and removing your phone case so nothing’s blocking the Touch ID button.
How do I reset the fingerprint sensor on my iPhone?
The only way to reset Touch ID on an iPhone Duo is by deleting and re-adding your fingerprints in Settings.
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