How to use Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad

iPad mini 6 and view of TouchID
(Image credit: Adam Oram / iMore)

Many Apple devices now use Face ID for authentication purposes — but not all of them. There are still several of the best iPhones, iPads, and Macs that use Touch ID. Here's what you need to know about the authentication feature.

How to set up Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

You can register a fingerprint for Touch ID as part of the initial setup process on any new or restored iPhone or iPad. You can also set it up or add additional fingers at any time. The steps work on the best iPhone and best iPad models that support Touch ID.

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Type in your passcode for authorization, if asked (Touch ID requires a passcode, so if you don't have one already, you'll be asked to create one).

Launch the Settings app, tap on Touch ID and Passcode (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Tap on the Add a Fingerprint button.
  2. Place the finger you want to register on the Home button and leave it there until you feel a buzz. If you're on the 2020 iPad Air, place your finger on the Power button.
  3. Lift your finger and place it back down. Repeat each time you feel a buzz.
  4. Tap continue when Touch ID alerts you that it has completed the first step and now requires peripheral data.
  5. Place the edges of the finger you want to register on the Home button or the Power button and leave it there until you feel a buzz.
  6. Lift your finger and place it back down. Repeat with a different edge until you've registered the entire surface of your finger.
  7. Tap Continue to finish.

Tap on Add a Fingerprint, place the finger on the Home button or Power button. Lift your finger and place it again. Repeat. (Image credit: iMore)

Repeat for every other finger you want to add, up to five total. You can register any combination of your and other people's fingerprints, including family or staff. You can even temporarily register a travel-mate just in case of emergencies, without having to give them your passcode or password.

How to identify a Touch ID fingerprint

If you registered a fingerprint with Touch ID but don't remember which one is which — i.e., is Fingerprint 1 your right thumb or left index finger? — you can check and find out. That's how you can make sure you rename and delete the right ones in the future.

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Type in your passcode when asked.
  4. Scroll down to the Fingerprints section.
  5. Place your registered fingerprint on the Home button or the Power button.
  6. Look for the label that changes color from white to gray.

Open the Settings app and go to Touch ID and Passcode. Enter your passcode. Scroll down to the fingerprints. Place your finger on the Home or Power button. (Image credit: iMore)

How to label a Touch ID fingerprint

Rather than identifying your fingerprints each time you need them for something, you can label them to make it simpler and faster to find the one you're looking for (and remember which and whose fingerprints are registered).

  1. Launch the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Type in your passcode when asked.

Launch the Settings app, scroll down and tap on Touch ID and Passcode. Type your passcode. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Tap on the Finger you want to rename.
  2. Type in a new, more recognizable name for your fingerprint (i.e., right thumb).
  3. Tap on the Touch ID & Passcode on the top right corner to go back.

Tap on the Finger you want to rename. Type the name you want and tap on Touch ID and Passcode to go back. (Image credit: iMore)

Repeat steps 4-6 until all your fingerprints are labeled.

How to turn off Touch ID for the Lock screen, Apple Pay, or the iTunes and App Stores

Touch ID is meant as a convenience. If you prefer more security on your Lock screen, like a strong alphanumeric password, you can turn Touch ID off.

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Enter your passcode when prompted.
  4. Switch iPhone/iPad Unlock, iTunes and App Store, Apple Pay, or Password AutoFill to Off.

Launch Settings and go to Touch ID and Passcode. Enter your Password and, under the Use Touch ID For section, choose which options you want to turn on or off. (Image credit: iMore)

How to delete a Touch ID fingerprint

If you have given someone fingerprint access to your device for an emergency or another reason and you don't need that person to have access anymore, it's a good idea to delete their fingerprint. Also, if a fingerprint becomes glitchy, you can remove it and redo it. That's because deleting Touch ID fingerprints is even easier than adding them!

  1. Launch the Settings app on your Touch ID-capable device.
  2. Tap on Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Type in your passcode when prompted.
  4. Tap on the fingerprint you want to delete.
  5. Tap on Delete Fingerprint.
  6. Tap on the Touch ID & Passcode on the top right corner to go back.

Launch Settings, and tap on Touch ID and Passcode. Enter your passcode. Tap on the fingerprint you want to delete. Tap on Delete Fingerprint. (Image credit: iMore)

Repeat steps 4-6 for each fingerprint you want to delete.

Learn how to use Touch ID on Macbook

If you want to learn more about Touch ID on different devices, check out how to use Touch ID on your Macbook Air or Macbook Pro.

It's still here

Touch ID remains an authentication option for select iPhone and iPad users, such as those using the latest iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and third-generation iPhone SE. Touch ID is also used on the latest Macbook Air, MacBook Pro, and 24-inch iMac. It's simple to use and secure. To get started, use the steps above.

Touch ID isn't working for you?

Our troubleshooting guide will help you if you're having any issues with Touch ID not working as expected. We've got the fix! 

Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.

With contributions from