Troubleshooting iTunes and App Store purchases on Macs with Touch ID

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Although the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro officially support Touch ID authorization of both App Store and iTunes purchases, setting it up can be a bit of a process. When you're having trouble, check out these troubleshooting ideas for macOS Big Sur.

Troubleshooting Mac: First — Check your software

To use Touch ID for iTunes and Mac App Store purchases on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, you need the latest software. If you're having trouble getting Touch ID to work with iTunes or the App Store, make sure your Mac's operating system is up to date.

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac.
  2. Select About this Mac. You should see macOS Big Sur with the version number under it. If you are running an older version of macOS, update it now.

Checking your Mac's software showing the steps to Click on the Apple icon, then click About this Mac (Image credit: iMore)

To update macOS:

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac.
  2. Click on **System Preferences.

Updating your Mac's software showing the steps to Click on the Apple icon, then click on System Preferences (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Click on Software Updates.
  2. Click on Update Now. Enter your password if prompted.
  3. Click on Restart when prompted.

Updating your Mac's software showing the steps to Click on Software Updates, then click on Update Now, then click on Update Now, then click on Restart when prompted (Image credit: iMore)

Troubleshooting Mac: Second — Re-trigger permission to use Touch ID for iTunes and Mac App Store purchases

  1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac.
  2. Click on System Preferences.

Updating your Mac's software showing the steps to Click on the Apple icon, then click on System Preferences (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Select the Touch ID preference pane.
  2. Uncheck the iTunes & App Store checkbox under "Use Touch ID for".
  3. Re-check the iTunes & App Store check box.
  4. Enter your computer password (not the password for your Apple ID).

Re-triggering permission to use Touch ID for iTunes and Mac App Store showing steps to Click on Touch ID, then tick the box for iTunes and App Store (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Visit iTunes or the Mac App Store apps and navigate to an item you'd like to download.
  2. Press the Buy button on an app or song you'd like to download.
  3. Enter your Apple ID password.
  4. Press Yes when it prompts you to use Touch ID for future purchases.

Re-triggering permission to use Touch ID for iTunes and Mac App Store showing steps to Click on an app to buy, then enter your password, then click buy, then select Touch ID when prompted

The item you've chosen will begin to download; afterward, you'll be able to use Touch ID for all future purchases in that app.

The iTunes Store and Mac App Store have separate Touch ID authorizations, so you'll need to repeat steps 7 - 10 in the other app if you'd like to use Touch ID in both stores.

Troubleshooting Mac: Third — Give permission to use Touch ID to make purchases for iTunes and the Mac App Store

  1. Visit iTunes or the Mac App Store apps and navigate to an item you'd like to download.
  2. Press the Buy button on an app or song you'd like to download.
  3. Scan your fingerprint on your Mac's Touch ID sensor when prompted.

Questions?

Let me know in the comments.

Updated December 2020: Updated for macOS Big Sur.

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Bryan M Wolfe
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.