Having trouble getting Touch ID to activate for your iTunes and App Store purchases on your MacBook Pro? Here's the fix!

Although the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar officially supports Touch ID authorization of both App Store and iTunes purchases, setting it up can be a bit of a process. At first, I couldn't get Touch ID to work at all in either application; thankfully, through some troubleshooting, I managed to figure out a good process for enabling the feature for both stores. Here's how to get Touch ID working with each app.

First: Check your software

In order to use Touch ID for iTunes and App Store purchases on your MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, you need the latest software. As such, you need macOS Sierra 10.12.1 (Build 16B2657) or later and iTunes 12.5.3.17 or later. You can check this by doing the following:

  1. Go to the  menu in the upper left corner.
  2. Select About this Mac. You should see the version number under the main "macOS Sierra" header.

  3. If you suspect you're running an older build of version 10.12.1, click on Version under macOS Sierra to see the build number.

  4. Open the Mac App Store.
  5. Go to the Updates tab to check for updates.
  6. Download any iTunes updates, if present.

How to set up Touch ID for iTunes and App Store purchases on your MacBook Pro

  1. Go to the  menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Select the Touch ID preference pane.
  3. Uncheck the iTunes & App Store checkbox under "Use Touch ID for".
  4. Check the iTunes & App Store checkbox.

  5. Enter your computer password (not the password for your Apple ID).

  6. Visit iTunes or the Mac App Store apps and navigate to an item you'd like to download.
  7. Press the Buy button on an app or song you'd like to download.
  8. Enter your Apple ID password.

  9. Press Yes when it prompts you to use Touch ID for future purchases.

  10. The app 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 5-8 in the other app if you'd like to use Touch ID in both stores.

How to use Touch ID for iTunes and App Store purchases on your MacBook Pro

  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 MacBook Pro's Touch ID sensor when prompted.

Questions?

Let me know in the comments.

MacBook Pro