How to use Touch ID with the Mac App Store

Thanks to Touch ID on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, you can use your fingerprint to make Mac App Store purchases and access content requiring your Apple ID password. Not only does it make it easier to quickly download apps and games you want, but it also means you can create a long, complex Apple ID password without worrying about how often you'll have to enter it.

We, naturally, have an inclination to make life easier for ourselves. When it comes to passwords we know we'll be using regularly, it might be tempting to create something simple, easy to remember, and short. We know it's a bad idea, but sometimes, we do things we know are bad if it makes our lives a little easier.

Now that the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have Touch ID, I've created an ultra complex, long, and strong password to keep my Apple ID safe. With Touch ID, you can use your fingerprint instead of typing in that strong, annoying password.

How to use Touch ID to make Mac App Store purchases

With Touch ID on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, you can make purchases, check your account settings, and more with just the touch of your finger.

Make sure you've registered your fingerprint with Touch ID before trying to use the feature in the Mac App Store.

1. Launch the Mac App Store.
2. Select a Mac app that you haven't already previously downloaded.
3. Click Buy.
4. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
5. Click Yes when asked if you want to use Touch ID for future purchases.

From now on, you will be able to use Touch ID to make purchases in the Mac App Store instead of having to enter your Apple ID password every time.

Note: Just like using Touch ID on the iPhone, sometimes you'll have to manually enter your Apple ID password, so make sure you have a copy of it written down somewhere, or you have it stored in a password manager.

If, for some reason, Touch ID isn't working for you in the Mac App Store, check out our troubleshooting guide.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about using Touch ID in the Mac App Store? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out!

Updated November 2018: Updated for MacBook Air.