Anyone else have trouble with the Touch ID on the new Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID? I can only get it to unlock my M1 Mac Mini maybe 30% of the time anymore. I rest finger on the key and nothing. I press the key and nothing. I still have to enter my password to unlock my Mac or I have to switch the keyboard off then on again to get it to work. I noticed it happening more since I upgraded to Monterey. Curious if anyone else has a similar issue?
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Touch ID rarely works on new Magic Keyboard
- Thread starter SteelBlueTJ
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I have the same issue. Have to reach over and use the Touch ID on the MacBook instead of the external keyboard. I never had anything other than Monterey on this laptop so can't comment on older OS. This is on a M1Max MacBook Pro 14" with the external Touch ID keyboard.
Try keeping a cable connected from the Magic Keyboard to your Mac Mini. Touch ID then works flawlessly. If I use only Bluetooth to connect to my Mac Mini, Touch ID might work 3 or 4 times in succession, then fails to work. At this point, in addition to resting your finger on the Touch ID sensor, you also need to press it. It will then work maybe 2 more times, then that will fail and you will be required to enter your password every time. To reset Touch ID, turn the Magic Keyboard off and back on again or re-login or reboot. I don't know if this is a Mac Mini Bluietooth issue or a problem with the Magic Keyboard.
I'm having the same problem with my 16" M1 Max MBP. I have found that it will sometimes stop working even when connected via USB. What's interesting is that the computer doesn't even seem to recognize that there is a touch id sensor when in this state - if I go into clamshell mode, nothing will even attempt to trigger touch ID, it will go strait to password or apple watch.
I also sometimes get into a state where they keyboard won't work, or won't work properly, over bluetooth. Like the caps lock key light won't illuminate, but I can type (although sometimes I can't even do that).
I also sometimes get into a state where they keyboard won't work, or won't work properly, over bluetooth. Like the caps lock key light won't illuminate, but I can type (although sometimes I can't even do that).
I use the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID connected via Bluetooth to an M1 MBA in clamshell mode and it works most of the time but it does stop working occasionally, at which only a reboot fixes (power cycling keyboard doesn't).
Next time, I will try unpairing-repairing in case it might be a BT thing.
Next time, I will try unpairing-repairing in case it might be a BT thing.
I have a MBA and have similar issues. If I connect via USB briefly it will fix it for a few hours. Came here just now looking for an answer, and it seems like we're all in the same boat. If I need to use it wired, I'd just as soon use a different keyboard. Touch ID is why I bought this thing.
Well, power cycling the keyboard actually does work (I just wasn't waiting long enough previously for the BT pairing to re-establish itself)
Another peculiar piece to this: I've realized that when TID is not responsive, pressing the button allows it to work (but doesn't allow just touching to work after that - continued button pressing is needed until a power cylce)
I have had the same problem since I installed Monterey on my M1 iMac, but probably not immediately afterwards (I'm not sure). When I have the problem, the Caps Lock LED stops working, though Caps Lock itself does work. I fix it by plugging in the USB cable, and it continues to work when I disconnect it.
Same issue with 16" MacBook Pro (M1 Pro). It's bloody annoying. I'd say it works about 50/50. I keep my MBP mostly in clamshell. I might try it non-clamshell to see if that helps.
I had an occasional problem with TouchID on my M1 iMac when using the Magic Keyboard with Bluetooth. When the problem occurred, the Caps Lock LED stopped working, though Caps Lock could be activated. The problem could be fixed by connecting the keyboard to USB, disconnecting it from Bluetooth. After disconnecting the USB, the problem had gone away.
I had the problem while running macOS Monterey 12.1, but it went away when I upgraded to 12.2.
I had the problem while running macOS Monterey 12.1, but it went away when I upgraded to 12.2.
I meant to say after installing Monterey 12.1. I didn't have the problem with 12.0.1, and it went away after I upgraded to 12.2.
Argh, I finally bought a MBP 14" and a magic keyboard (the brand new black ones). And I have the same issue: everything works when plugged, and when I unplug, keyboard fine until I start using TouchID. After 2-3 attempts, the whole keyboard stops working. I have to turn it off, plug it, turn it on.
I went to the apple store with the keyboard thinking it was faulty. We tested on an iMac: it just worked fine!. So the issue lies with the MBP (hardware or software). I hope it's software and can be solved by Apple... The assistance on the phone had no clue.
I went to the apple store with the keyboard thinking it was faulty. We tested on an iMac: it just worked fine!. So the issue lies with the MBP (hardware or software). I hope it's software and can be solved by Apple... The assistance on the phone had no clue.
Similar issue for me, with a twist.
- MBP 14" is in clamshell mode
- TouchID keyboard works rarely (10%) when I'm trying to unlock the MBP
- But TouchID keyboard tends to work much better (90%) for websites/passwords, once the Mac is unlocked
This may be an issue with initiating connectivity between TouchID and Mac just when unlocking (?)
- MBP 14" is in clamshell mode
- TouchID keyboard works rarely (10%) when I'm trying to unlock the MBP
- But TouchID keyboard tends to work much better (90%) for websites/passwords, once the Mac is unlocked
This may be an issue with initiating connectivity between TouchID and Mac just when unlocking (?)
Using my magic keyboard with touch ID to unlock my Mac studio and Studio monitor fails each and every time. I also have it set up where I can unlock my Mac studio with my Apple Watch and that two fails and I have to enter my passcode each and every time. It does work using my Apple Watch/Touch ID to purchase and use my online banking apps, etc. I've also tried connecting and unconnecting my magic keyboard to the studio Mac without success.
Hi, out of interest did you ever get this resolved ? I have a Mac Studio and have the same problem. I'm stunned that Apple would release a product that doesn't work so wondering if it is a hardware issue ?
Thanks. After removing from my Bluetooth devices and connecting initially by a cable it seems to be a lot more stable now (I had tried this some time ago but it didn't fix it). I've also discovered that if you press the button that can cause issues (feels like it is waiting for another action to complete on the keyboard).