Touch ID stops on late 2016 MBP

[macmesser]

I have a late '16 MBP running High Sierra and keep OS updated. For a while, I have found it necessary to clear Touch ID and reenter my finger scan because it periodically, and for no apparent reason, ceases to recognize the scan. The Touch ID scan input pad is not dirty, nor is my finger, yet it will not pass me and eventually demands a password. Anyone know what's up with this?

 

[MyMacintosh]

Do you only have 1 finger registered? I registered 3 just in case to avoid problems. Never had my Touch ID not read my print. Sometimes it does read slower than normal.

 

[macmesser]

Do you only have 1 finger registered? I registered 3 just in case to avoid problems. Never had my Touch ID not read my print. Sometimes it does read slower than normal.

Thanks for reply. I rescanned yesterday and noticed that there is an option to add a finger, which I thought was meant to replace the existing finger. You have a great idea. I will scan multiple fingers. Did you use index finger for all fingers? I guess that's best, and let all existing scans remain.

 

[MyMacintosh]

Thanks for reply. I rescanned yesterday and noticed that there is an option to add a finger, which I thought was meant to replace the existing finger. You have a great idea. I will scan multiple fingers. Did you use index finger for all fingers? I guess that's best, and let all existing scans remain.

I used both index and then right thumb

 

[macmesser]

I used both index and then right thumb

That's convenient. Thanks!

 

[macmesser]

I used both index and then right thumb

I followed your suggestion and am sharing my experience in hope it might help someone with a similar problem. Thumb scan is by far the most reliable for me and opens computer 100% of the time. This is no doubt due to larger area of thumb print, which takes more scans to enter but contains more information. Also, the fact that I garden means that fingertips can be worn or damaged, so fingertips don't work as well. Interestingly, I am still having trouble with fingertips which actually seemed to get worse after the thumb was entered. I note that thumb is placed at different angle than index finger. Perhaps this confuses the AI? Anyway, the takeaway is use your thumb, which I recommend for everybody. Thanks again for sharing.