Touch ID super erratic Sonoma 14.2.1

[duke77]

Hi, I just wanted to know if Touch ID is working well for those who updated to sonoma 14.2.1 on MBP m1 14inches.

After the update it seems that touch ID works from time to time like very erratic behavior. I even tried to setup another finger ID and it doesn't complete the setting.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Apple_Robert]

I haven't had any problems with the Mac recognizing my fingerprint. It sounds like you either aren't resting the finger properly on the button or you have dry hands. If the latter, moisturize your hands and try again.

 

[duke77]

I haven't had any problems with the Mac recognizing my fingerprint. It sounds like you either aren't resting the finger properly on the button or you have dry hands. If the latter, moisturize your hands and try again.

This is not the problem

 

[duke77]

I haven't had any problems with the Mac recognizing my fingerprint. It sounds like you either aren't resting the finger properly on the button or you have dry hands. If the latter, moisturize your hands and try again.

actually just google touch id not working sonoma and you will see i am not the only one

 

[Apple_Robert]

This is not the problem

Backup important files and consider setting up as new by making use of the "Erase all Content and Settings" option. If hat doesn't work, contact Apple and file a bug report.

 

[devilsown]

Hi, I just wanted to know if Touch ID is working well for those who updated to sonoma 14.2.1 on MBP m1 14inches.

After the update it seems that touch ID works from time to time like very erratic behavior. I even tried to setup another finger ID and it doesn't complete the setting.

Any ideas?

Thanks

I have the same issue that started with 14.2.1 - MBP m2 Pro 16inch.
Touch ID only works sporadically, i even tried to set it up again which hardy succeeded because it wouldn't recognize my finger correctly.

 

[MrHoop]

I'm having the same issue on a Mac Air w/M1 ever since the upgrade. Happens often enough it gets very annoying.

 

[vanc]

I could report a similar experience. I have a MBA 15 which was purchased in May 2023. It came with Ventura and touch ID worked perfectly. After upgrade to Sonoma, it started acting up and only allowed me to login occasionally. I deleted the old fingerprints and created a bunch of new ones and the same issue persisted.

Perhaps it's also related to skin color or texture?

 

[vanc]

After posting my last comment, I tried to delete all existing fingerprints and add new ones, and the issue seems fixed. Touch ID is now very consistent.

I used to slightly tilt my fingers when collecting the edge of fingers. That seems caused the recognition issue. This time, I just pressed fingers down flat and edges were collected successfully. It actually makes sense as we usually just lay a finger flat on the touch id to login.

 

[LotsiWRkXw]

Unfortunately I'm not able to add a new fingerprint. MBP M2 (2023 model). The problem with Touch ID seems to have started after updating to either Sonoma 14.0, 14.1, or 14.2 – I can't pinpoint the exact version. Initially, the Touch ID functioned sporadically, working approximately 2 in 10 attempts. However, even after installing the 14.3 BETA update, the issue remains unresolved (I even tried to go with BETA version in a hope it will be solved).

Specifically, the Touch ID fails to recognise my fingerprint during login attempts. Moreover, when attempting to enrol a new fingerprint, I receive the error message: "Failed. Touch ID enrolment was interrupted." I've attempted troubleshooting through both Safe Boot and creating a new user account, but these steps haven't rectified the problem. I've also followed Apple's recommended procedure for cleaning the Touch ID sensor, with no luck.

Has anyone found a solution to this issue (other than what vanc mentioned, as I cannot add a new fingerprint)? Some people suggest a clean install helps. I'm wondering if we should expect a FIX anytime soon or should I sent it back? Thanks!

 

[LotsiWRkXw]

Shortly after posting my last comment here, I found a suggestion to reset SMC (System Management Controller) on my MBP M2 (2023). All articles says MBP M2 does not have SMC or it resets when you restart your MacBook. Not sure if that's true, the steps helped! I can add a finger print and it's working!!! We'll see for how long, but at least it's a start.

Followed these steps:

Shut Down Your MacBook Pro:
First, shut down your MacBook Pro completely. Go to the Apple menu and select "Shut Down".
Connect to Power:
Make sure your MacBook Pro is connected to power using the AC adapter.
Perform the SMC Reset:
Press and hold the Control (left side) + Option (left side) + Shift (right side) keys on your keyboard.
While holding these keys, press and hold the power button as well.
Keep all four keys pressed down for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and the power button at the same time.
Turn on Your MacBook Pro:
After releasing the keys, wait a few seconds.
Then, press the power button to turn on your MacBook Pro.

EDIT: Actually, I take it back. After restart Touch ID cannot be used and a new one enrolled. However I do have a fingerprint saved now, so it's a step forward. I know it's must be a system issue. I was able to use it once. I expect to see a similar behaviour now - so from time to time it'll allow me to use it.

 

[GHM]

Found this thread as I was just experiencing a complete inability to have the Touch ID button on my M1 MBA even see that a finger was touching it. ie. it looked like hardware problem.
Problem turned out to be a low power (battery) charging cable.... once I disconnected that my Touch ID reverted to normal, near instant, fingerprint recognition.

 

[TOMEK94]

I have the same problem. When I connect my mac to the Apple Studio Display, with the original cable that came with the monitor, Touch ID does not work. This is ridiculous to say the least.
When I disconnect the cable, Touch ID works again immediately.
Changing the charging port doesn't matter.

The problem is on both devices I own.
Macbook Pro 14, M3 Pro - after updating to Sonoma 14.3
Macbook Pro 13, M1 - after updating to Sonoma 14.3 (I skipped version 14.1 and 14.2 on this device).

 

[GHM]

I have the same problem. When I connect my mac to the Apple Studio Display, with the original cable that came with the monitor, Touch ID does not work. This is ridiculous to say the least.
When I disconnect the cable, Touch ID works again immediately.
Changing the charging port doesn't matter.

The problem is on both devices I own.
Macbook Pro 14, M3 Pro - after updating to Sonoma 14.3
Macbook Pro 13, M1 - after updating to Sonoma 14.3 (I skipped version 14.1 and 14.2 on this device).

I wonder if at some stage the setting for "allow accessory to connect" has been stored in a way that makes Sonoma believe there is a security risk and therefore disables Touch ID. Perhaps try flipping the System Setting to "ask every time", try connecting your display and confirm the prompt, and then see if Touch ID is operational?

 

[arc of the universe]

actually just google touch id not working sonoma and you will see i am not the only one

i think you are right.

for the first time ever, my Touch ID on my Macbook Air was not working immediately and without problems.
i need to put my finger on the button several times for it to work.
first time in 4 years, i think.
but after i re-registered my finger(s), it worked again flawlessly.

 

[kreasu_]

Shortly after posting my last comment here, I found a suggestion to reset SMC (System Management Controller) on my MBP M2 (2023). All articles says MBP M2 does not have SMC or it resets when you restart your MacBook. Not sure if that's true, the steps helped! I can add a finger print and it's working!!! We'll see for how long, but at least it's a start.

Followed these steps:

Shut Down Your MacBook Pro:
First, shut down your MacBook Pro completely. Go to the Apple menu and select "Shut Down".
Connect to Power:
Make sure your MacBook Pro is connected to power using the AC adapter.
Perform the SMC Reset:
Press and hold the Control (left side) + Option (left side) + Shift (right side) keys on your keyboard.
While holding these keys, press and hold the power button as well.
Keep all four keys pressed down for 10 seconds.
Release all keys and the power button at the same time.
Turn on Your MacBook Pro:
After releasing the keys, wait a few seconds.
Then, press the power button to turn on your MacBook Pro.

EDIT: Actually, I take it back. After restart Touch ID cannot be used and a new one enrolled. However I do have a fingerprint saved now, so it's a step forward. I know it's must be a system issue. I was able to use it once. I expect to see a similar behaviour now - so from time to time it'll allow me to use it.

Holy crap this totally worked thank you!

I needed to smc reset but I don't have a screen attached to my MacBook therefore I couldn't close the screen to initiate it like they do in the support documentation