Touch ID (Mac): Setup and Use

Touch ID is a feature for Macs that allows the user to be able to unlock the Mac with their fingerprint. Please note that the Mac must have a fingerprint scanner located on the device in order to use Touch ID.

Determining Touch ID Eligibility

For your Mac to be eligible for Touch ID, it must have a Touch ID scanner.
An example of the touch scanner Is shown below:


Image showing picture of Touch ID on Mac

Setup

  1. Log into your Mac as normal with your username and password.

  2. In the Application Folder, click to open System Settings.
    System Preferences

  3. In the System Preferences window, click Touch ID & Password and select Add fingerprint..

    Image shows system settings on Mac.


  4. You will now need to place your finger on Touch ID and follow the prompts. Lift and rest your finger on Touch ID repeatedly.

    Place Your Finger

  5. As you lift and place your finger, the fingerprint on the screen will fill up with red lines.
    You will need to roll your finger to capture the edges of your fingerprint, as directed on-screen.

    Half-Way Done

  6. Once the Touch ID is ready, you can select Done.

    Completed!

  7. You can now choose what can be opened with Touch ID. To unlock the computer with your fingerprint, make sure Unlocking your Mac is checked.

    Select Options

  8. There is also an option to add additional fingerprints. This way you can unlock the computer with either hand or multiple fingers on a single hand.

Using Touch ID

Please note that Apple requires a password to be entered after a restart or shutdown:

After Restart

  1. When the screen shows the login option and the text, "Touch ID or Enter Password", you can then use Touch ID.

    Unlock with Touch ID

  2. Place your finger on the Touch ID pad.

    Touch ID Location


Keywords:
mac apple touch id touchid finger fingerprint print unlock signin sign in 
Doc ID:
89073
Owned by:
Isaiah K. in UW Stout
KnowledgeBase
Created:
2019-01-14
Updated:
2025-01-08
Sites:
UW Stout