Getting started
If your Mac supports Touch ID, you can use it to make everyday sign-ins and approvals a little easier.
Once Touch ID is set up, you can use your fingerprint to:
- Unlock your Mac after it wakes up
- Approve certain prompts
- Fill in saved passwords without typing your Mac password each time
You’ll still need to enter your Mac password in some situations, so think of Touch ID as a convenient shortcut rather than a replacement for your password.
Note: The examples below may show different keyboard styles. Touch ID works the same whether you’re using the built-in keyboard on a MacBook or an external Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
A few things to know first
- Start by making sure you are signed in to your own Mac account.
- Have your Mac password ready. You will be asked for it before the fingerprint can be added.
- Make sure the Mac, or the Magic Keyboard connected to it, has a Touch ID button.
- Only add your own fingerprint. Touch ID is meant to be tied to your account.
What Touch ID will not replace
- FileVault at startup: When the Mac first starts up, Touch ID will not get past FileVault. You will need to type your Mac password first.
- First-time sign-in: Touch ID will not sign you in the first time after satisfying FileVault. Sign in with your password first, then Touch ID can help after that.
- Your Mac password: Touch ID does not replace your password. Keep your password available because macOS will still ask for it at times.
Set up Touch ID
1. Start at the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Open System Settings.
- Choose Touch ID & Password from the sidebar. If you do not see it right away, scroll down a little.
- Select Add Fingerprint.
5. Type your Mac login password when it asks.
6. Rest your finger on the Touch ID button, then lift and place it back down as the screen walks you through it.
7, Shift your finger slightly when prompted so the Mac can capture the edges of your fingerprint too.
8. When it finishes, select Done. That fingerprint is now saved for your account.
Where Touch ID may help
Once your fingerprint is added, stay on that same screen for a moment and look over the Touch ID options. The exact choices may look different depending on the Mac and how the organization manages the device, but these are the usual things Touch ID can help with:
- Unlocking your Mac after sleep: When the Mac wakes up, place your finger on the Touch ID button instead of typing your password every time.
- Filling in saved passwords: If a saved username, password, or passkey prompt appears, Touch ID may let you approve it quickly.
- Approving some app prompts: Some apps may offer Touch ID when they need approval for certain actions.
- Fast user switching: This will be less commonly used. However, it will allow you to get back into your account should you have others using the laptop.
- Apple Pay or store purchases: Touch ID may be used for supported purchases on the Mac.
Using Touch ID after setup
- When your Mac wakes from sleep, place your enrolled finger on the Touch ID button if the prompt shows up.
- If a saved password prompt offers Touch ID, rest your finger on the sensor to approve it.
- If Touch ID is not offered, no problem. Enter your Mac password and keep going.
- After a restart, full shutdown, or certain security prompts, expect to type your password first.
If Touch ID does not work as expected
- Make sure your finger and the Touch ID button are clean and dry.
- If it does not recognize your fingerprint, sign in with your password and try again.
- If the Mac was recently restarted, shut down, or has not been unlocked in a while, macOS may ask for your password before Touch ID works again.
- If you do not see the Touch ID setting, or it appears to be turned off, it may be managed by the organization.
- If you are still stuck, contact the Help Desk and include the prompt or message you are seeing.