Touch ID Stopped Working to Unlock by Single Touch in macOS Sonoma

The macOS Sonoma is still broken. Even though it is released publicly, there are still many issues. Sonoma isn’t yet compatible with all the features of Macs, especially the MacBooks. One such issue that has come to the surface is the issue with the Touch ID. 

Mac users have reported that the Touch ID doesn’t work as it was intended to after the update, and in the worst case, it fails to work at all. Apple community is filled with such complaints regarding the Touch ID after the Sonoma update. Some said the Touch ID only worked when they pressed some key while using it, and it does not unlock with a single Touch. 

If, after upgrading to Sonoma, Touch ID stopped working to unlock by a single touch, then that’s a serious issue you have with your Mac and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Here we are with a guide to help fix this issue that users face with Touch ID after the Sonoma update. 

Fix Touch ID Stopped Working to Unlock by Single Touch in macOS Sonoma

This is a major issue that many users are facing after updating to the macOS Sonoma. If you are also facing issues with the Touch ID after the macOS Sonoma update, then here’s what you can do to fix it-

Restart your System

First thing first, you should restart your Mac without any delay. If you are facing this issue after the update, it can be due to some minor glitch caused after the update. A system restart should most probably resolve it, so you should do that. If you have already tried that and it doesn’t seem to fix the issue, try the second step mentioned in this guide. 

Clean the Touch ID Sensor

If Touch ID is working but taking some time to recognize your fingerprint or not unlocking in a single touch, then probably your Touch ID sensor is dirty. Dirt and dust on the Touch ID sensor can cause this issue, as the sensor won’t be able to read your fingerprint properly. 

You can use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe off any dirt on the surface of the sensor. If the dust is stuck on the surface, then you can use a cleaner like the one that you use for other digital devices. 

Also, while using the Touch ID, ensure your finger is clean. If your finger is dirty, then that can also cause. Ensure you clean your fingers and then proceed with using the Touch ID. 

Check for Software Update

Apple Developers always work towards fixing the bugs that were in the previous update by releasing new updates frequently. You can try checking for the macOS update and installing the available update if Sonoma Touch ID stopped working to unlock by a single touch. To do so, follow the steps given below to do so-

• Click on the Apple icon at the top left corner and then click on System Settings. 

• After this, click on the General tab on the left pane and then select Software Update. 

• Your Mac will check for the latest updates available; install the available updates.

Reset Touch ID Preferences

The issue can also be encountered due to the corrupted Touch ID preferences. Updates can often mess up the Touch ID preferences and corrupt them. You can reset the Touch ID preferences to fix this issue. This is how you can do it-

• Click on the Launchpad icon on the dock. 
• Search for the Terminal icon on the Launchpad and open it. 
• In the Terminal, type the command given below-
  • sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/com.apple.BiometricKit.plist

• Press Return to execute the above command. 
• You will now have to enter your password; do so to continue. 
• After executing the command, restart your PC. 

Delete and Re-Add Fingerprints

The very next thing that you can try doing is deleting the fingerprints from your Mac and then re-adding them. This resets the Touch ID and gives it a fresh start, solving all the issues. You can do it by following the steps mentioned below-

• Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command + Spacebar. 
• Search for System Settings and press Enter to open it. 
• Click on the Touch ID & Password on the left pane. 
• Now, on the right side, click on the added Touch ID. 

• You will have to enter your account password.
• Now, click on Delete to delete the fingerprint. Do the same for all the Touch IDs added to your Mac. 

• Once you have deleted all the Touch IDs, click on the Add Fingerprint option and add your fingerprint to the Touch ID. 

Reset SMC

SMC or System Management Controller handles various components of your Mac, including power supply, status lights, USB ports, etc. If something goes wrong with the SMC, then that can cause issues with the Touch ID. In that case, you will have to reset the SMC, and the issue will be solved. 

If you have a Mac with Apple Silicon, resetting the SMC is not required. A system restart would do the job. However, for Macs with an Apple T2 chip or Intel-based processor, you will have to reset the SMC. Before you continue, you will have to check whether your Mac has an Apple T2 chip or not.

On Mac Desktop Computers (without Apple Silicon)

• First, shut down your Mac. 
• After this, unplug the power cord and wait for 15 seconds. 
• Now, plug the power cord back into your Mac. 
• Turn on your Mac after 5 seconds. 

On MacBooks (without Apple Silicon)

• The first step is to shut down your MacBook. 
• Once off, press and hold the Control + Option + Shift keys together. While holding these three keys, press and hold down the Power key. 

• You must hold the keys for 10 seconds and then release them. 
• After you release the keys, press the Power button on your Mac to turn it on. 

Reset NVRAM (Or PRAM)

Another thing that you have to do if you cannot solve this issue is resetting the NVRAM (or PRAM). This isn’t generally an issue with the Macs with Apple Silicon; if you are using a Mac based on Intel chips, then you will have to manually reset the NVRAM. Below are the steps to do so-

• First, shut down your Mac. 
• Press the Power button on your Mac, and then immediately press and hold the Option + Command + P + R keys together. 
• Keep holding the keys for 20 seconds, and then release them. You will get a sign to release them if you get the startup sound or Apple Logo more than once. 

Final Words

If, after upgrading to macOS Sonoma, Touch ID is not working or you are facing a problem unlocking it by single Touch, then you should be able to solve this issue through the above steps. If the issue is still not solved, then you can contact Apple support or visit the nearest Apple Service Center and get your issue resolved by the experts. 

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