Touch ID Not Working on iPad Air? Here’s How to Fix It

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If your iPad Air suddenly stops recognizing your fingerprint or won’t unlock with Touch ID, you’re not alone — especially if it happened after updating to iPadOS 13. The issue is common and can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot and (hopefully) get your Touch ID working again.

Force Restart Your iPad

Sometimes Touch ID stops working because of a minor software hiccup. A force restart can clear it up.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press and hold the Power button and the Home button at the same time.
  2. Keep holding for about 10 seconds until you see the Apple logo.
  3. Release both buttons and let the iPad boot up completely.

Once it’s back on, try unlocking it with Touch ID again.

Add a New Fingerprint

Your saved fingerprints might have gotten corrupted, especially after a system update. Adding a new one can fix recognition issues.

To add a new fingerprint:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
  3. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  4. Tap Add a Fingerprint and follow the on-screen steps.

You can also delete any old fingerprints that aren’t working properly.

Reset All Settings

If Touch ID is still acting up, try resetting your iPad’s settings. This won’t erase your data, but it will restore system settings like Wi-Fi and Face/Touch ID configurations.

To reset all settings:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset.
  3. Tap Reset All Settings.
  4. Enter your passcode and confirm.

After the reset, set up Touch ID again and test it out.

Erase Your iPad (Factory Reset)

If nothing else works, a factory reset might be your last resort. Be sure to back up your data before doing this — it wipes everything.

Here’s how to factory reset your iPad:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  3. Tap Continue and follow the prompts.
  4. Enter your device passcode and Apple ID password if asked.
  5. Confirm to start the reset.

Once it’s done, set up your iPad as new and check if Touch ID is now working.

Still Not Working? It Might Be Hardware

If Touch ID still doesn’t respond after a full reset, the problem could be hardware-related — especially if the sensor was damaged or replaced. In that case, it’s best to contact Apple Support or visit a service center.

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