The fingerprint reader on iPhones is a fairly new feature. It’s also a wonderful way to unlock your phone without having to remember a passcode of some sort. It also prevents others from guessing your passcode and gaining unwanted access to your personal data.
There’s no denying how great the fingerprint reader is and how much iPhone users enjoy using it. Unfortunately, there might come a time when it begins to have issues. Just like anything else, troubleshooting is necessary at times.
Are you currently struggling with a faulty fingerprint reader? It’s time to search for iPhone repair near me! You can do a simple internet search on your browser to find a reputable iPhone and iPad repair shop.
It’s also important to have some understanding of what’s going on with your fingerprint reader and the troubleshooting solutions that might take place when you bring it into the shop. Continue reading below to find out more!
1. Touch ID Isn’t Working at All
When the touch ID (fingerprint reader) isn’t working at all, it might be a case of a broken sensor. This is normally not the case, but it’s possible. If the sensor is broken, then nothing you do will fix the problem until you repair the sensor itself.
You can first try to complete a hard reset on your device to see if this corrects the problem. Do keep in mind, this will completely wipe out your entire phone. You’ll then have to set it up as if it were a brand new device.
If this doesn’t correct it, then you’ll need to find a phone repair store.
2. Touch ID Isn’t Working in App Store
Are you having trouble using the Touch ID in the app store? In this situation, you might need to retrain the fingerprint reader for your finger. In other cases, it might be due to a software issue.
If you have an older version of the iPhone, then the touch ID might not show up in the app store at all. To correct this issue, go into your phone’s settings. Then, select, “Touch ID and Passcode.”
Enter your passcode and then turn off iTunes and the app store. You’ll then want to reboot your phone. Once it turns back on, go back into your settings, and turn the touch ID and app store back on.
Hopefully, this fixes the bug.
3. A Wet or Dirty Touch ID
Sometimes, the solution to a faulty touch ID is simple. Wet or dirty fingers can prevent the sensor from picking up on your fingerprint. The same is true for a dirty or wet phone.
You should also check to see if your finger is pruned. Pruned fingers will also cause a sensor to fail when trying to read your fingerprint. Otherwise, make sure to wipe both your hands and your phone before trying to use the touch ID.
Some other factors to keep in mind that might cause sensor issues are lotions, oils, sweat, and even dry skin.
4. Fingerprint Reset
Other times, you’ll need to reset your actual fingerprint. To do this, enter your settings and then select, “Touch ID and Passcode.” Once you enter your passcode to gain access, you can then click on the different fingerprints you’ve added and delete them.
Delete all of them and then tap on, “Add a New Fingerprint.”Once complete, exit your phone’s settings, and give the new fingerprint a try. Hopefully, this corrects the problem.
5. iOS Update or Factory Reset
There does come a time when all phones need either a factory reset or an update. Your phone might be in need of one of these. Older iOS versions might have some bugs that are addressed and corrected in the newer versions.
If your phone doesn’t have the latest version of iOS, then consider doing an update to see if the problem is corrected. If you do this and are still experiencing problems, or if you already have the latest iOS version on your phone, then you can consider doing a factory reset instead.
A factory reset will erase all your data on your phone, but there are ways to back it up.
6. Remove Phone Case and Hold Longer
Another simple solution might be to remove your phone case. Even if the phone case doesn’t block the touch ID, it could trap heat under it that’s then causing the sensor to malfunction. Remove the case from your phone.
Allow it to breathe for a few minutes, and then try it. Remember, you also need to hold your finger on the sensor long enough for it to recognize your fingerprint. More often than not, people tend to quickly place their finger on the sensor and then lift it off just as quickly.
Hold your finger on it longer, and see if this helps.
7. Other Phone Damages
One of the last things to look out for is damage to your phone. Are there other types of damages to your cell phone? If you don’t see any signs of damage, then there could be internal damage.
Have you recently tried to make at-home repairs to the device? Has the device recently been dropped or suffered from any other type of trauma? These are all factors to consider.
How Can iPhone Repair Near Me Help Fix My Phone?
If none of these tricks were able to get your fingerprint reader working again, then it might be time to continue a search for, “iPhone repair near me.” An iPhone repair shop will be able to find and address any issues your phone might be having.
Are you ready to get your iPhone back to working order?
Receive a free quote today to see how we can help you!