Is it normal for Touch ID to not work on MacBook Pro at startup and require a password instead?

Touch on my 16in MB Pro M3 does not work when I start up the laptop. I have to type my password instead. Is this normal?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Touch ID not working on start-up

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 10:13 AM

Reply
4 replies

Aug 29, 2025 10:30 AM in response to Joe Cowley

Normal.


Apple specifically calls out this 'just-after-Startup' case in the documentation of the feature.


see last paragraph:


• if you still have to enter your password: For security, you need to enter your password when you start your Mac. Sometimes you need to enter your password to continue using Touch ID. For example, users must re-enter their password every 48 hours and after five incorrect fingerprint attempts.

from:

Use Touch ID on Mac - Apple Support




Aug 29, 2025 11:54 AM in response to Joe Cowley

Joe Cowley wrote:

Touch on my 16in MB Pro M3 does not work when I start up the laptop. I have to type my password instead. Is this normal?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Touch ID not working on start-up


yes there are a few caveats to TouchID—


where Touch ID will not be accepted by macOS:


• If you restarted your Mac, or if you're not logged into your user account.

• If you have not unlocked your Mac for 48 hours.

• If you are trying to unlock Security & Privacy

• If you are trying to unlock Users & Groups Settings (when FileVault is on)

• If 5 wrong fingerprint attempts

Is it normal for Touch ID to not work on MacBook Pro at startup and require a password instead?

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