Clean the Sensor and Your Finger:
- Ensure the Touch ID sensor (the top button) and your finger are completely clean and dry. Moisture, sweat, lotion, or dirt can prevent recognition. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the button.
Ensure Proper Finger Placement:
- Cover the entire Touch ID sensor and the surrounding metal ring with your finger.
- Do not press too quickly, move your finger around while scanning, or press too hard. Just rest it lightly for a few seconds.
Check for Obstruction:
- If you're using a case or screen protector, make sure it is not covering the sensor or the surrounding ring.
Restart Your iPad:
- A simple restart can clear temporary software glitches that may be affecting the sensor.
Update iPadOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates, as the issue could be a known software bug fixed in a later version.
Delete and Re-add Fingerprints:
- Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode.
- Delete all existing fingerprints.
- Restart your iPad.
- Go back to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and try to Add a Fingerprint again, following the on-screen prompts carefully. Try a different finger if the first one fails.
Check Settings:
- In Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, make sure the features you want to use (like iPad Unlock or iTunes & App Store) are toggled on.
If Touch ID still does not work after completing the troubleshooting steps, especially if you see a persistent error like "Failed—unable to complete Touch ID setup," it may indicate a hardware malfunction or a more severe software problem.
- Hardware Issues: Touch ID is a security-critical component that is paired specifically to the iPad's logic board. Physical damage to the top button/sensor or internal flex cables can cause it to stop working.
- Repair Options: Because of the security pairing, an authorized repair is generally required for hardware failures. You should contact Apple Support or schedule a visit with an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to assess the device and explore repair or replacement options.
