What is Touch ID? It is a unique fingerprint sensor that allows you to connect to, or unlock, your device. In other words, Touch ID is a fingerprint identity sensor that allows you to not only have access to, but protect your device from intruders.
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Touch ID
Crime shows are very popular these days, and they teach us about many things. For example, that DNA and fingerprints are unique to each human being. Interestingly, this feature of human anatomy is used in today’s technological world. For example, Apple’s iPhone lets you use your fingerprint to unlock your smartphone. So how does Touch ID work?
Setting up your Touch ID is relatively easy, although it does take a few steps. First, you need to make sure both your home button and finger are clean and dry. Then, tap Settings, Touch ID & Passcode, and enter your passcode. Then, tap Add Fingerprint and hold your device as you hold it usually, but touch the home button. Hold your finger on the home button until it tells you to readjust your placement. You will need to press your finger several times on the home button in different positions until the phone registers the unique pattern of your fingerprint.
Touch ID can be used with iPhone 5s or later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 or later. The unique individual pattern of each person’s fingerprint means your phone now has your unique signature and that nobody else in the world can access the Touch ID feature on your phone except you.
You can use the feature for many things, including making purchases. For example, you can use your Touch ID instead of your Apple ID password in order to make purchases in the iTunes Store, App Store and iBooks Store.
Touch ID also lets you use Apple Pay everywhere that American Express contactless payments are accepted. Users just hold their iPhone near the reader with their finger on their Touch ID… and the transaction is done! What’s great about this way of payment, is that because the card details are never even saved on the phone, your details aren’t shared during a transaction.
This feature is a technological breakthrough that allows for greater safety and security. The amazing technology also adds a personal touch to owning a device. Before, people might be able to guess you password, but now, no one can guess or fake your unique, personal fingerprint. The new technology is groundbreaking to say the least.
How to Set Up Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
Before you can set up Touch ID on your iPhone and your iPad, you will have to create a passcode for the device. After the passcode has been created, you must follow the steps as described below:
- First of all, make sure that the Home button and your finger are both clean and dry. Any kind of moisture, sweat, lotions, oils, cuts or even dry skin might affect fingerprint recognition. Certain activities can also temporarily affect fingerprint recognition; including exercising, cooking, showering, swimming or other conditions or changes that affect your fingerprint.)
- Now tap Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
- Once on the screen Touch ID & Passcode, enter your passcode.
- Now tap Add a Fingerprint and hold your device as you normally would when touching the Home button.
- Gently touch the Home button with your finger. Just let it rest on the button instead of pressing down. Now, hold your finger there until you feel a quick vibration. Instead, you may be asked to lift your finger.
- Now continue to lift your finger and rest it on the Home button. Do it slowly. Try to make small adjustments to the position of your finger each time you lift your finger from the button.
- The next screen will ask you to adjust your grip. To do that, hold your device as you normally would hold it when unlocking. Next, touch the Home button with the outer areas of your fingertip, instead of the center portion of the finger that you scanned first.
Note that while performing the operation, you’ll be always prompted to go to the next step with instructions like these: Place Your Finger. Lift and rest your finger on the Home button repeatedly or Adjust your Grip – keep doing to capture the edges of your print.
Sometimes, in very rare cases, the operation can go awry. In this case, if you have trouble enrolling one finger, try a different one. You can also register more than one finger if you use different hands or fingers to unlock your device on occasion.
Using Touch ID to Unlock Your iPhone or Make Purchases
You can use Touch ID to not only unlock your iPhone, but to also confirm any purchases made on the phone. Just press the Home button using the finger you registered with Touch ID to unlock the device.
In order to make purchases with your Touch ID in the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store, follow these steps:
- Make sure iTunes & App Store is turned on under Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
- Open the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store.
- Tap the item you want to buy.
- When you see a Touch ID prompt, to make a purchase, lightly touch the Home button.
You can use Touch ID for Apple Pay with an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus or later, make Apple Pay purchases in stores, within apps, and on websites in Safari. You can also use Touch ID on your iPhone to complete website purchases from your Mac. If you have an iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 3 or later, you can use Touch ID for Apple Pay purchases within apps and on websites in Safari.
Manage Touch ID Settings
To manage your Touch ID settings, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
- Turn Touch ID On or Off for Passcode, iTunes & App Store, or Apple Pay.
- Enroll up to five fingerprints. Note that each new print might make fingerprint recognition take slightly longer.
- Tap a fingerprint to rename it.
- Swipe to delete a fingerprint.
- Identify a fingerprint in the list by touching the Home button. The matching print in the list will be highlighted briefly.
Note: In iOS 10, you need to press the Home button using Touch ID to unlock the device. To unlock your device using Touch ID without pressing the Home button, head to Settings > General > Accessibility > Home Button. Once there turn on Rest Finger to Open.
Getting Help with Touch ID
You might need to enter your passcode or Apple ID instead of using the Touch ID for one of the reasons exposed below:
- If you’ve just restarted your device.
- If your fingerprint isn’t recognized five times in a row.
- If you haven’t unlocked your device in more than 48 hours.
- If you’ve just enrolled or deleted fingerprints.
- If you’re trying to open Touch ID & Passcode in the Settings menu.
If you still need help, follow these steps, but try using Touch ID after each step:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS.
- Make sure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry. For the Home button, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris.
- Your finger should cover the Home button completely, touching the surrounding metal ring. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn’t tap too quickly or move your finger around.
- If you’re using a case or screen protector, make sure it doesn’t cover the Home button or the surrounding ring.
Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Make sure that iPhone Unlock or iTunes & App Store is on, and that you’ve enrolled one or more fingerprints. - Try regestering a different finger.
If you still can’t enroll any of your fingers, take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support.
Links
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