How to use Touch ID on your iPhone, iPad

Our devices hold our entire lives—credit cards, banking information, email, contacts, photos, and more—so the stronger your security, the harder it is for someone to access your data. If you're using certain models of an iPhone® or iPad®, Touch ID® can help. But what exactly is it, and how do you set it up?

Asurion is your one-stop-shop for troubleshooting, fixing, and maximizing your tech. From staying safe on public Wi-Fi to fixing a cracked phone screen, our experts offer tech care to millions. Here's their guide on how to set up, use, and disable Touch ID on your Apple® device.

What is Touch ID?

Touch ID is Apple's fingerprint authentication feature. It lets you securely unlock your device, approve Apple Pay® purchases, authorize App Store® downloads, and sign in to supported apps with a registered fingerprint instead of entering your passcode.

Where is the Touch ID sensor located?

Depending on your device, the Touch ID sensor is built into either the Home button or the top button.

Which devices use Touch ID?

Touch ID is available on several Apple devices, including:

• iPhone SE® (2nd and 3rd generation)
• iPad mini® models with Touch ID
• iPad Air® models with Touch ID
• iPad models with a Home button or top-button Touch ID
• Select iPad Pro® models with a Home button

Many newer Apple devices use Face ID® instead, but Touch ID continues to be available on several current iPhone and iPad models.

How to set up Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad

Before you can use Touch ID, you'll need to create a passcode.

Create a passcode

1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Turn Passcode On.
3. Enter a six-digit passcode.
4. To use a different type of passcode, tap Passcode Options.
5. Enter your passcode again to confirm.

Turn on Touch ID

If you didn't enable Touch ID when you first set up your device:

1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
2. Turn on the features you'd like to use with Touch ID, then follow the on-screen prompts.

Set up Touch ID

1. Make sure both your finger and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry.
2. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode.
3. Tap Add a Fingerprint.
4. Hold your device the way you normally would when unlocking it.
5. Lightly place your finger on the Touch ID sensor without pressing it. Lift and rest your finger as prompted until the scan is complete.
6. When asked, adjust your grip and scan the outer edges of your fingertip to improve recognition.
7. Tap Continue or Done, depending on your device.

Once Touch ID is set up, simply place a registered finger on the Touch ID sensor to unlock your iPhone or iPad.

How to add multiple fingerprints

You can register up to five fingerprints.

1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Add a Fingerprint.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. To remove a fingerprint, tap the saved fingerprint, then tap Delete Fingerprint.

How to turn off Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
2. Turn off any Touch ID features you no longer want to use, such as iPhone Unlock, Apple Pay, or Password AutoFill.