Touch ID: More secure than your PIN code
Unlocking your phone with your finger. It sounds futuristic, but millions do it every day. Yet, many people are still hesitant. Is it secure? What if someone steals my fingerprint? And how do you even set it up without spending hours fiddling around?
But here's what no one tells you: Touch ID is actually more secure than that predictable PIN you've been using for years. Your fingerprint is never stored as an image, but as a mathematical code that stays only on your device. No cloud, no Apple server, just locally secured.
And the setup? It literally takes two minutes. In fact, once set up, you can use it for everything: from buying AirPods to paying for your accessories with Apple Pay. No more remembering passwords. No more typing PINs. Just your finger, and you're done.
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What exactly is Touch ID?
Touch ID is the fingerprint scanner Apple developed for its devices. This technology allows you to unlock your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook by simply placing your finger on the sensor. The scanner is located in the home button on iPhones and iPads, while on newer MacBook models, it's integrated into the top-right corner of the keyboard.
The system uses a capacitive sensor that captures the unique characteristics of your fingerprint. This data is then converted into a mathematical code that is securely stored in the Secure Enclave—a specially protected section of the processor. This means your fingerprint is never stored as an image or sent to Apple's servers.
Which devices support Touch ID?
The technology is available on various Apple devices. iPhones have the scanner from the iPhone 5S up to and including the iPhone SE (third generation). Newer models, such as the iPhone X and later, use Face ID instead of Touch ID.
For iPads, the fingerprint scanner has been present since the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3, and all iPad models from 2017 onwards. The latest iPad Air and iPad models have Touch ID integrated into the power button at the top of the device.
MacBooks with Touch ID are MacBook Pro models from 2016 onwards and MacBook Air models from 2018 onwards. On these laptops, the sensor is integrated into the Touch Bar or as a separate button at the top right of the keyboard.
Step-by-step installation of Touch ID
Setting up the fingerprint scanner is surprisingly simple and takes only a few minutes. Here's the complete procedure:
Preparation
First, make sure your fingers are clean and dry. Moisture, grease, or dirt can disrupt the scanning process. Wash your hands if necessary and dry them thoroughly. Also check that the home button or Touch ID sensor is clean.
The installation steps
Open the Settings app on your device and navigate to "Touch ID & Passcode." You'll be prompted to enter your current passcode. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized fingerprints from being added.
Then tap "Add Fingerprint." The system will now guide you through the scanning process. Lightly place your finger on the sensor without pressing. The device will vibrate briefly to indicate that it has scanned part of your fingerprint.
Lift and reposition your finger repeatedly, adjusting the position slightly each time. This ensures the sensor detects all parts of your fingerprint. After about ten to fifteen repositionings, the system prompts you to scan the edges of your finger.
Now hold your phone as you normally would and place the sides of your fingertip on the sensor. This improves recognition when you unlock the device from different angles later.
Add multiple fingers
You can store up to five different fingerprints. This is useful if you use the device with both hands or if your partner needs access as well. Simply repeat the process for each additional finger you want to register.
Uses of Touch ID
The fingerprint scanner does more than just unlock your screen. You can use it to authenticate yourself for various services and functions:
App Store & iTunes: Buy apps, music, and movies without typing your Apple ID password every time. Enable this in the Touch ID settings under "iTunes & App Store."
Apple Pay: Pay contactless in stores or online by holding your finger on the sensor. First, add your payment cards to the Wallet app.
Password Manager: Automatically fill passwords in Safari and apps with your fingerprint. This works via iCloud Keychain.
App security: Many apps, such as banking apps, note-taking apps, and messaging apps, support Touch ID for added security. Enable this in the app's settings.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes Touch ID doesn't work as expected. Here are the most common problems and solutions:
Fingerprint not recognized
This often happens when your fingers are wet, greasy, or dirty. Clean both your finger and the sensor with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, you can use a slightly damp cloth, but make sure everything is dry before trying again.
Damage to your fingers, such as cuts or calluses, can also interfere with recognition. In that case, temporarily register a different finger or wait until the damage has healed.
Touch ID is slow to respond
If the scanner is slow to respond, re-registering your fingerprints may help. Delete the existing fingerprints in the settings and repeat the setup process. This time, make sure you scan more different positions of your finger.
Touch ID is disabled
After five failed attempts, the system temporarily disables Touch ID. You'll then be required to enter your passcode. This also happens after restarting your device—an Apple security measure.
Safety aspects
Touch ID's security is carefully designed. Your biometric data never leaves your device and isn't backed up to iCloud. Not even Apple has access to your fingerprint data.
The chance of two different fingerprints being recognized as identical is approximately 1 in 50,000. For comparison, this is 1 in 10,000 for a four-digit PIN. Touch ID therefore offers better protection than a simple PIN.
The system always requires a backup passcode. You must enter this after booting up your device, after 48 hours of inactivity, or after five failed Touch ID attempts. This prevents anyone from trying to unlock your device indefinitely.
Tips for optimal use
Register your most frequently used fingers first. For most people, these are the thumbs and index fingers. If you often work with gloves, consider temporarily disabling Touch ID and using only your PIN.
Update your fingerprints regularly if you notice any deterioration in recognition. This can happen due to normal wear and tear or minor skin changes. Delete old registrations and re-add them for optimal performance.
Use different fingers for different functions if that's more convenient for you. For example, you can use your thumb to unlock and your index finger for Apple Pay.
Keep the sensor clean by wiping it regularly with a soft cloth. On iPhones and iPads, the home button is often the first part to get dirty, so pay extra attention to it.
The future of biometric security
While Touch ID is still used on many devices, Apple has opted for Face ID in newer models. This facial recognition offers similar benefits but is contactless. Nevertheless, Touch ID remains popular due to its reliability and ease of use, especially in situations where facial recognition is less practical, such as when wearing a face mask.
For users considering a refurbished iPhone or iPad, the presence of Touch ID is often a plus. These devices offer excellent performance at a lower price, while still providing reliable biometric security.
Touch ID makes your life easier
Touch ID proves to be a surprisingly simple upgrade to your daily phone use. It takes two minutes to set it up, and you 'll never have to remember PINs again. The technology is more secure than you think—your fingerprint stays local to your device, is mathematically encrypted, and is inaccessible to anyone else.
Whether you choose a brand-new iPhone or an affordable refurbished iPad , Touch ID makes using it much more enjoyable. No more hassle with passwords when downloading apps or paying with Apple Pay. Just swipe your finger, and you're in.
