Why and How: Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone

Seeing the message "Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone" means your iPhone cannot complete the Touch ID activation process. As a result, you may be unable to use fingerprint unlocking, Apple Pay, App Store purchases, and other Touch ID features.

This issue can happen on Touch ID-supported iPhone models, including iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and newer devices. It may be caused by iOS glitches, incorrect settings, system updates, or hardware problems. In this guide, we'll explain why Touch ID cannot be activated and how to fix the "Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone" error with 8 effective methods.

Why Does It Say "Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone"?

The "Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone" error can be caused by both software and hardware-related issues. Understanding the possible causes can help you choose the right solution.

• 01 iOS Glitches or Software Bugs: Temporary system errors, failed updates, or iOS bugs may interfere with the Touch ID activation process. If the problem appears suddenly without any hardware changes, a software issue may be the reason.
• 02 Damaged Touch ID Sensor or Home Button: Touch ID components are securely paired with the original iPhone. If the Home button, Touch ID sensor, or related cables are damaged, replaced, or disconnected, Touch ID may stop working.
• 03 Screen Replacement Issues: If you see this error after replacing your iPhone screen, the repair process may have affected the Touch ID components. Using an unauthorized replacement part or damaging the connection cable during repair can prevent Touch ID from being activated.
• 04 Incorrect Touch ID Settings: Incorrect settings, such as disabled Touch ID options or corrupted fingerprint data, can also cause activation problems.
• 05 Outdated iOS Version: An outdated iOS version may contain compatibility issues or bugs that affect Touch ID functionality. Updating your iPhone to the latest supported iOS version may help resolve the problem.

---

How to Fix "Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone"?

Knowing the possible reasons why this issue occurs, let's fix it step-by-step. You can try these methods one by one.

Method 1: Force Restart Your iPhone

A force restart is the quickest way to refresh iOS system processes. It can fix temporary software errors that prevent Touch ID from working.

• For iPhone 8 and newer: Respectively press down and let go of the Volume Up and Down buttons, then hold the Side button until the Apple logo is presented on the screen.
• For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: Simultaneously hold down and release the Volume Down and Sleep buttons until the Apple logo is shown on the interface.
• For iPhone 6, iPhone SE or older: Press down and release the Home and Power buttons at the same time till Apple logo is displayed.

Method 2: Update iOS to the Latest Version

If the problem is caused by an iOS bug, installing the latest update may fix compatibility issues between iOS and Touch ID.

• Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Step 2. Go to General > Software Update.
• Step 3. Click the Update Now button to download and install the available iOS update.

Method 3: Remove and Re-add Touch ID Fingerprints

If you can still access Touch ID settings, deleting existing fingerprints and registering them again may refresh the Touch ID configuration. Please follow the steps here to complete the process.

• Step 1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
• Step 2. Enter your iPhone passcode.
• Step 3. Select an existing fingerprint and tap Delete Fingerprint.
• Step 4. Tap Add a Fingerprint and follow the instructions to register your fingerprint again.

Method 4: Turn Passcode Off and On Again

Your passcode controls Touch ID security settings. Refreshing this option may help when Touch ID settings become temporarily stuck.

• Step 1. Open Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
• Step 2. Tap Turn Passcode Off and enter your passcode.
• Step 3. Wait for a few minutes, then turn the passcode back on.

Method 5: Repair iOS System Issues with TunesKit iOS System Recovery

Having tried the above 4 methods, you would not like to miss this option to fix unable to activate Touch ID on this iPhone with the help of TunesKit iOS System Recovery. This professional third-party iOS repair tool had relevant successful experiences before in dealing with other problems like unable to activate iPhone. TunesKit iOS System Repair, the powerful software, will not cause you any data loss during fixing the issue discussed. Wonder how to apply it to resolve unbale to activate Touch ID on this iPhone? Just do the steps below.

Step 1. Connect Your iPhone

To begin with, connect your device to a computer with an original USB cable. Then run TunesKit iOS System Recovery on the computer and wait it detects your iPhone automatically. Hit the "iOS System Repair" button to begin and select the "Start" button to continue.

Step 2. Select Standard Repair

Choose Standard Repair to repair iOS system problems while keeping your personal data.

Step 3. Download and Verify Firmware Package

Confirm your device info and correct it if anything is wrong. Next tap the "Download" button to get relevant iOS firmware package matched with your iPhone downloaded and verified.

Step 4. Fix Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone

Once the download is done, you could press the "Start Standard Repair" button and start fixing the iOS problem. Do not plug out your device while it's repairing iOS system.

Method 6: Reset All Settings

Resetting all settings can fix incorrect system configurations without deleting your photos, apps, or personal files. This will reset Wi-Fi passwords, Network settings, Privacy settings, and System preferences.

• Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Step 2. Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Step 3. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings. Follow the on-screen prompt to reset your customized settings.

Method 7: Restore iPhone Using iTunes/Finder

Restoring your iPhone can remove serious system errors, but it will erase all data on the device.

Before using this method:

• Back up your iPhone first.
• Make sure you know your Apple Account password.

• Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a lightning-to-usb cable. Trust your computer if prompted.
• Step 2. Open Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
• Step 3. Select your iPhone and choose Restore iPhone.

Method 8: Contact Apple Support

If none of the software methods work, the problem may be related to Touch ID hardware. You should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider if:

• Touch ID stopped working after repair
• The Home button is damaged
• The device has physical damage

---

How to Activate Touch ID on iPhone for the First Time?

If you are setting up Touch ID for the first time, follow these steps:

• Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Step 2. Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
• Step 3. Enter your iPhone passcode. Tap Add a Fingerprint.
• Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprint.

---

FAQs About Unable to Activate Touch ID on This iPhone

---

Conclusion

The "Unable to activate Touch ID on this iPhone" error is usually caused by either iOS system issues or Touch ID hardware problems. You can start with simple solutions like force restarting, updating iOS, and resetting Touch ID settings. If the problem is related to system corruption, TunesKit iOS System Recovery can help repair supported iOS issues without data loss in Standard Mode. However, hardware-related Touch ID failures require professional repair.