[8 Ways] How to Fix iPad Touch ID Not Working

Touch ID is one of the most convenient ways to unlock your iPad, authorize App Store purchases, and authenticate Apple services. But when iPad Touch ID stops working, fails to recognize your fingerprint, or keeps asking for your passcode, it usually indicates a software glitch, settings issue, or hardware problem.

To minimize the inconvenience, we recommend that you rectify this issue as soon as you notice it. Because you will be a lot less enjoyable if Touch ID on your iPad does not work. This article will teach you six solutions for iPad Touch ID not working. Let's get started.

Part 1. Why Is My iPad Touch ID Not Working?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand what causes Touch ID failures. Here are the most common causes:

• Moisture, sweat, oils, or dirt on your finger or Home/Top button
• There is dust, lotion, oil, or debris on the Touch ID sensor
• Temporary iPadOS software glitches
• Incorrect Touch ID settings
• Fingerprints scanned poorly or corrupted over time
• Bugs introduced after an iPadOS update
• Hardware damage to the Touch ID button

Part 2. 8 Fixes for iPad Touch ID Not Working

Next, we'll walk you through 8 proven solutions, from quick, simple checks to advanced troubleshooting. So you can restore Touch ID as fast as possible.

Method 1. Clean and Dry the Home/Top Button and Your Finger

If your finger is wet or sweaty when you touch the Home button or the Top button on iPad, it will cause Touch ID not to read your fingerprint. Also, you should ensure that the Home button or the Top button is free of dust or dirt, as this will also result in Touch ID not working on iPad. So, please keep your fingers with the iPad buttons dry and clean.

Method 2. Force Restart Your iPad

A force restart is the easiest and quickest method you should try first, even if it doesn't ensure a complete solution to Touch ID on iPad not working. As a system failure may cause this to happen, a reboot or forced reboot can also be a quick fix. Here are the steps to force restart an iPad with/without the Home button.

For iPad with Home button: Press and hold both the Top button and the Home button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPad without Home button: Press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, and press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.

Method 3. Turn Off the Touch ID and On Again

Maybe the incorrect setting makes Touch ID not work on iPad when using Apple Services, such as iTunes, Apple Store, Apple Pay, etc. You should toggle off and on the Touch ID Settings again to check if the feature works properly.

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, turn off and on the options (iPad Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Wallet & Apple Pay, Password AutoFill).

Method 4. Delete and Reset the Touch ID Fingerprint

You can remove the added fingerprint and reset Touch ID if the Add fingerprint option in the Settings is already active but you still find the Touch ID not working on your iPad.

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Finger 1 > Delete Fingerprint. Then tap Add a Fingerprint to reset it.

Method 5. Update iPadOS System

Updating the system software in a timely manner is also a possible solution to Touch ID not working on the iPad. By doing so, your iPad may be updated to fix some of the system bugs that cause Touch ID to not work and help you unlock your iPad quickly after the update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.

Method 6. Reset All Settings

If Touch ID is still not working, a deeper configuration conflict may be interfering with system functions. Resetting all settings restores everything back to default without deleting your apps, photos, or personal files. After the reset, set up Touch ID again before adjusting any other settings to ensure the sensor calibrates correctly.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Method 7. Remove iPad Touch ID When Forgot Passcode

When both Touch ID and your passcode stop working, your iPad becomes completely inaccessible. Standard solutions like iTunes restore are more complicated for beginners and may fail if the device isn't recognized. A professional unlocking tool like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker simplifies the process with clear, step-by-step instructions.

It's especially useful when your iPad is disabled, stuck in recovery mode, or refusing to accept fingerprints. Furthermore, this tool is capable of removing Apple ID, Screen Time, and MDM lock as well, as assisting you in breaking the password limits without any effort on your iOS device.

Now, let's learn how to use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to remove iPad Touch ID when it is not working. Then you can add a new one.

Step 1Connect Your iPad to Computer

Cconnect your iPad to the computer, then launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker and select Unlock iOS Screen and hit Start.

Step 2Put Your iPad into DFU Mode

Next, follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPad into DFU mode or recovery mode.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Check if the information of your device and firware package is correct. If not, you could change them maually. Then hit the Download button.

Step 4Remove iPad Touch ID

When finish downloading, you should click the Unlock button to start fixing iPad Touch ID not working problem.

Method 8. Contact Apple If Touch ID Sensor Is Physically Damaged

If your Touch ID button is cracked, dented, or completely unresponsive after multiple fixes, the issue is likely hardware-related. Because Touch ID is cryptographically paired to the Secure Enclave, only Apple can replace it while maintaining biometric functionality. Third-party repair shops can replace the button, but Touch ID will be permanently disabled.

Hardware failure often occurs after drops, impacts, or liquid damage. Continuing to use a damaged sensor may cause repeated lockouts or complete loss of Touch ID features. Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider for proper diagnosis and repair.

Part 3. FAQs Related to iPad Touch ID Not Working

Part 4. Conclusion & Suggestion

If Touch ID on your iPad isn't working, start with the simple methods—cleaning the button, restarting your device, and resetting fingerprints. These solve the majority of software-related Touch ID issues. For persistent problems, updating iPadOS or resetting all settings is your next best step.

If your Touch ID sensor is broken, or if you're locked out due to a forgotten passcode, a professional unlock tool named TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can help. However, remember that only Apple can fully repair Touch ID hardware. With the right steps, you can restore Touch ID functionality and use your iPad normally again.