How to Fix Touch ID Requires Passcode When iPhone Restarts?

"Whenever I restart my iPhone, it asks me to enter the passcode rather than my Touch ID. The thing is that I have forgotten my password and don't know how to operate in this situation. Come someone help me in this matter?"

If you're used to unlocking your iPhone using Touch ID, it can be surprising that Touch ID requires passcode when iPhone restarts. Fingerprint authentication is so convenient that many of us rely on it daily, but, often to the point where we forget our passcode entirely.

So, why does iPhone require your passcode frequently even with Touch ID? And more importantly, is there a way to bypass this? In this guide, we'll explain why it prompts "Your passcode is required to enable Touch ID", and walk you through helpful solutions to fix or bypass passcode required after restarting.

Part 1. Why Is Passcode Is Required to Enable Touch ID After Restarts

Let's first clear up a common misconception: typically, this is not a bug. It's actually a built-in security feature from Apple designed to keep your personal data safe.

At the heart of this system is something called the Secure Enclave, a special chip on your iPhone that stores and protects your biometric data - like fingerprints used for Touch ID. Under normal conditions, the Secure Enclave communicates securely with the fingerprint sensor to allow Touch ID access.

However, when your iPhone is powered off or restarted, this connection is temporarily disabled and the verification becomes expired. That's why, when you reboot your device, your passcode is required to enable Touch ID again. Once you've entered your passcode, Touch ID is reactivated.

Here are some scenarios when your iPhone will always ask for a passcode according to Apple official explanation:

• The device has just been turned on or restarted.
• The iPhone has not been unlocked for more than 48 consecutive hours.
• The passcode has not been used to unlock the device in the last 156 hours (6.5 days) AND Touch ID has not been used in the last 4 hours.
• The device has received a remote lock command from the Find My service.
• There have been five unsuccessful fingerprint attempts in a row.

If you're seeing this prompt after a restart, it's expected behavior. But if it keeps appearing randomly or you're locked out because you've forgotten your passcode, check out the fixes below in Part 3 or bypass the passcode with methods in Part 4.

Part 2. Can You Disable Your Passcode Is Required to Enable Touch ID

This is one of the most frequently asked questions - and the honest answer is no, you can't fully disable this feature. Apple requires a passcode after restarting your iPhone as a core security measure. While Touch ID offers convenience, it doesn't replace the passcode, which is essential for protecting your encrypted data.

Allowing access without a passcode after a restart would pose a serious security risk. That's why the message "Your passcode is required to enable Touch ID" is a permanent feature of iOS - not a bug or optional setting.

Part 3. How to Fix iPhone Requires Passcode After Restarting Randomly

If the passcode prompt is appearing more frequently than the scenarios listed in Part 1, a minor software glitch is the likely culprit. Here are four effective fixes to resolve the issue without losing any data.

Fix 1. Reactivate Touch ID for iPhone Unlock

Sometimes, simply toggling the Touch ID setting off and on can refresh its functionality and resolve hidden software conflicts.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. You will need to enter your passcode to continue.
Step 2. Scroll down, tap Turn Passcode Off and enter your Apple ID password if prompted.
Step 3. If needed, you can turn it on again to refresh related settings, fixing the frequent or random iPhone requires passcode after restarting issue.

Fix 2. Refresh Fingerprint Encryption

If you've recently updated iOS or your fingerprint hasn't been registering well, the saved fingerprint data may be slightly corrupted. Re-adding your fingerprint often solves the random passcode is required when iPhone restarts issue.

Step 1. Navigate to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
Step 2. Tap on the fingerprint you wish to remove (e.g., "Finger 1").
Step 3. Select "Delete Fingerprint."
Step 4. Tap on "Add a Fingerprint..." and follow the prompts to scan a fresh fingerprint.

Fix 3. Clear the Touch ID Sensor

Fingerprint recognition can fail due to physical obstructions. After five failed attempts in a row, your iPhone will require a passcode, even if the issue is as simple as dirt or moisture on the Home button.

Therefore, gently wipe the Home button with a clean, dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. Ensure your finger is also clean and dry before attempting to use Touch ID again.

A quick clean can often restore proper fingerprint scanning and reduce passcode prompts.

Fix 4. Update iOS or Restart iPhone/iPad with Touch ID

A force restart clears temporary glitches that might be causing your iPhone to misread Touch ID behavior. If the issue persists, check for an iOS update - Apple often releases fixes for bugs that affect features like Touch ID.

To Force Restart:

• iPhone 8 and later: Quickly press and release the Volume Up and Volune Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button (Power) until the Apple logo appears.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power (Side) button together. Keep holding both until the Apple logo shows, then release.
• iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the Power (Top or Side) button at the same time. When you see the Apple logo, release all buttons.

To Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Part 4. How to Bypass Your Passcode Is Required to Enable Touch ID

If you've forgotten your iPhone passcode and are locked out with the "Your passcode is required to enable Touch ID" message, don't worry, this part will introduce 4 ways to bypass passcode required when iPhone restarts.

⚠️ Note: All bypass methods will erase your device. Make sure you have a backup or are okay starting fresh.

Method 1. Erase iPhone via iOS 15.2 to Unlock Touch ID

If you don't have computers on your side, Apple introduced a helpful feature on iOS 15.2 that lets you erase and reset a locked iPhone directly from the device.

After putting all the necessary things in order, you'll need to follow the steps below to erase your device and fix the Touch ID requires your passcode when iPhone restarts problem.

Step 1. You'll see the Erase icon after attempting to unlock your iPhone passcode a couple of times.
Step 2. Hit the Erase iPhone option in this phase and then confirm it later.
Step 3. You'll need to log out from your Apple ID and select the Erase option afterward. This process will help you remove all the settings and data from your device.

Step 4. After restarting your device, you'll be able to set up a new passcode again, and you can also restore your important data from a backup you've created earlier.

Method 2. Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to Unlock Touch ID

If you can't remember the Apple ID password as well, you'll need to bypass the passcode via professional tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

As an outstanding third-party tool for iPhone/iPad/iPod unloking, this software allows you to unlock your iOS deviced from any situation, like iPhone is disabled, forgot iPhone passcode, iPhone screen is broken/frozen, etc. If you want to unlock Apple ID, Screen Time, or MDM restrictions without passcode, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker can also fully meet your needs.

Most importantly, if you've turned on the Find My feature, you can also use this powerful tool to remove the Activation Lock easily.

Only by simple and easy steps, you'll be able to access your iPhone successfully by yourself at home. Now, click on the Download button below and have a try!

Then, let's see how to bypass Touch ID requires your passcode when iPhone restarts by using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.

Step 1Launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker

Before proceeding, you'll need to download TunesKit iPhone Unlocker and launch the software on your computer. Next, you'll need to connect your iPhone to the PC with a fitted USB cable. After that, click on the Unlock iOS Screen option to go to the next step.

Step 2Put iPhone into DFU Mode

You'll see the instrutions on the screen about how to put your iPhone into DFU mode. Please put your iPhone into DFU mode according to the guidance. If you can't enter the DFU mode, you can also try to put your iPhone into the Recovery mode. When you finish, click on the Next icon to proceed.

Step 3Download Compatible Firmware Package

In this stage, all you need to do is download the firmware package suitable for your iPhone. Before downloading, you need to check if the onscreen infomartion is matched with your iPhone. If there is nothing incorrect, you can get it done by hitting the Download icon.

Step 4Unlock iPhone When Touch ID Requires Your Passcode

After getting the firmware package downloaded, you'll need to hit Unlock to fix Touch ID requires passcode when iPhone restarts. The process won't take long as you'll be able to set up a new password pretty quickly.

Method 3. Restore iPhone via iTunes

If your passcode is required to enable Touch ID when iPhone restarts, but you've forgotten your password, you can also try to restore iPhone via iTunes. Keep in mind this method will erase all your data, so it's best used if you have a recent backup.

Step 1. Download and open the latest version of iTunes on your computer. Connect your iPhone via USB and wait for iTunes to detect it. Use Finder if your computer runs MacOS.
Step 2. After a few moments, you'll need to select the device icon followed by Summary when iTunes detects your device.
Step 3. Hit the Restore iPhone option and confirm it later. You need to remember that all your hard work will go in vain if iPhone disconnects from the PC.
Step 4. After restoring procedure gets completed, your iPhone will start up again, and then you can access your iPhone without entering the passcode.

Method 4. Bypass iPhone Passcode with iCloud

If you've enabled Find My feature and remember your Apple account credentials, but iPhone is not on your side right now, you can try erasing your iPhone via iCloud remotely. This can also help remove any software glitches that might be triggering the "Touch ID requires passcode when iPhone restarts" issue.

However, like iTunes, this method will also cause iPhone data loss, and you'd better back up your data before opting for this.

Here's a quick guide to restoring iPhone through iCloud.

Step 1. Navigate to iCloud's official website after launching the web browser.
Step 2. Enter your Apple ID credentials after reaching iCloud.
Step 3. Select the Find My iPhone option.
Steo 4. From the list of devices, choose your iPhone.
Step 5. Select Erase iPhone to begin the reset process. After your device gets started again, you'll need to set a new passcode and Touch ID.

Part 5. How to Fix iPhone Requires Passcode After Restarting When You Don't Set One

This is a rare but definitely confusing situation. If your iPhone requires a passcode after restarting, but you're sure you never created one, there are two likely causes:

1. A Default Passcode May Be Set by an Organization

According to Apple, standard consumer iPhones do not have default passcodes. However, some users have reported success using simple codes like "100000" or "111111", especially on devices issued by schools or workplaces.

While it may seem unusual, it's worth trying - these passcodes might be set through MDM (Mobile Device Management) profiles configured by an organization's IT department.

2. It's a Second-Hand Device

Another possible cause is that you're using a pre-owned iPhone that wasn't properly reset before being sold. If the previous owner didn't remove their Apple ID or passcode, your iPhone might ask for it after restarting.

👉 What to do: Contact the seller and ask them to remove the device from their iCloud account.

Part 6. How to Fix iPhone Requires Incorrect Passcode After Restarting

If you suddenly see a 6-digit or even alphanumeric keyboard after restarting your iPhone, even though you previously used a 4-digit code, or correct iPhone passcode not working suddenly, don't worry - this usually happens after enabling certain iOS features like Apple Pay or NFC payment features. As iOS requires a stronger passcode for added security, your original one might be replaced automatically during the set up progress.

Based on the payment code you set, you might see the two keypad type:

• If the keypad shows numbers only: You likely created a 6-digit numeric passcode while setting up a payment method.
• If the keyboard shows letters and numbers: You may have set a custom alphanumeric code, possibly without realizing it.

To prevent this in the future, you can go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, and toggle off Wallet & Apple Pay to prevent future automatic upgrades.

Part 7. Conclusion

In this guide, we've explained why it prompts "Your passcode is required to enable Touch ID" on iPhone/iPad, and offered multiple solutions to fix or bypass passcode required after restarting - whether you're dealing with forgotten codes, unexpected prompts, or screen lock errors.

Out of all the solutions, we believe the most efficient and user-friendly method is using TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. It lets you unlock your iPhone easily, even if you’ve forgotten your passcode or are dealing with a disabled screen, broken device, or repeated restarts. Click on the Try it Free button below and have a try today!