Why isn’t my Touch ID and password showing up?

Answered by Tom Adger

If you’re experiencing issues with your Touch ID and password not showing up on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, there are a few possible solutions you can try. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve many software-related issues. To restart your device, press and hold the power button until you see the “Slide to power off” option. Slide it to turn off your device, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Check if the Touch ID and password setting reappears.

2. Check your device’s restrictions: If you have enabled restrictions on your device, it’s possible that the Touch ID and password setting has been restricted. To check this, go to the Settings app, tap on “Screen Time” or “General” (depending on your iOS version), and then tap on “Restrictions”. If restrictions are enabled, you will need to enter your passcode to access the settings. Once inside the Restrictions menu, make sure that Touch ID and password settings are not restricted. If they are, turn off the restrictions and see if the setting reappears.

3. Update your device’s software: Outdated software can sometimes cause issues with certain settings. Make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS. To check for updates, go to the Settings app, tap on “General”, and then tap on “Software Update”. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install” to update your device. After the update is complete, check if the Touch ID and password setting is now visible.

4. Reset all settings: If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting all settings on your device. This will not erase any data or content, but it will reset all your personalized settings to their default values. To do this, go to the Settings app, tap on “General”, scroll down to the bottom and tap on “Reset”, then choose “Reset All Settings”. After the reset is complete, check if the Touch ID and password setting returns.

5. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that there may be a hardware issue with your device’s Touch ID sensor. In this case, it’s best to reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a suitable solution.

Remember, every situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to try multiple solutions and see which one works best for your specific issue.