What is Touch ID in Apple devices - iPhone, iPad. What to do if your iPhone's Touch ID sensor is broken. Does iPhone 5c have a fingerprint?

The appearance of any new function in Apple devices (and not only) causes a wave of discussions, disputes, and criticism. This fate did not spare the fingerprint scanner built into the iPhone 5s and called Touch ID.

The Canadian newspaper Toronto Star published an article entitled “The fingerprint scanner in the iPhone 5s: 10 reasons why it’s a bad idea.” The title of the article speaks for itself. But let's try to figure out whether Touch ID really deserves criticism - let's take the arguments of the Toronto Star writer and look at them more closely.

1. There is a video of a cat unlocking an iPhone. How soon will hackers get to the scanner?

Well, yes, such a video exists. Moreover, there are hundreds of similar videos where Touch ID is unlocked using various parts of the body (including intimate ones), but what does this mean? Only that the scanner is capable of reading fingerprints not only from fingers. This is bad? No. Less secure? Also no. Your cat will only be able to unlock your iPhone if you have added its pawprint to your trusted list. Well, of course, hypothetically we can assume that the attackers, having stolen your iPhone, will also grab your cat in order to unlock the device with its help... Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?

Well, as for hackers, they have already reached the scanner, but methods of deceiving Touch ID are still far from being generally used.

2. If Apple did something wrong, it will set the biometrics industry back years.

What does “did something wrong” mean? And why should this have such a serious impact on an industry that developed before the advent of Touch ID, and will continue to develop after, even if it turns out that Apple actually got something wrong.

3. Touch ID is a solution to a non-existent problem

Here the author of the article asks a question that is painfully familiar from forum battles - why should people buy an iPhone 5s, pay a lot of money for it, if they are satisfied with the iPhone 5. As on the forums, it is very difficult to answer such a question. Or very simply: you’re happy with the old model, so don’t buy a new one.

4. Apple is using fear to promote this product.

Well, this is actually funny. Fear of what? Before the possible theft of the device? Before possible access to confidential data? But Touch ID does not have any extra security, it simply makes user identification more convenient compared to the usual password entry.

5. Wet and dirty fingers negatively affect the operation of the sensor, causing errors

A compelling argument. Also, wet and dirty fingers do not work well with the touch screen. So they just need to be washed and dried.

6. Your fingerprints will be stored somewhere on your smartphone, and someone can use them

First of all, Touch ID stores its data in a completely separate place designed specifically for this storage. And only the result of the form “ID verification successful/unsuccessful” is transmitted to the rest of the smartphone’s hardware. And it is impossible to intercept this data from the outside in any way.

Further. iPhone does not store fingerprints. When adding a fingerprint, the finger is scanned and converted into a set of data, which is stored in the smartphone. Then, during identification, the finger is scanned again, another set of data is obtained, which is compared with the first. If the data matches, the user is identified. Moreover, these data sets are specific to the iPhone; using them elsewhere (even assuming that they can somehow be stolen) simply does not make sense.

The kidnapper will receive gibberish, converting it back into a fingerprint will be as “simple” as recreating the original culinary masterpiece with all the decorations and cream inscriptions from a half-eaten cake, and even broken into small pieces. This comparison was made by a specialist familiar with this issue.

7. This is complex software, which can lead to problems.

The author means that complex software is less resistant to hacker attacks. What to answer to this? The iPhone 5s is not the only electronic device in the world with complex software. And it’s okay, others somehow live and cope...

8. This is only intended for part of the market. Most people don't worry about safety

Well, don't let them worry. No one is forcing anyone to use Touch ID, just like no one is forcing anyone to use a password. But since the authentication procedure with a scanner is much simpler than with a password, perhaps some of those who have not thought about security before will still use Touch ID?

9. Possible technical problems with the new product

Yes, this happens. But so far no problems have been noticed, in fact, users report that Touch ID “just works” and works fine. And if we proceed from the logic that every new product may encounter technical problems, and therefore it is bad, then it is better not to release new products at all, isn’t it?

10. People will use Touch ID initially, but then they will refuse because the wear and tear of the sensor will delay identification.

Will there be this delay? Can anyone say this with certainty? Now there is no delay, the device works quickly and does not cause problems.

And as a result. Once again, no one is forcing you to use Touch ID. The sensor simplifies identification - and that’s all, it’s not a panacea for all ills, but it’s not their source either. Whoever wants it will use it, the rest will simply use the smartphone in the manner familiar from previous models.

Sometimes iPhones break due to the fault of users. Some breakdowns can be easily fixed at almost any service center. However, there are problems that cannot be fixed without Apple's intervention. For example, a button with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner is tied to the device’s processor. It can be replaced, but the fingerprint scanner will not work. Only Apple can help with this, and it decided to help.

According to Reuters, Apple has begun shipping devices called Horizon Machine to authorized service centers. It is planned to supply devices to more than 200 service centers in 25 countries. You can only change the fingerprint scanner in an iPhone while maintaining its functionality using this device, which will perform the necessary calibration.

It will be great if Horizon Machine appears in every authorized service center. This will make repairing Apple devices more affordable and faster. Unfortunately, there are cities where there are no authorized Apple service centers. It is for this reason that there is an initiative that wants to require tech companies to provide specifications and tools to repair their products. Apple is active

Apple provides users of its technology with a large number of functions designed to ensure complete security and protect the device from unauthorized persons. One such add-on is Touch ID.

What is Touch ID

Touch ID is a password that can be set to unlock the device or access certain applications. Unlike previous passwords, which were a combination of numbers or a key character, Touch ID checks the fingerprints of the person trying to unlock the phone or tablet and compares them with the fingerprints stored in the device's memory. If they match, then the unlocking is successful, but if Touch ID suspects that they are trying to hack the device, it will go into lock mode. The user has three attempts to prove their identity using unique fingerprints.

The advantage of this technology is that it is the most reliable way to block access to your device or individual programs. If a phone or tablet is stolen, it will be very difficult for an attacker to remove it from the locked state.

Touch ID first appeared on the iPhone 5S and is present on all subsequent phone models. This technology is also available on iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.

How to enable, disable and configure Touch ID on iPhone

Before activating Touch ID, it is recommended that you restart your device, close all applications and wash your hands, since the first time you turn it on you will need to add your fingerprints, and if they are unclear, you may have problems unlocking the device in the future.

1. Open the Settings application.
2. Go to the “Touch ID and Passcode” section.
3. Click the “Add fingerprint” button. Detailed instructions for adding a fingerprint will appear on the device screen. It will be necessary to apply your finger several times, raising and lowering it at the right moment. Hold the device the way you normally hold it. Don't place your finger straight or at a certain angle; place it on the Home button the way you most often place it during everyday use.
4. If you think that the fingerprint is inaccurate, then find it in the “Fingerprints” block and swipe it from right to left. A “Delete” button will appear, which you must click to erase the fingerprint.
5. You can click on the name of the resulting fingerprint to assign any other name.
6. Now we activate the “Unlock iPhone” function if you want the device to unlock only after touching it with your finger.
7. Activate the "iTunes Store, App Store" feature if you want your fingerprint to be required when entering the store.
8. If you want to disable Touch ID technology on your device, then deactivate the two features above.

What to do if a function stops working or crashes

Some users experience problems immediately after enabling Touch ID, while others experience problems after a few days or months. The problem may be the following: Touch ID does not work, has stopped working, does not work the first time, does not work correctly. To get rid of all the above problems, you need to do the following:

1. Reboot your device by pressing the Lock and Home buttons at the same time for 8-10 seconds.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Go to the Touch ID and Passcode section.
4. Delete any existing prints. To do this, first click on the name or fingerprint number.
5. In the tab that opens, click the “Delete fingerprint” button. Repeat this operation with all prints.
6. Click the Add Fingerprint button. Follow all the instructions that appear on the device screen: remove and reapply your finger, rest the tip or middle of your finger, rotate, and others. Repeat this process with each finger.

What to do if the fingerprint scanner is not working well - video

If restoring fingerprints does not help fix problems with Touch ID, you need to take the device to a service center to get advice from a qualified specialist and possibly send the device for repair, since the problem is most likely in the hardware of the phone or tablet. If you hacked the firmware of your device using Jailbreak, then this may be the reason. Also, the reason may be in the IOS version; you need to install the latest firmware on your device for Touch ID to work correctly.

If you encounter a problem that prevents Touch ID from working on your iPhone, this can lead to serious consequences, even to the point where the smartphone will no longer turn on. After all, the Touch ID function is responsible for the ability to unlock the device using a fingerprint scan. It is designed to protect the iPhone from unauthorized access, but as a result of a breakdown, the smartphone may stop responding to your finger touches or recognize your fingerprint.

To fix the problem, you can enter the password yourself and reconfigure the Touch ID scanner on your iPhone. If this doesn't help, your smartphone will likely need professional repair.

What problems can occur in the iPhone scanner?

For the first time, the Touch ID fingerprint scanner began to be built into the iPhone 5S. Since then, the technology that allows you to unlock your device using your fingerprint has been greatly improved. However, incorrect operation of the Touch ID fingerprint scanner can still be manifested by several “symptoms” at once:

• The fingerprint scanner does not recognize your finger
• Fingerprint sensor settings have been reset
• Touch ID doesn't work at all
• It is impossible to use applications that support the Touch ID function

The reasons for the incorrect operation of the iPhone fingerprint recognition sensor can be varied - from touching the sensor with wet hands to broken button cables, other mechanical damage and system failures in the iPhone.

What are the main causes of such problems?

If you bought a new original iPhone, but the Touch ID button does not work, there may be several reasons for this. Most often, smartphone owners encounter the following problems:

• Fingerprint recognition fails due to pressing the button with wet fingers
• the appearance of cuts, abrasions and other marks affecting the fingerprint
• Touch ID system settings failure
• iPhone cable button failure
• other mechanical damage to the smartphone, due to which it is impossible to enter the password
• iPhone system crash

All this can lead to the fact that the fingerprint recognition button does not work, the phone cannot be unlocked, it stops turning on, etc.

In addition, if Touch ID does not function on a newly purchased iPhone 5S or a smartphone of a different model, this may indicate that you were sold a refurbished gadget at a reduced price. It is certainly possible to use such a device, but without professional repair of the fingerprint sensor it will not be possible to restore the Touch ID function.

What problems can you deal with on your own?

If you are faced with the fact that the Touch ID fingerprint recognition system has stopped turning on, it is impossible to unlock the device, etc., you can try to find a solution to the problem yourself. Try restarting your smartphone by pressing the power button and the Home button. If this doesn't help, recalibrate Touch ID:

• go to the menu “Settings – Touch – Password”
• enter a password that will unlock your Apple device
• reset existing fingerprints on your phone
• rescan your fingerprint to replace them
• save the settings and check if the sensor is now working

If entering the password and calibration did not help, try flashing your smartphone through iTunes to return the device that was not working to factory settings. This may be a solution to the problem and will help you avoid re-entering the password, replacing the Touch ID buttons and cable, as well as other major repairs.

What to do if the measures taken did not help

If you have repeatedly entered the password, rebooted the device with the “Home” button, calibrated the Touch ID sensor, but your smartphone is still not functioning properly, Touch ID on the iPhone does not work, the device has stopped turning on at all, you cannot do without professional repairs. You can contact any service center or entrust the device to a private YouDo professional, who has a number of advantages:

• no queues or waiting for button replacement
• availability of original spare parts for replacement
• reduced cost of services due to the absence of intermediaries
• convenient ways to order and pay for services

Yudu performers work around the clock. They will quickly and inexpensively produce the necessary

Touch ID is a technology that first appeared in the iPhone 5S and is used as an additional security option for the iOS operating system and a means of user identification. The essence of this technology is that a special biometric sensor is built into the Home button, which allows you to read the user’s fingerprints and use them instead of a password to access the phone, as well as to make purchases in the App Store and iTunes Store.

As mentioned above, Touch ID was first introduced in the iPhone 5S, but it is expected that this year the biometric sensor will appear in the new iPad Air and iPad mini, and, of course, in the new generation of iPhone, which is expected to appear in the second half 2014. At the same time, most likely, the new devices will also use a new generation of the Touch ID 2 sensor with improved recognition technology and, possibly, support for additional functions.

How to set up Touch ID

If you just bought a device, then by going through the standard activation procedure when you first start it, you can immediately tune Touch ID. To register a fingerprint and enter it into the Touch ID database, you need to perform a few simple steps. Let us immediately note that the device can store up to 5 fingerprints, which are stored in a special memory compartment of the central processor.

1. Before immediate setting up Touch ID, we recommend that you thoroughly wash your hands and, most importantly, your fingers, and also thoroughly wipe the Home button on the device, because... It is the Touch ID sensor that is built into it. Only after this you can start setting up.

2. Before setting up the Touch ID sensor, you must come up with and enter a four-digit or complex password. It will be prompted if Touch ID fails to recognize your fingerprint.

3. Hold your iPhone the same way you normally hold it when pressing the Home button. Place your finger on the Home button and hold it until you feel a slight vibration or until the system tells you that you can remove your finger. Don't press the button too hard, just tap it lightly.

3. After the initial scan, the recognition system will ask you to change the position of your finger to complete the scan. Hold the phone as usual and touch the edges of your finger so that the system can fully recognize the fingerprint.

How to set up Touch ID if your device is already activated

You can configure the Touch ID sensor and save fingerprints in the processor memory, if the device is activated, through the main settings. To do this, go to Settings and select "Touch ID and password" in the main menu. Next you need to select “Fingerprints”. Then the system will offer the procedure for registering and saving fingerprints already described above.

Use Touch ID instead of entering a password and for App Store purchases

Once you've set up Touch ID and stored your fingerprints in your iPhone's processor, you can use your fingerprint to unlock your device (instead of entering a password) and as a means of authentication when making purchases in the App Store and iTunes Store.

To unlock your iPhone using Touch ID, wake up the device from sleep mode by pressing the power button or home button. After that, gently move your finger to the Home button without pressing it, and the phone will unlock.

If Touch ID fails to recognize the fingerprint within three attempts, you will be prompted to enter the password that was set when setting up Touch ID. It is also worth noting that the Touch ID sensor is disabled and a password is required if:

1. The device turned on after rebooting
2. More than 48 hours have passed since the device was last unlocked
3. You want to go to the "Touch ID and password" item in the device settings

To use Touch ID as your Apple ID account ID(to make purchases and downloads in the App Store and iTunes Store), you need to go to settings, select "Touch ID and password" and activate the "iTunes Store, App Store" item there.

Gently place your finger on the Home button and the purchase will be completed. Please note that you will be prompted to scan your fingerprint every time you try to download content from the App Store or iTunes Store. If the sensor fails to recognize the fingerprint within 5 attempts, you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID account password.

How to improve Touch ID performance

Some users using the Touch ID sensor have complained that the system does not accurately recognize their fingerprints. There are a couple of simple ways to increase the accuracy of your fingerprint identification using Touch ID.

1. Touch ID processor memory can store up to 5 fingerprints. To make recognition of the finger used to unlock the device more accurate, you can do the following: assign the same fingerprint to different memory slots. That is, in essence, you need to “scan” one finger several times, as if they were different fingers. Thus, the accuracy of your fingerprint recognition can increase to almost 100%!

2. Keep the Home button clean so that it is free from dust or moisture. The accuracy of fingerprint recognition directly depends on the surface of the sensor, so, naturally, if there is grease, dust or dirt on it, the accuracy of fingerprint recognition is noticeably reduced.

3. Make sure that the latest version of the software is installed on your device - Apple may make changes and improvements to the built-in iOS functions at the software level. For example, in version iOS 7.1.1, Touch ID improvements were officially made, thanks to which fingerprint recognition became more accurate and smooth.

After updating the software, we recommend deleting all registered fingerprints and adding them again to make Touch ID as accurate and convenient as possible.

Set up iPhone in a service center

No problem! If you want to comprehensively configure your new iPhone, transfer data from an old phone to a new one, or install applications, you can always count on the help of our service center specialists. You can read more about the services we provide on our website by clicking on the link - "".

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4 comments to the article "How to set up Touch ID on iPhone 5S, iPad Air 2 and later"

This feature makes me absolutely delighted, cool! But I’m a little worried whether I can be one hundred percent sure that the system recognizes only my fingerprint. And if, for example, my hands are dirty, the system will prompt me to rescan? I read that there are 5 attempts. Well, you also need to remember the password or write it down on a piece of paper and carry it with you ((

• It's quite safe. No matter how much we played with activating the iPhone using the fingerprint even left on the film, and then applying it, the iPhone was never activated.
  Yes, the code helps to unlock your iPhone if for some reason you cannot unlock your iPhone using your fingerprint. It's good that the security system is so duplicated. It happens that Touch ID stops working due to damage, and then the ability to unlock it via a passcode is a very good solution. And remember, I write everything down on pieces of paper and keep it in one place, and I advise you to do the same and keep it in a designated place.

A very convenient feature. Although it resembles the work of criminologists, in essence, it provides very powerful protection, because each person’s fingerprints are strictly individual. And the fact that you need to keep the Home button clean for more accurate and better fingerprint recognition is another compelling argument that you need to keep your gadget clean)

• Andrey, for me, as an engineer, your words are like a song! After all, we have to repair iPhones from different owners =)

  For even more protection, you MUST put a PIN code on your SIM card and turn off notifications on a locked device. Then the iPhone’s protection will be at its maximum.

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