Since upgrading to macOS 26 (Tahoe), a wave of users–especially on 2019–2020 Intel MacBook Pro models and some Apple silicon Macs–report that Touch ID won’t appear on the lock screen after sleep, appears only after a long delay (20–30 seconds), or works elsewhere (like passkeys) but not for unlocking. We collected what’s working for Mac users right now, what’s likely going on, and safe fixes to try if Touch ID is not working on Mac after macOS 26 Tahoe update.
Note. We wrote a similar article about another macOS Tahoe issue, and this feels related: Is macOS Tahoe Sluggish? Here’s Why and How to Make It Faster.
The issue:
- After sleep, the lock screen shows only Password–no Touch ID option.
- If you wait ~20–30 seconds, "Touch ID or password" may finally appear.
- Touch ID works fine inside apps (e.g., passkeys, Passwords) but not for unlocking.
- On some Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, a firm press/click on the Touch ID button is suddenly needed to unlock (a change from "just touch").
- Some users see Lock Screen > Require password grayed out when iPhone Mirroring auto-auth is enabled.
How to fix Touch ID Not Working on Mac After macOS 26 Tahoe Update
The fixes below progress from simple to advanced — follow them in order and move to the next step only if the issue persists.
- Wait ~30 seconds at the lock screen: Several users say Touch ID "wakes up" late. If you can, pause a few beats before typing your password.
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Toggle Touch ID unlock off/on: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Password > under "Use Touch ID to," toggle Unlock your Mac off, then on. If it doesn’t stick, toggle off > close Settings > reopen > toggle on. Still not good? Toggle off > restart the Mac > toggle on.
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Firm-press the Touch ID button (Magic Keyboard): If you use an external Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, press the button (not just rest your finger) to unlock. Oddly, this helps some users post-update.
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Clean the sensor & your finger: Quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Obvious, but it rules out false negatives.
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iPhone Mirroring may force a password immediately: Some users saw Lock Screen > Require password stuck on Immediately (and grayed out) when iPhone Mirroring was set to auto-authenticate.
- Open the iPhone Mirroring app on the Mac > from its menu (using Spotlight or from the Dock), set Ask Every Time (not auto).
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Then go to Settings > Lock Screen and set Require password to your preference (e.g., After 5 minutes or Never).
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Reboot both devices if the option stays grayed out.
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FileVault / Security prompts where Touch ID is not accepted: Remember: macOS will require a password (not Touch ID) after a restart, after 48 hours without unlock, or when unlocking certain security panes. That’s expected–not a bug.
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Delete and re-add fingerprints: Settings > Touch ID & Password > hover a fingerprint > (×) Delete > Add Fingerprint…. Re-enroll with slightly different finger angles than before. You may also try adding a new fingerprint without deleting the old one.
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SMC and NVRAM reset (Intel only): If you’re on a 2019–2020 Intel MacBook Pro:
- Reset SMC (manages power/thermal/Touch Bar behaviors).
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Reset NVRAM/PRAM (do two–three chime cycles).
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These can clear weird post-update states (including T2-related quirks).
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See this article about how to reset.
If you still experince issues, ensure to keep your Mac up to date and you can also ty these workarounds below.
Workarounds:
- Use Apple Watch unlock: Settings > Touch ID & Password > Apple Watch > enable Use Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac. It’s not Touch ID, but it’s nearly as quick. If this feature is not working, see this: Unlocking Mac with Apple Watch Stopped Working, How to Fix and Apple Watch Unable to Unlock Mac after Upgrade.
- Close & re-open the lid: If Touch ID fails to appear, some users report that closing the lid for a second and reopening makes the Touch ID prompt show up.
- Plug in / power-cycle the Magic Keyboard: If you use an external Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: connect via cable, toggle it off/on, or forget and re-pair it, then test again.
