iPad Pro Fingerprint reader not working well.

[ger19]

I have a 10.5" iPad Pro 2nd Gen. Probably bought it about 4 to 5 years ago. Recently, the fingerprint reader is not consistently unlocking the iPad. Most of the time it works, but every couple days, it won’t and I have to enter my passcode. Question - Is the fingerprint reader something that goes bad frequently? How would I get it fixed? Is it even worth getting fixed? Or, should I just live with it until I can stomach the cost of buying another one. Note, I’ve tried putting different fingerprints in there and it hasn’t really changed anything.

Is there a way to default to using the keypad to enter my passcode? Otherwise, I’ll just shut off the passcode if it gets any worse. I’m afraid of getting locked out. FWIW, I did try putting new fingerprints in the passcode area but it doesn’t seem to change anything.

 

[rui no onna]

Apple's out of warranty repair/replacement cost is pretty expensive. You're better off living with the issue until you're ready to replace the iPad.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I have a 10.5" iPad Pro 2nd Gen. Probably bought it about 4 to 5 years ago. Recently, the fingerprint reader is not consistently unlocking the iPad. Most of the time it works, but every couple days, it won’t and I have to enter my passcode. Question - Is the fingerprint reader something that goes bad frequently? How would I get it fixed? Is it even worth getting fixed? Or, should I just live with it until I can stomach the cost of buying another one. Note, I’ve tried putting different fingerprints in there and it hasn’t really changed anything.

Is there a way to default to using the keypad to enter my passcode? Otherwise, I’ll just shut off the passcode if it gets any worse. I’m afraid of getting locked out. FWIW, I did try putting new fingerprints in the passcode area but it doesn’t seem to change anything.

I’m not sure that the first time on a 5 year old iPad counts as frequent, but nonetheless; there is an X amount of hours ‘time out’ between opens, have you run up against that? Have you tried to clean it? Are you as updated as you can be with iPadOS?

You should be able to turn off touchID and default to passcode but I don’t know the details.

 

[NoBoMac]

Could also be seasonal. For example, fingers/hands drier. Been having issues on both my TouchID devices of late and have had that happen in the past.

Yes, can default to keyboard: just turn off TouchID.

 

[Juicy Box]

I used to have some issues with Touch ID, and I would save the same finger multiple times. I think you can save up to 5 figure prints, I would make them all the same finger, and my Touch ID problems rarely came back.

If they did come back, I would delete a random finger print and redo it again.

Give that a try before doing any repairs.

 

[NoBoMac]

I used to have some issues with Touch ID, and I would save the same finger multiple times. I think you can save up to 5 figure prints, I would make them all the same finger, and my Touch ID problems rarely came back.

Never thought of that. Like it.

Only caveat, for me, maybe record L&R thumb twice, L&R index twice, and then pick whatever for fifth slot. Reason: what if, for example, you cut a finger and have a bandage on it? If all slots are same marred finger...

(Duh! math off, but get the drift: not all same digit, same hand; double down on most-used digits)

 

[rui no onna]

Could also be seasonal. For example, fingers/hands drier. Been having issues on both my TouchID devices of late and have had that happen in the past.

True. I found applying hand lotion every time after washing my hands helps.

 

[Juicy Box]

Never thought of that. Like it.

Only caveat, for me, maybe record L&R thumb twice, L&R index twice, and then pick whatever for fifth slot. Reason: what if, for example, you cut a finger and have a bandage on it? If all slots are same marred finger...

(Duh! math off, but get the drift: not all same digit, same hand; double down on most-used digit)

It doesn't need to take up all the finger print slots, just do whatever fingers you use the most multiple times if you can.

If you end up deleting a finger that you use often, you should know if it starts to not work.

This might not even fix your issue, but it worked for me. I noticed when my skin would start to dry in the winter I would start having issues again. When that happened, I would delete one, and redo it.