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Biometrics Setup

How to set up fingerprint and face recognition login on your computer or phone

Fingerprint and face recognition let you unlock your device, approve purchases, and autofill passwords without typing anything. Setup takes about a minute, and you can always fall back to your regular password or PIN. Here's how to set it up on every platform.

Mac laptops with Touch ID have a fingerprint sensor built into the power button (top right of the keyboard). Some Apple keyboards for desktop Macs include Touch ID as well. Older Macs and third-party keyboards without the sensor don't support it.

Screenshot: Touch ID & Password settings pane

Set up Touch ID:

  1. Click the Apple menu and open System Settings
  2. Click Touch ID & Password in the sidebar
  3. Click Add Fingerprint
  4. Enter your Mac user password when prompted
  5. Place your finger on the sensor and lift it repeatedly, adjusting your angle slightly each time
  6. When the on-screen fingerprint graphic is fully filled in, click Done

Add more fingerprints:

You can add up to 3 fingerprints per user account (5 total across all accounts on the Mac). Go back to Touch ID & Password and click Add Fingerprint again. Adding your index finger and thumb covers most natural hand positions.

Choose what Touch ID does:

In System Settings > Touch ID & Password, toggle these options:

  • Use Touch ID to unlock your Mac – skip typing your password at login
  • Use Touch ID for Apple Pay – approve Apple Pay purchases with your fingerprint
  • Use Touch ID for purchases in iTunes Store, App Store and Apple Books – approve app and media purchases
  • Use Touch ID for autofilling passwords – fill saved passwords in Safari and supported apps

Remove a fingerprint:

Hover over a fingerprint in Touch ID & Password and click the X that appears. You'll need to enter your password to confirm.

When Touch ID isn't available:

  • After a restart, you must enter your password the first time before Touch ID works
  • After 48 hours without unlocking
  • After 5 failed fingerprint attempts
  • When macOS updates require authentication

In all these cases, just type your password. Touch ID will work again on the next unlock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biometric data stored in the cloud?▾

No. On every major platform, your fingerprint and face data is stored locally on a secure chip in your device (Secure Enclave on Apple devices, TPM on Windows, TEE on Android). The actual biometric image is never uploaded, shared with apps, or sent to the manufacturer.

What happens if my fingerprint stops working?▾

Try cleaning the sensor and your finger (moisture, lotions, and dirt interfere). If it consistently fails, delete the fingerprint and re-enroll it. After a restart, you always need to enter your password or PIN first before biometrics activate.

Can someone unlock my phone with a photo of my face?▾

On devices with IR-based face recognition (iPhone Face ID, Windows Hello with IR camera), no – they use depth sensing that can't be fooled by a photo. Android face unlock using a standard camera is less secure and may be vulnerable to photos on some devices. Fingerprint is generally the most reliable biometric method.

Do I still need a password if I use biometrics?▾

Yes. Biometrics supplement your password or PIN – they don't replace it. You'll need your password after restarts, failed biometric attempts, and periodic security checks. Keep your password accessible (ideally in a password manager).

My device doesn't have a fingerprint sensor or IR camera. Can I add one?▾

On Windows, you can buy a USB fingerprint reader that supports Windows Hello (usually $20-40). For Macs, Apple sells keyboards with Touch ID for desktop models, but MacBook sensors can't be added externally. Phones don't support external biometric hardware.