Fix macOS "Touch ID" Not Working

Touch ID suddenly stopped recognizing your fingerprint or the option disappeared from Settings?

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The Symptom

The sensor doesn't react, or it says "Touch ID limit reached" when you try to add a new finger.

The Fix

1. Reset the SMC/T2/Enclave

On Apple Silicon, just restart. On Intel Macs with T2, shut down, hold Left Control + Left Option + Right Shift for 7 seconds, then press Power.

1. Delete the Biometric Database

In Terminal:

sudo rm /var/db/PairingRecords/*

*(This forces macOS to re-verify the secure handshake with the Touch ID sensor.)*

1. Check for "Biometricd" Hangs

sudo killall biometricd

Pro Tip

If you just replaced your screen or keyboard, Touch ID may be hardware-locked. It is cryptographically paired to the original logic board.