The thought of using biometric authentication, including Touch ID and Face ID, has sparked fear in many clients, especially because of how it’s displayed on the big screen. Movies commonly show chopped off fingers used to gain entry to secure vaults. Plus, people often suspect that the matching data are stored on a server far, far away that could be breached by prying eyes.
I can’t speak for other devices and providers, but on an Apple device, data are only stored locally on the device, and successfully using a fingerprint or face requires aliveness and. There’s really nothing to worry about.
That is, when using Touch ID on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, the sensor not only reads your fingerprint, but also requires the electrical current running through your body. A touchscreen works similarly, which is why water on the screen — another conductor of electricity — can cause errant actions. Likewise, for Face ID to work, you must be looking at your iPhone or iPad’s camera and appear alive and attentive to the process.
Plus, neither Apple nor any third-party has access to your face or fingerprint information. These are stored in the Secure Enclave of the specific device and cannot even sync to other devices you use. Thus, you must set up biometric authentication on each device independently.
I previously wrote about setting up Touch ID in iPhone Hot Tips #1. However, I want to share a more thorough explanation and tutorial on biometric authentication in this multipart series.
It’s also important to mention that Touch ID only works if you still have a fingerprint. I know many of my older clients’ fingerprints have disappeared and some others who have used their fingers a lot in life have worn them away. Even a faint fingerprint should work, but having none at all might mean you need to resort to other methods of authentication.
Locate Touch ID Sensor
On an iPhone or iPad that supports Touch ID and has a Home Button, the Home Button contains the sensor. When no Home Button is present on a supporting iPad, the sensor is in the Top Button (power button).
On a MacBook that supports Touch ID, the sensor is in the power key — the top-right key on the keyboard:
- Intel-based Macs have a small square key to the right of F12 or the Touch Bar; the entire key is sensitive
- Apple Silicon-based Macs have a standard size square key to the right of F12; the key has a depression — like a Home Button — which is the sensor
Apple Silicon desktop Macs also support Touch ID on Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, some of which also have a Numeric Keypad. As above, the key is to the right of F12.
(Plus, some folks have found a way to hack the Touch ID sensor and Secure Enclave into a standalone unit so they can use Touch ID alongside their third-party keyboard.)
Touch ID Setup Overview: Part 1
When adding a fingerprint for Touch ID, there are two scanning segments. Before you start, take a moment to orient yourself around this process.
First, you’ll rest your finger on the biometric sensor, fully covering the surface without clicking the button. Then, you’ll repeatedly lift and rest your finger, each time for a second or less, naturally moving your finger slightly with each placement. Avoid rolling your finger across the sensor or clicking the button.
Try to pay attention to the screen during this process as the instructions and image will change to prompt the second segment.
Touch ID Setup Overview: Part 2
Next, you’ll capture the edges of your fingerprint — one edge at a time. Your finger has several edges and the setup process will give you the opportunity to scan about six of them, so it’s important to provide enough variety. Try to place the edge of your finger in the middle of the sensor so it gets scanned effectively.
As a result, if you happen to rest your fingertip or the side of your finger, Touch ID will still register your print. Again, do not roll your finger across the sensor or click the button; simply rest one edge and lift your finger.
Add a Fingerprint
Now, you’re ready to go. To begin, visit the Touch ID section of your device’s settings and indicate that you want to add a fingerprint.
You can set up as many as five fingerprints on iPhone or iPad and up to three on Mac. These can be from your fingers, that of your spouse, or anyone else you want to easily access your device.
Per the setup steps described above, repeatedly rest and lift your dry finger on the sensor, first covering the whole surface and second capturing one edge at a time. The screen will indicate when the setup is complete.
To test, I recommend immediately locking your device, either by pressing the power button of your iPhone/iPad or the Touch ID key of your Mac. Then, use the finger whose print you just captured to press the Touch ID key/button and see if it succeeds in unlocking the device.
If you will add more than one fingerprint, I highly suggest you name each one. On Mac, click on the name to edit it. On iPhone and iPad, tap the name and then edit the text at the top.
Delete a Fingerprint
If you have a fingerprint that isn’t working with Touch ID, you can delete it. On Mac, mouse over the fingerprint and click ⓧ; on iPhone and iPad, choose the fingerprint and tap Delete Fingerprint.
Do you still resist using Touch ID on your device? I’d really like to hear why. Please share your experience in the comments below or contact me for further insight.
Next week, I’ll go in depth on Face ID and encourage you to set that up as well on supporting devices. Stay tuned…
Reply or comment on this