Touch ID not working since upgrading to 26.2 (23B85)

ios 26.1 (23B85) touch id not working


Since upgrading my iOS from 17 to 26.1 touchid has fully broken.


I've tried a forced reset and I also reset all factory settings, but when I try to add my fingerprint it fails every single time. When I try to unlock, it instantly takes me to "enter pin to unlock touch id", dispite entering my pin and trying again.


I've removed all fingerprints and now when trying to readd them it's just failing to take the new print.


I'm apparently on a beta build (sure I didn't opt in) and now I can't use touch id at all.


The only thing I haven't tired, that I can't try as I need the data is a full restore. I would downgrade but I can't afford to lose the data on this device


Any help? Or any planned fix for this in the future, as it seems a fairly common issue

iPad Air (M3, 2025)

Posted on Dec 10, 2025 1:05 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 11, 2025 1:42 AM

Lets try something more actionable the list posted elsewhere...


At the time of writing, iPadOS 26.1 (23B85) is the current production version. The as yet unreleased iPadOS 26.2 has a completely different build number.


If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


If you are experiencing difficulties with TouchID, start here:

If Touch ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



Otherwise, if the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem persists after a forced-restart and reset of iPad settings, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings which will install a fresh copy of the most recent version of iPadOS supported by your iPad. You should note that this action will unavoidably erase all locally stored data - however, you can restore your data from an iCloud or iTunes backup that was created or recently updated by the same or earlier version of iPadOS.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Should you be unable to resolve the problem, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 11, 2025 1:42 AM in response to Modzmarvin

Lets try something more actionable the list posted elsewhere...


At the time of writing, iPadOS 26.1 (23B85) is the current production version. The as yet unreleased iPadOS 26.2 has a completely different build number.


If you have a beta profile installed, ensure this has been removed from your iPad - as, otherwise, installation of production software updates may be inhibited. This support page provides the necessary information to remove the beta from your iPad:

How to uninstall iOS beta software - Apple Support


If you are experiencing difficulties with TouchID, start here:

If Touch ID isn't working on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



Otherwise, if the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem persists after a forced-restart and reset of iPad settings, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings which will install a fresh copy of the most recent version of iPadOS supported by your iPad. You should note that this action will unavoidably erase all locally stored data - however, you can restore your data from an iCloud or iTunes backup that was created or recently updated by the same or earlier version of iPadOS.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


Should you be unable to resolve the problem, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Touch ID not working since upgrading to 26.2 (23B85)

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