When an Apple iPhone or iPad, Touch ID not working after screen replacement, then the answer might surprise you.
Apple has a strict “Genuine Parts” policy and if you’re not familiar with how this works, then this guide is just for you so continue reading to unwrap everything!
When the Touch ID stops working after a screen replacement you should first check the device’s service history.
In case an “unknown” part has been detected, hence the screen is not Apple Genuine, the Touch ID will be deactivated and will not work anymore!
Let’s learn more!
Touch-ID is Not Working After Repair – Why?
- A Use of Non-Genuine Parts
- An Error During the Repair
- Software or Firmware Issue
One of these three possibilities is preventing your Apple device from utilizing the Touch-ID after the screen replacement.
So, in order to decipher the problem we need to check the essentials!
How to Check Apple Part’s Service History?
When the fingerprint not working after screen replacement on an Apple device, the very first concern is whether the screen was, indeed, original.
If you haven’t serviced your Apple device in a qualified and official Apple store, chances for non genuine parts in your device are very high.
For iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8 and 8 Plus, SE 2022, follow the steps below:
- First, open the Settings app on your Apple device.
- Then simply go to “General” and then into “About”.
- Scroll down to find “Parts And Service History”.
- Under this tab, you’ll find any “unknown” parts.
For example, if you replace the screen of an iPhone X and above with a non-genuine display, under “Parts And Service History”, you’ll see “Face ID” issue.
The same goes for older Apple models that utilize the Touch ID feature, so follow the steps to justify the integrity of the parts!
Tip: Tap on the “Learn more…” if you see the same message!
Why?
Because it’s cheaper!
Non-genuine Apple parts circulate the market endlessly, and the way Apple deals with this issue is a bit harsh, but rightful.
It’s encoded within iPhones to disable their primary security feature such as Touch ID for older models and of course, the Face ID for new iPhone and iPad models!
What are Genuine Apple Parts?
The Genuine Apple parts are designed by Apple and of course, they meet the performance and quality, according to the manufacturing standards.
The non-Genuine Apple components work in the Apple products just well, but losing security is the price users pay for cheap service repairs.
Can You Recover the Touch-ID?
Yes, if you detect the non-genuine part and service your Apple device at an official Apple store, well, chances are that they’ll fix your phone.
However, we couldn’t find a solid proof whether after replacing a non-genuine display with a genuine display the Touch-ID will start working.
Well, some people claim that even genuine parts when replaced outside of an official Apple environment, still disable the Touch and the Face ID.
This happens because Apple uses a GSX system to pair the phone with the replacement part, which is not accessible for non-retailers.
Touch ID Not Working After Screen Replacement – Solution!
Tip: The steps below will only help if you don’t have an “unknown part” message!
1. Force-Reset the Apple Device!
When the Touch-ID stops working even when all Apple parts after the servicing of your display are genuine, it’s probably a bug.
Well, there is an excellent approach against such issues and in this method we’ll learn how to force-reset any iPhone or iPad to solve the Touch-ID issue.
Note: This method does not delete anything from your Apple device!
Here’s how to force-reset an Apple device in easy steps:
- First, quickly press the Volume Up button and release.
- Then, quickly press the Volume Down button and release.
- Press and hold the side “power button” for 10 seconds.
- Release the power button when the Apple logo appears!
In case this doesn’t help and the Touch-ID is still not working, continue reading!
2. Clean the Touch-ID Sensor!
The Touch-ID on older iPhones and iPads is right beneath the home button and for the sensor to recognize your fingerprint it’s enough to gently touch the home button.
When covered with smudge, dirt or anything else, your fingerprint might not be recognized every time.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe the Apple device’s home button!
On newer iPad models, you may find the fingerprint scanner on the Power button at the side of the tablet.
Hence, clean the power button to re-attempt using the Touch-ID device’s sensor!
Note: Try unlocking your Apple device by moving your thumb in different angles.
3. Setup the Touch-ID Again
Note: If the Touch-ID options on your Apple device are grayed out, skip this step!
If the Touch-ID on your Apple device is not working after a screen replacement, simply try to set up the feature again from the settings.
If the Touch-ID is disabled by the system, the options and the settings will be grayed-out. If they are usable, then the Touch-ID is at least activated.
Here’s how to setup Touch-ID on any Apple device:
- First, open the Settings on your Apple device.
- Scroll down to find “Touch-ID and Passcode”.
- Tap on “Set up Touch-ID” to begin the process.
Info: In case the Touch-ID process fails repeatedly, try with another finger!
4. Update the Apple Device!
It’s very important to keep your Apple device up to date with the latest iOS version in order for all functionalities to work normally.
To update your Apple device, open the Settings app, then go to “General” and then enter the “Software Update” tab.
Note: If you’re using a beta iOS software version, contact Apple Customer Care for support!
5. Backup & Erase Everything!
In case nothing helped, the factory reset is one of the most-powerful ways to reset an Apple device, so it’s worth the work.
The process erases everything from your Apple device, but you can create a backup by syncing your content with iCloud to save the entire information.
- To backup go to Settings > Your Name > iCould > iCould Backup > Backup Now!
- To factory reset go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset.
Info: The setup prompt for Touch-ID appears during the initial setup so if you’re stuck because the feature is not working, you can skip it.
6. Replace with Genuine Display
In case the Touch-ID is still not working, it’s now clear that you’re dealing with a non-genuine display part in your Apple device.
So, the only way to restore the functionality of your Touch-ID is to take your device to an official Apple store for quality and genuine-guaranteed servicing.
- Use the Apple Find a Store tool to locate an official servicing.
Tip: You can use the search bar to find the nearest Apple Store by ZIP, location or name!
Will Apple Device Work With Non-Original Display?
Yes, the Apple device would continue to work just normally, even with a non-original display with the only exception – the Touch ID.
Well, using a passcode is pretty secure and you can continue using your Apple device, but you’ll no longer be able to activate the Touch ID feature nor use it.
With non-genuine Apple parts, there is always a possibility of defects other than the Touch-ID, so there is no guarantee for performance.
Well, the replacement of a non-original display on Apple devices is considerably cheaper than servicing your product in a qualified Apple store.
Touch-ID Not Working – Tips & Tricks!
If your Touch-ID is not working, here are a few tips in advance:
- Set up a strong PASSCODE on your Apple device!
- Remove the security from notes, locked via Touch-ID.
- Disable Pay With Touch-ID, to use the App Store freely.
- Disable the Apple Wallet & Apple Pay with Touch-ID.
- Set the “Require Passcode” to “Immediately” for security.
Error During Screen Replacement?
If you’ve serviced your Apple device in a qualified Apple store and the replaced display is an Apple genuine part, there might have been an error.
So, bring back the device to the same Apple Store where you’ve serviced the product along with all of the documentation involved.
Reminder: Don’t forget the receipt!
Hence, if the Apple device’s Touch ID not working after screen replacement, you need to verify the integrity of the replaced hardware. You should of course, attempt a few steps against bugs, but if the new display is a non-genuine part, the Touch-ID will not work!
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.