iPhone Touch ID and Passcode Not in Settings? Fix Guide

You just bought the latest iPhone. After scrolling through the features, you realize iPhone touch ID and passcode not in settings.

Touch ID is a fingerprint scanning security feature on iPhone and iPad that lets you unlock your device with your fingerprint.

Touch ID and passcode are the two main security options on iOS devices.

So, How do you rectify this?

This article will highlight the reasons why that happens and provide possible solutions.

To have the iPhone touch ID and passcode back in settings, restart your iPhone then check to see whether the setting has returned.

Reasons Why iPhone Touch ID and Passcode Not in Settings

Touch ID and passcode missing in settings is an error that can be caused by a number of factors.

These are the most common reasons:

• Content and privacy restrictions are enabled
• If the software update was interrupted during installation, it may cause the Touch ID or passcode to be missing from the settings
• The Touch ID or passcode has been disabled in Settings>General>Passcode

How to Fix iPhone Touch ID and Passcode Not in Settings Issue

There are several ways you can fix this issue. Below are some of the solutions.

Solution #1: Hard Reset Your iPhone

Because the problem could be caused by software, a hard reset is one of the best ways to fix it. Follow this procedure to hard reset your iPhone.

For earlier iPhone generations.

1. Hold your Home and sleep/wake button.
2. Keep holding until you see an Apple logo appear.
3. Release the buttons and the phone will reset.

For iPhone 8 or later versions;

1. Press and release the volume up button then press the volume down button.
2. Next press and hold the sleep/wake button.
3. A pop-up will appear indicating “slide to power off”.
4. Move the slider from left to right to reset your iPhone.

Solution #2: Update Your Software

You can also try updating the software of your iPhone to see if the problem is resolved.

To manually update your software;

1. Open settings then tap General.
2. Tap on software update to check whether an update is available.
3. Tap on download and install to complete the update.

After the update is complete, check to see if the touch ID and passcode settings are available.

Solution #3: Turn Off App Restrictions

Turn off restrictions on your iPhone then check whether that setting is back.

To turn off restrictions on your iPhone;

1. Navigate to Settings then General.
2. Tap on Restrictions.
3. Tap on Enable Restrictions.
4. Enter a passcode.
5. Re-enter passcode.
6. Tap the applicable apps to enable or disable them.

Solution #4: Check Content and Privacy Restrictions

You might go into a lot of trouble figuring out the cause of your problem yet it could be as easy as allowing changes to the passcode.

You need to check if “allow changes to passcode” is toggled on.

To check this;

1. Go to settings.
2. Locate screen time.
3. Go to content and privacy restrictions and ensure it’s toggled on.

Solution #5: Restart Your iPhone

This is a simple solution that you might overlook thinking that it won’t solve your problem. Just switching your device off and back on might put all your problems to rest.

To restart your device- press and hold the volume down and the side button simultaneously. This process is for newer iPhone models.

To restart older models;

• Press and hold the sleep/wake button then release it when the “power off” slider appears on the screen.

Note: Resetting and restarting are not the same.

Solution #6: Factory Reset Your Device

Unlike a hard reset, a factory reset is more extreme. It deletes all the data that’s why it’s important to back up your data before proceeding to perform a hard reset.

To factory reset your iPhone;

1. Go to settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Go to reset.
4. Look for Erase all content and settings.
5. Tap it and confirm when prompted.

Everything will be erased from your iPhone.

After a few minutes, the welcome screen will appear. Reconfigure your iPhone and check if touch ID and passcode are available in settings.

Solution #7: Try DFU Restore

You ought to try every possible solution to your problem. If the above methods don’t yield any results, there’s no harm in trying DFU restore as a last resort.

DFU refers to Device Firmware Update. It’s a state where your phone erases and reloads all software and firmware.

To perform a DFU restore you need a computer with iTunes or the finder app installed.

How to Perform a DFU Restore on Your iPhone

To put your iPhone into DFU mode follow these steps;

1. Start by plugging your iPhone into a computer using a USB cable and opening iTunes or finder.
2. Then press and Hold the sleep/wake button and home button or sleep/wake and volume down button depending on the version of iPhone you have.

3. Wait for around 8 seconds then release the sleep/wake button but don’t release the power button yet. Wait until you see your iPhone on iTunes or finder.
4. Release the Home button or Volume Down button.

If the procedure is successful, your phone’s display will turn completely black.

If you see the Apple logo on your screen, you have not done the procedure correctly. You will have to repeat it.

After the screen turns black, start the process of restoring your iPhone using iTunes or the Finder app on your computer.

How to Exit DFU Mode

Another way to exit DFU mode and restore your iPhone is to just hold the Home button and Lock button until the system reboots. This only works for iPhone 6 and below.

For iPhone 7 and above;

•  Hold the side button and Volume button for the iPhone to reboot.

The amount of time it takes to restore an iPhone depends on the kind of data you have on your device as well as the version and make of your iPhone. Normally it should not take more than 1 hour.

Note: The power status of your phone i.e; on or off does not affect this procedure.

This method gives your device a new lease of life.

Touch ID and passcode are missing because of screen time restrictions that might limit the settings. Changing these settings usually fixes the problem.

Read Next: How to Activate iPhone on Xfinity Mobile?

Conclusion

I hope this answers your question on iPhone touch ID and passcode not in settings. Fix it to enjoy all the features of your iPhone.

If you keenly follow the steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy all the cool features your iPhone has to offer.

This feature could be the reason you bought the iPhone in the first place, so make it work!