Touch ID is a biometric security feature designed by Apple and introduced to iPhones in 2013 with the release of the iPhone 5s. The feature was also introduced to iPads in 2014 with the release of the iPad Air 2. The home button was replaced with an embedded fingerprint scanner in all subsequent models.

Touch ID can be used for unlocking an iPhone or iPad in place of a four-digit PIN. It can also substitute an Apple password when purchasing apps from the App Store or making in-app purchases. Apple also integrated this feature into Apple Pay, allowing users to access their credit card information using Touch ID.

In 2017, with the launch of the iPhone X, the Touch ID feature was removed and replaced by Face ID as the home button no longer exited.

Activating Touch ID

To set up and use Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad, follow the steps below.

  • Open the Settings application.
  • Enter the Touch ID & Passcode menu.
  • Enable Touch ID by pressing the switch.
  • Follow the provided fingerprint-scanning instructions.

For more support on Touch ID, visit the Apple Touch ID support page.

Apple terms, Face ID, iPhone, Phone terms, Touch

  • Apple iPad and iPhone help and support.