Set up Touch ID on iPad

Use Touch ID (supported models) to securely and conveniently unlock iPad, authorize purchases and payments, and sign in to many third-party apps by pressing the top button (iPad Air (4th generation)) or the Home button (other models) with your finger or thumb.

To use Touch ID, you must set a passcode on your iPad.

Turn on fingerprint recognition

If you didn’t turn on fingerprint recognition when you first set up your iPad, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
Turn on any of the options, then follow the onscreen instructions.

If you turn on iTunes & App Store, you’re asked for your Apple ID password when you make your first purchase from the App Store, Apple Books, or the iTunes Store. When you make your next purchases, you’re asked to use Touch ID.

Note: If you can’t add a fingerprint or unlock your iPad using Touch ID, see the Apple Support article If Touch ID isn’t working.

Add a fingerprint

You can add multiple fingerprints (both of your thumbs and forefingers, for example).

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
Tap Add a Fingerprint.
Follow the onscreen instructions.

Name or delete a fingerprint

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
If you added more than one fingerprint, place a finger on the top button (iPad Air (4th generation)) or Home button (other models) to identify its print.
Tap the fingerprint, then enter a name (such as “Thumb”) or tap Delete Fingerprint.

Unlock iPad by touching instead of pressing with your finger or thumb

Go to Settings > Accessibility, tap Top Button (iPad Air (4th generation)) or Home Button (other models), then turn on Rest Finger to Open.

Turn off Touch ID

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, then turn off one or more of the options.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide