How to set up Touch ID on MacBook: A guide on adding your fingerprint

Typing in passwords every time you log in or make a purchase can be annoying, especially when you’re in a hurry. That’s where Touch ID on MacBooks comes in. In a nutshell, Apple‘s Touch ID is a fingerprint authentication system that lets you unlock your Mac or iPhone, confirm app downloads, and make secure payments with just a tap of your finger. 

This password-free authentication method is a faster and more convenient way to get things done while adding an extra layer of security. So, if you’re setting up a new MacBook or simply want a faster, more secure way to log in, here’s how to add your fingerprint to Touch ID on a MacBook.

How to set up Touch ID on a MacBook?

Touch ID isn’t available on every MacBook, so before setting it up, check if your model includes a built-in fingerprint sensor, which is generally located on the power button. If yours doesn’t, then there’s no way to enable it through software or accessories, as it’s a hardware feature.

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If your MacBook has a Touch ID sensor, here’s how to set up your fingerprint and start using it.

Setting up Touch ID on your MacBook

When you turn on your new Macbook for the very first time, it will prompt you to set up Touch ID. You can either do it then or skip it and set it up later. If you skipped it at the time but now want to enable Touch ID, here’s how to do it:

Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings.

2. In the sidebar, navigate to Touch ID & Password.

3. Under the Touch ID section, click the + icon next to Add fingeprint.

4. Then, simply place your finger on the sensor, lift it, and repeat the process multiple times.

5. Once your fingerprint is fully scanned and highlighted in red, click Done to finish the setup.

Once you’ve successfully set up your fingerprint, you can customise Touch ID to unlock your Mac, approve purchases, or auto-fill passwords.

How to add, delete, or rename fingerprints on Macbook?

Your Macbook lets you save up to three fingerprints per user account, making it easy to add extra fingerprints for yourself or someone you trust. To add a new fingerprint, go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password, click Add Fingerprint and follow the same steps as the initial setup. 

If you want to rename a fingerprint, simply click on its label (such as “Finger 1” or “Finger 2”), type in a new name, and press Enter to save it. If you ever need to remove a fingerprint, hover over the one you want to delete, click the X icon, and confirm by selecting Delete when prompted.

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Now that you know how to configure your Touch ID, make full use of the feature for convenience and security.