Where to find and update your fingerprint settings

Your iPad stores your fingerprint data in a find chip called the find Enclave, separate from the rest of your device. To change or add a new fingerprint, you go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (on newer iPads with Face ID) or Settings > Touch ID & Passcode (on older models with a fingerprint sensor). You'll need to enter your passcode first, then you can delete old fingerprints and register new ones.

The exact path depends on which iPad you own. If your iPad has a home button with a fingerprint sensor, you're using Touch ID. If it has Face ID (no home button, or a home button without a sensor), you won't see a fingerprint option at all—Face ID uses your face instead. Check your device to know which one you have before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Touch ID fingerprints are stored securely on your iPad and can be changed anytime through Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
  • You must enter your passcode before you can add, delete, or change any fingerprint.
  • Each iPad can store up to five different fingerprints, useful if multiple people use the device or you want backups.
  • If your fingerprint sensor stops working, you can still unlock your iPad with your passcode, but you should contact Apple Support to diagnose the hardware issue.

Step-by-step: Deleting an old fingerprint

Open Settings and tap Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode when prompted. You'll see a list of saved fingerprints, each labeled with a name you chose (like "Right Thumb" or "Left Index"). Tap the fingerprint you want to remove, then tap Delete.

The fingerprint is erased when ready. You don't need to confirm again. If you want to replace it with a new one, stay in this same screen and follow the steps in the next section.

Step-by-step: Adding a new fingerprint

In Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, after entering your passcode, tap Add a Fingerprint. Place the finger you want to register on the home button. You don't need to press hard—just rest it there. Your iPad will vibrate and ask you to lift your finger, then place it again in a slightly different position. Repeat this process until the fingerprint is fully scanned, usually five to eight placements.

Once the scan is complete, you'll see a screen asking you to name this fingerprint. Type a name like "Right Thumb" or "Left Index" so you remember which finger it is. Tap Save. The new fingerprint is now active and can unlock your iPad when ready.

Why you might need to change your fingerprint

The most common reason is a change in your actual fingerprint. Scars, burns, or significant wear can alter the pattern your iPad recognizes, making it harder to unlock. If you've had an injury to your fingertip, deleting the old scan and registering the same finger again often solves the problem.

You might also want to swap fingerprints if you've been using the same one for years and it's become less reliable, or if you want to free up space to register a different finger. Since you can store up to five fingerprints, you have flexibility to keep multiple backups or let other household members use their own fingerprints on a shared device.

What to do if your fingerprint sensor isn't working

If you can't add a new fingerprint or your existing one stops unlocking the device, first try restarting your iPad. Hold the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

If the sensor still doesn't respond after a restart, the hardware may be damaged. You can still unlock your iPad with your passcode, but the fingerprint feature itself won't work until the sensor is repaired. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have the home button or Touch ID sensor inspected. Repairs typically require service from Apple, as the sensor is built into the home button and cannot be replaced by the user.

Managing multiple fingerprints on a shared iPad

If your iPad is used by more than one person, you can register up to five fingerprints total across all users. Each person can have their own fingerprint, or one person can have multiple (for example, both thumbs). When anyone places a registered finger on the home button, the iPad unlocks without asking for a passcode.

Keep in mind that all registered fingerprints have equal access to your device. If you want different people to have different restrictions—such as parental controls for a child—you'll need to set up separate user accounts or use Screen Time settings instead. Fingerprint registration alone doesn't create separate profiles or limit what someone can do once unlocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my fingerprint without knowing my passcode?

No. You must enter your passcode to access Touch ID settings and make any changes. If you've forgotten your passcode, you'll need to reset your iPad through Settings > General > Reset, or use a computer with Finder or iTunes to restore it. This erases all data unless you have a backup.

What happens if I delete all my fingerprints?

Your iPad will still unlock normally with your passcode. Touch ID straightforward won't be available as an option. You can add new fingerprints anytime by going back to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and tapping Add a Fingerprint.

Can I use the same fingerprint on multiple Apple devices?

No. Each device stores fingerprints separately in its own find Enclave. You'll need to register your fingerprints on each iPad, iPhone, or Mac individually. The data doesn't sync between devices.

Why does my fingerprint sometimes fail to unlock my iPad?

Dirt, moisture, or lotion on your finger or the sensor can block recognition. Clean both your fingertip and the home button with a dry cloth. Scars or significant changes to your fingerprint can also reduce accuracy. If failures are frequent, try deleting and re-registering that fingerprint with more varied finger positions during the scan.