If you have a Mac with Touch ID whether it is on a MacBook or a Mac keyboard. It is extremely useful and is much more than a tool to quickly unlock your Mac. There are a number of tasks that you can carry out all with your own fingerprint.
- In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
- From the Apple menu select System Preferences
- On the system preferences select Touch ID
- Click Add Fingerprint
- You will be prompted to Scan your fingerprint
- Press Done to complete the finger scan
- Select Finger 1 to rename
- Select which items you want the Mac to open with touch ID
It is not always easy following along with a how-to with a simple list. So I have the how-to with pictures and, if you look below, even video instructions.
How to Set up Touch ID on MacBook
Just a note before we get into the detail about where you place your finger. On a Macbook or a Mac keyboard with Touch ID, you will place your fingerprint in the top right-hand corner. There is a blank black button witch will be your fingerprint button.
Now we can jump right into how to set up Touch ID:
Step 1. In the top left-hand corner click the Apple Menu ()
Step 2. From the Apple menu select System Preferences
Step 3. On the system preferences select Touch ID
Step 4. Click Add Fingerprint
Step 5. You will be prompted to Scan your fingerprint
At this point in the process, you will need to keep lifting your finger. Repositioning it to get a full scan of the fingerprint. The process of scanning your fingerprint is quick and is only needed to be done once.
Step 6. Press Done to complete the finger scan
Step 7. Select Finger 1 to rename
You can rename your fingerprint to anything you like. However, naming them “Thumb”, “Index Finger” etc is best if you scan multiple fingers.
The reason being is if you have any problems you can quickly identify the finger and rescan it.
Step 8. Select which items you want the Mac to open with touch ID
Now you can select Multiple things that your fingerprint can open:
- Unlocking your Mac
- Apple Pay
- iTunes Store, App Store & Apple Books
- Password AutoFill
- Use Touch ID Sensor for fast user switching
I really like the fact you now have the option to use the finger ID to carry out tasks other than opening the Mac.
Use Touch ID Sensor for fast user switching is a great feature if you have multiple users using the same Mac. Then all users can scan their fingerprints and you will be able to quickly switch users with the scan of a finger.
The Touch ID is thought by many to be an excellent addition to the Mac ecosystem. Yet, not everyone welcomes it after using it for some time. If this sounds like you and you want to know How to Remove the Touch ID on your Mac then this guide will help you.
How to Set Up Touch ID and Add Fingerprints on Mac Video
If you prefer video, I have you covered with this simple-to-follow video on How to Set Up Touch ID and Add Fingerprints on Mac.
