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Fix Touch ID Requires Passcode When iPhone Restarts
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How to Fix Touch ID Requires Your Passcode When iPhone Restarts [7 Effective Ways]

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Nov 25, 2024 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions

You’ve set up Touch ID on your iPhone. But after restarting your device, it asks for a passcode. This can be frustrating, especially after getting used to unlocking with a fingerprint.

But you’re not alone! Many iOS users have experienced the issue of Touch ID requires your passcode when the iPhone restarts. While Touch ID makes unlocking fast and easy, sometimes you’ll still need your passcode to unlock your device. But why does it happen? What can you do if you forget your passcode?

This article provides common reasons for this issue and seven effective ways to fix it. Whether you remember or forgot your passcode, we will help you unlock your device quickly!

Ready? Let’s go!

Part 1. Why Does Touch ID Require Your Passcode When iPhone Restarts?

You may wonder why your device asks for a passcode instead of a Touch ID. This can happen in various scenarios. Once you’ve figured out what the culprit is, you can resolve this issue quickly.

touch id requires the passcode on restart

Here are some common reasons Touch ID requires a passcode when the iPhone restarts.

  • Encryption Key Protection:

iPhone’s encrypted storage remains locked after a restart. Your device needs a passcode to unlock encryption keys. Touch ID cannot access these without confirming your passcode.

  • Device Inactivity:

You haven’t unlocked your device for the past 48 hours. To confirm your identity, you need a passcode.

  • Fingerprint Changes:

Have you added or removed a fingerprint from your Touch ID settings? If so, a passcode is needed to confirm the update.

  • Not Using Touch ID/Passcode:

You haven’t unlocked your device with Touch ID in the last 8 hours. Not using a passcode for 6 days straight can also trigger it.

  • Multiple Failed Attempts:

Your device did not recognize your fingerprint for three continuous attempts. For security reasons, a passcode is required.

  • Remote Lock Command:

Your device might have received a remote command from iCloud to activate the lock, which triggered the passcode.

Now, let’s explore some practical ways to address these reasons!

Part 2. Fix Touch ID Requires Passcode When iPhone Restarts [With Passcode]

Under normal circumstances, Touch ID requires a passcode when iphone restarts to verify your identity. Do you remember your passcode? If so, you’ll have no trouble unlocking your device to settle the issue. But do you wish to prevent the problem from recurring? The following methods can help you tackle it!

Way 1. Delete and Add Fingerprint

Are you stuck with Touch ID needing a passcode after restart due to multiple failed fingerprint attempts? If so, a simple way to fix it is to refresh your fingerprint. You can delete and add a new one using your device’s settings.

Here’s how.

Step 1. Open Settings and tap “Touch ID & Passcode.” Then, enter your passcode.

Step 2. Go to the “Fingerprints” section. Then, find the fingerprint you want to delete.

Step 3. Tap the fingerprint. Then tap “Delete Fingerprint” to remove it.

delete the fingerprint from touch id

Step 4. Once your fingerprint is removed, tap “Add a Fingerprint” to register a new one.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions by placing your finger on the Home button.

Step 6. Tap repeatedly until the fingerprint is fully registered. Then, press “Continue.”

add a fingerprint to touch id

Way 2. Re-Activate Touch ID

Adding a new fingerprint may not always work. Therefore, another solution is to turn off and re-enable your Touch ID. This can help fix most issues with biometric recognition.

Let’s see how to do it.

Step 1. Go to “Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.” Then, enter your passcode when prompted.

Step 2. Head to the “Use Touch ID For” section. Then, toggle off all the options to disable Touch ID.

Step 3. Restart your device. Then tap “Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.”

Step 4. Turn on the desired options under “Use Touch ID For” to re-enable it.

turn on options for touch id

This should fix Touch ID requires your passcode when the iPhone restarts! But if it doesn’t, don’t worry. You can try our next fix.

Way 3. Update Your iOS Device

Sometimes, fingerprint recognition may not be the culprit. There might be a temporary glitch with your iOS software. Additionally, an outdated iOS version does not have the latest updates for bug fixes and can cause random errors. Updating your device can help resolve this issue.

Here’s what to do.

Step 1. Open Settings and select the General option.

Step 2. Press “Software Update” from the next screen. Wait for your device to check for updates.

Step 3. Once the loading finishes, you can see if any updates are available. Tap “Download and Install” from here.

Step 4. Tap “Install” again to confirm the action and wait for your device to be updated.

Step 5. Restart your device and see if this settles the problem.

update ios software

That covers the fixes if you remember your passcode. But what if you’ve forgotten it? Keep reading for some easy solutions!

Part 3. Fix Touch ID Requires Passcode When iPhone Restarts [Forgot Passcode]

Are you stuck with Touch ID requires your passcode when the iPhone restarts but forgot the passcode? That’s totally frustrating.

But don’t worry! We have gathered effective ways to unlock your device and fix this problem. These methods will erase your data. Therefore, create a backup before proceeding.

Way 1. Erase iPhone via Lock Screen

Is your device using iOS 15.2 or later? If so, did you know you can reset your iPhone directly from the lock screen using the ‘Erase iPhone’ feature? This handy option lets you erase all content without connecting to a Mac or PC.

But here’s something to remember: have you got your Apple ID and password ready? You’ll need them to activate your device after the reset.

Here’s how it works.

Step 1. Type the wrong passcode until you see “iPhone Unavailable” on your screen.

Step 2. Tap the “Erase iPhone” option at the bottom right. It will only appear when you reach the one-hour wait for another attempt.

Tip: For iOS 17 or later, tap the “Forgot Passcode” option. Then tap “Start iPhone Reset” to erase your device.

Step 3. A new screen with Erase All Content & Settings will appear. Tap “Erase iPhone” from here.

Step 4. Enter your Apple ID password. Your device will reset to factory settings.

erase iphone from lock screen

Let’s move ahead and explore another way to settle this issue!

Way 2. Erase iPhone with iCloud Find Devices

Another simple fix is to visit iCloud.com and reset your device to its factory settings. This process wipes everything, including your Touch ID and passcode. But before you proceed, is your "Find My" feature enabled? It’s an essential step to ensure the reset works.

So, how do we go about it?

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple ID and go to “iCloud Settings.”

Step 2. Click on the “Find Devices” option from the main screen.

click find devices

Step 3. Select your iPhone from the “All Devices” dropdown at the top left.

select your iphone

Step 4. Click “Erase This Device” to remotely restore your iPhone to factory settings.

click erase this device

Step 5. Click “Erase” to confirm your action. Then, iCloud will start erasing your device.

click the erase option

Step 6. Wait for the process to complete. Then, set up your iPhone again. If available, restore your data from a backup.

Way 3. Restore iPhone Using iTunes

Another workaround to factory reset your iPhone is using iTunes. It lets you restore your iPhone to its original settings, removing Touch ID and passcode. It offers an easy ‘Touch ID requires a passcode when the iPhone restarts’ bypass you can try.

So, how does it work?

Step 1. Launch iTunes. Then, connect your device through a USB cable.

Step 2. Click the Mobile icon at the top of the window.

click the device icon

Step 3. Select the “Summary” option from the left panel. Then, click the “Restore iPhone” button.

click the restore iphone button

Step 4. Follow the instructions outlined on your screen to complete the process. Then, let your device restart.

So that’s how to fix ‘Touch ID requires your passcode when the iPhone restarts’ if you forgot the passcode. These techniques are effective. But they can be time-consuming and complex. Want a faster and easier solution? Keep reading!

Part 4. Unlock iPhone without Touch ID or Passcode with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Getting stuck on the lock screen with a forgotten passcode is not what you expected when restarting your device. But don’t stress over it! Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) can help you bypass it in just a few clicks.

Is it a 4-digit or 6-digit passcode? You can safely remove it in no time. Moreover, if failed fingerprint recognition is why Touch ID requires your passcode when the iPhone restarts, Dr.Fone can help you bypass it altogether.

But that’s not it. You can also easily remove the MDM lock, Face ID, and screen time passcode. With full support for all iOS devices from iOS 7.0 to 18, compatibility isn’t an issue.

The best part? You don’t need technical skills, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) handles everything by itself. So, forget about complicated factory resets. Here’s how to unlock your device quickly and easily.

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Step 1. Download and install Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Launch it and connect your device. Then, select “Toolbox” from the left and click “Screen Unlock > iOS.”

select screen unlock in the toolbox

Step 2. Select the “Unlock iOS Screen” option. Then click “Start” to begin removing the screen passcode.

select unlock ios screen

Step 3. Follow the on-screen guidelines to enter your device in “Recovery Mode.” Alternatively, click “DFU Mode” at the bottom. Then, follow the corresponding steps.

put the device into recovery mode

Step 4. From the next window, check your device’s model and system version. Correct the information if needed. Then click “Start.”

click the start button

Step 5. Dr.Fone will download the configuration profile suitable for your device. Wait for the download to complete. Then click “Unlock Now.”

click unlock now

Step 6. Enter the confirmation code. Then, click “Unlock” to confirm the process.

enter the code and click unlock

Step 7. Keep your device connected till the process completes. Then, click “Done” to close the window or “Try Again” for another attempt.

succeed in unlocking

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix Touch ID requires your passcode when iPhone restarts. We have shared simple and effective ways to tackle this issue. Whether you remember or forgot your passcode, these fixes allow you to regain access to your device.

Try these methods and see which works for you. However, we suggest Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) as a safe and reliable solution. This powerful tool will unlock your iPhone/iPad without any password in just minutes.

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FAQs

You must enter the passcode to confirm your identity when you restart or turn on your iPhone. This is a security feature to keep your device safe. A passcode is also required if your device remains inactive for 48 hours.
No, the passcode is required after a restart for security reasons. You must enter it once before using your Touch ID or Face ID.
No. Restarting your iPhone won’t erase its data. To do so, you need to factory reset the device in the settings. Alternatively, you can use iTunes to restore your device.
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Alice MJ

staff Editor

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