How to Stop an iPad from Unlocking Via Touch ID

When you set up a new iPad, part of the setup process includes adding a fingerprint for Touch ID. When you have enabled Touch ID on the device you are able to use your fingerprint to make purchases, fill in passwords automatically, and even unlock the device.

But you may find that you are often unlocking the iPad a little too easily via Touch ID, or you might simply prefer to unlock the iPad with your passcode instead. Our guide below will show you how to change a setting on your iPhone so that it won’t unlock via Touch ID anymore.

How to Disable iPad Unlock Via Touch ID

The steps in this article were performed on a 6th-generation iPad using iOS 12.2. Note that this is not going to involve removing any stored fingerprints, and it will not stop other Touch ID options from functioning. This simply removes the Touch ID as an option for unlocking the device.

Step 1: Touch the Settings icon.

open the settings app

Step 2: Choose Touch ID & Passcode from the column at the left side of the screen.

open the touch id and passcode menu

Step 3: Enter the device passcode.

enter your touch id

Step 4: Tap the button to the right of iPad Unlock to disable it.

how to stop touch id from unlocking your ipad

Is your iPad stuck in portrait orientation? Find out how to turn off the iPad’s portrait orientation lock so that you can rotate the device and view the screen in the landscape orientation.