My Mac is requiring my password in every single day, even though touch ID is enabled

If you're using a wireless Apple keyboard there's a bug since (at least) Monterey (i.e. MacOS 12): when your keyboard runs out of power, the options in System Settings -> Touch ID & Password will disable and grey out, so that you can't re-enable them. Simply switch off and on the keyboard and everything will be working again.

I've had the support made me do the craziest things, but the problem is all there (solved thru Reddit).

Thera re times you must enter the password. Touch is not designed to completely replace Password usage.

BarnGigiMom Said:

"My Mac is requiring my password in every single day, even though touch ID is enabled: When I upgraded my OS, the touch ID feature has now reverted to requiring a password to unlock my Mac every single day, even though I haven't shut it down or restared it. When I open the laptop, the screen looks just it does when you fully restart the Mac, versus giving me the option to unlock with touch ID. How do I fix this in system settings to only require touch ID to bring it out of sleep mode?"

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Troubleshooting Touch ID:

Verify Compatibility:

1. Try this Link: If Touch ID isn't Working on your Mac - Apple Support
2. As it Reads: "Check compatibility: To set up and use Touch ID on a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, you need a Mac computer with Apple silicon and macOS Big Sur 11.4 or later.

Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Based Macs Only): Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. Updates), system configurations (i.e. for Power) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM. Try performing each thrice. It may take sometime, being certain you have the time to perform these resets.

Simply toggle on/off your Mac Keyboard.

That did the trick for me.

If Touch ID isn't working on your Mac - Apple Support

Try these steps

Try using Touch ID after each step:

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of macOS.
2. Make sure that your fingers and the Touch ID sensor are clean and dry.* Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris on the Touch ID sensor.
3. Your finger should cover the Touch ID sensor completely. While Touch ID is scanning, you shouldn't tap too quickly or move your finger around.
4. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Users & Groups, then click the lock  to make changes. Click Login Options, then make sure that Automatic login is off.
5. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (or System Preferences), click Touch ID & Password, then turn on the setting to use Touch ID to unlock your Mac.
6. Try to add a different fingerprint. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings (Or System Preferences), click Touch ID & Password, then click Add Fingerprint.
7. For Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, turn your keyboard off and on, then connect your keyboard to your Mac with the USB to Lightning cable. After you turn Magic Keyboard off then on, Touch ID may be unavailable for up to 10 seconds.
8. Restart your Mac.

Sjukdoom's solution to power off/on my wireless Apple keyboard WORKED PERFECTLY !!! Thanks so much !! I had spent 3 hours on the problem [ including Safe Mode test and reinstallation of MacOS ] before reading Sjukdoom's suggested solution.

Thank you so much !!

I was not asking for the password prompt after the screen saver begins, I was asking why it is asking after I reboot or power on the laptop. None of my Windows laptops do that, all I need to do is scan my finger. I don't understand this policy, if I can open the laptop from "sleep" with the touch screen, why not from the boot up?

It is in the Lock Screen tab and switch off the toggle that says "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off."

gregoz.g wrote:

I was not asking for the password prompt after the screen saver begins, I was asking why it is asking after I reboot or power on the laptop. None of my Windows laptops do that, all I need to do is scan my finger. I don't understand this policy, if I can open the laptop from "sleep" with the touch screen, why not from the boot up?

Apple has the same require for iOS on iPhones & iPads. I think part of it is to allow the user to remember their password by forcing the password from time to time. Plus I think it has a bit to do with security so that you must re-identify yourself with another form of ID. For example, rebooting the device requires a password which law enforcement cannot make you provide, but law enforcement can force you to use TouchID (or FaceID on an iPhone/iPad).....at least in the US. It is one method a user has to secure their device from law enforcement in the US anyway.

I am running Sonoma 14,5 and see no setting to make this change, any help would be appreciated.

I don't see any settings in the Lock screen, how did you do this?