Some Intel-based Macs are hitting a strange Touch ID bug after upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26. Owners of the 2019 MacBook Pro report that the fingerprint sensor works only part of the time when waking from sleep. Sometimes Touch ID is offered right away. Other times, the option vanishes and the system forces a password entry.
If youāve seen this, itās not just you. Here are steps worth trying.
Table of contents
1. Remove and re-add your fingerprints
The simplest fix is also the most effective for many users.
- Go to System Settings ā Touch ID & Password
- Hover over each fingerprint and hit the (x) to delete
- Restart, then re-add your fingerprints
This clears out corrupt entries that sometimes fail after major OS upgrades.
2. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
On Intel Macs like the 2019 Pro, the SMC manages power and low-level hardware behavior. Glitches there can ripple into Touch ID.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side and the Power button for 10 seconds.
- Release, then boot normally.
Appleās support doc explains the process in detail: Reset the SMC of your Mac.
3. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
The T2 chip (which handles Touch ID) also ties into NVRAM. Clearing it has helped some people.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R.
- Keep holding until youāve heard at least two or three startup chimes, then release.
Guide: Reset NVRAM on your Mac.
4. Watch for macOS patches
This looks like a Tahoe 26 bug tied to Intel + T2 hardware. Apple will likely patch it in 26.0.1 or a supplemental update. Keep an eye on Software Update over the next couple of weeks.
Bottom line
For most, removing and re-adding fingerprints gets Touch ID back in line. If not, reset SMC and NVRAM to rule out controller glitches. If the issue persists, file feedback with Apple ā itās almost certainly a bug in how Tahoe 26 handles older T2 Macs.
If youāre still weighing whether Tahoe is worth it, check our guide on whether you should upgrade to macOS Tahoe or explore new features like Clipboard History.
My Intel based 16″ MacBook has this issue and none of the suggested solutions worked, but as it turns out the TouchID option just takes time to appear. When I wake my Mac the touchID prompt doesn’t show immediately, but after 5+ seconds it does. Bit annoying, but better than typing in my password 20 times a day.