[Tips] How to Disable Touch ID for App Store/iPhone Unlock/Apple Pay

Updated Aug 24,2017 | by Shannon

Touch ID is one of iPhone's distinctive and unique features. This is because it allows users to access their devices by simply swiping their fingers on the touch ID sensor. This sensor reads the fingerprint and grants registered user access to the device. Although the touch ID is very useful, some users might want to disable Touch ID on iPhone for privacy purposes or a variety of other reasons.

The first method we are going to discuss here is to completely disable touch ID. You can choose to turn off Touch ID for different purposes like turning off Touch ID for apple pay, turning off Touch ID for App store and iTunes purchases, or simply choosing to leave touch ID for some reasons while disabling touch ID for others.

Disable Touch ID for App Store/iPhone Unlock/Apple Pay

Step 1: Go to the setting app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Click on "Touch ID and Passcode" and verify user with your passcode as required.

Step 3: Beneath the "Use Touch ID for" group, toggle the switches to turn off Touch ID. (Note: Turn it off for all the options if you want to totally disable the function).

a.         iPhone Unlock – This disables Touch ID when unlocking the device

b.         Apple Pay – This prevents the use of Touch ID in making Apple Pay transactions.

c.         Apple Store/iTunes – This disables Touch ID from being used on App Store and iTunes transactions.

Remember to enable a passcode and ensure it is active, and then you can exit from iPhone settings.

How to Quickly Disable Touch ID for Emergency

There are a few situations in which you will need to quickly disable touch ID, for instance in emergency situations. Apple has introduced a new and easy way to quickly disable touch ID in iOS 11, the "Cop Button". The new setting is being designed to handle calls to emergency services. The Cop Button setting allows iPhone users to tap the power button five times rapidly to enable them to call 911 or any other emergency codes but if you are using iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, you must long press the side button and one of the sound button simultaneously.

Initially, if you want to temporarily disable touch ID for Apps or other purposes, you will need to restart your iPhone and wait for a few days before the device automatically prompts you a passcode, or awkwardly use a different finger a couple of times to force it to lock out.  This new method from Apple is more discreet in the way you unlock your phone, and helps when you are in an emergency situation.

More related articles:

How to Set Up and Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

Touch ID Not Working on Your iPhone or iPad, and How to Fix it

How to Reset Restrictions Passcode on iPhone iPad

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