I bought my iPhone 5S when it was first available in late September 2013. I really like the phone, including the innovative Touch ID fingerprint sensor that I use in lieu of entering a passcode to unlock my screen.
Touch ID had been pretty reliable during my first two months of use. Lately, however, it hasn’t been working as well. After several days of frustrating “try again” messages, I finally figured out what was wrong. The weather here in Buffalo has recently turned cold and windy. And dry. Consequently, my hands are getting a bit chapped — including my memorized right thumb — which apparently looks like a different fingerprint to Touch ID!
The solution was simple. I deleted the stored fingerprint and then just added it again, this time for our very dry Buffalo winter season. Touch ID recognizes me again!
And when the conditions change again in the Spring, I’ll know exactly what to do!
I’m wondering how it is going now, one month later. I have re-registered my thumb FIVE times and still can’t get it to work most of the time. So even a recent registration can’t seem to overcome the dry skin conditions.
You may be right. I am also having periodic problems. I can’t wait for Spring!
Better to just ADD the winter fingerprint. Then it will recognize winter chapped fingers, and when your fingers heal, no need to add “healed” fingerprints.
Good idea, Tony!