Chosen Solution
I’ve installed tons of batteries in iPhones over the years, never had an issue with this. However, for some reason, after replacing the battery with one I got here, I get a message that it cannot enable the TouchID. home button works just fine, but I cannot get TouchID working again. I’ve tried re-seating the connectors to the display and home button several times. They all look fine, not damaged. I also tried wiping the phone, but that didn’t work either. Does anybody have any suggestions? I have another phone, a 6s that I’m going to do next, and I don’t want to have the same issue.
I’d have a look at the ribbon for the home button which goes to the board, even being very careful sometimes you can still cause a slight tear in the flex. Check it out for a tear. This is most likely the first part I would swap to see if the touch ID starts back up.
On all devices with touch ID built into them, apple have added an additional layer of security into the hardware (so its not just relying on the software, which can be hacked) to protect end users data. The touch ID sensor (built into the home button on iOS devices, or the power button in the new 2016 MacBook pro models) is linked to the main logic board and cannot be disassociated by anyone but apple. This means, if the home button or the logic board need replacing, you have to replace them as a pair. Its frustrating from a parts supply line, as most parts distributors or warehouse supply chains dont understand this, so sell them separate. Just to confirm, you should have full home button functions, including multi touch and double tap. it is just the finger print ’touch ID’ functions that will be lost, as it poses a security risk. So when tracing the fault, check if all other functions are working as they should, then inspect the cables for any damage and diagnose accordingly. This will include the home button, home button flex and the logic board socket.
I have lost the Touch ID but it appears the home button is functioning when I press it the screen display activates. But the message “Unable to activate Touch ID on this iPhone” is present and the blue OK button is present but nothing on the display when I press on it works. I have checked this and other connections but don’t see any damaged connectors and was extremely careful in this whole process. This was 3rd battery replacement on multiple phones and first time issue. Was wondering if that metal cover over the connections needs to be installed “specifically” with the 2 tabs one side/one tab one side facing a specific direction or does that matter? or is this not my issue? Any help appreciate.
