Use your passcode or password regularly

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

Introduction

Are you tired of dealing with the frustration of having your Mac disable Touch ID password autofill? This feature is designed to provide an added layer of security and convenience to your password management. However, there are instances where your Mac may disable this feature, leaving you wondering what to do next. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to re-enable Touch ID password autofill on your Mac.

Why Does Mac Disable Touch ID Password Autofill?

Before we dive into the solution, it's essential to understand why your Mac disables Touch ID password autofill. According to Apple's support page, your Mac may disable this feature if you haven't used your passcode or password to unlock your device for an extended period. This period is set to 156 hours (six and a half days) or more. This is a security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access to your device.

Reasons Behind the 156-Hour Limit

So, why is there a 156-hour limit on using Touch ID password autofill? The primary reason is to prevent hackers from exploiting the feature. If a hacker gains access to your device and uses Touch ID to unlock it, they may be able to access your passwords and other sensitive information. By disabling Touch ID password autofill after a certain period, Apple is ensuring that you, as the device owner, are actively using your passcode or password to unlock your device.

How to Re-enable Touch ID Password Autofill

Now that we've covered the reasons behind the 156-hour limit, let's move on to the solution. To re-enable Touch ID password autofill on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Unlock Your Device with Your Passcode or Password

The first step is to unlock your device using your passcode or password. This will reset the 156-hour timer, allowing you to use Touch ID password autofill again.

Step 2: Go to System Preferences

Once you've unlocked your device, go to System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and selecting System Preferences.

Step 3: Click on Security & Privacy

In System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy.

Step 4: Click on Passwords

In the Security & Privacy window, click on Passwords.

Step 5: Click on Autofill Passwords

In the Passwords window, click on Autofill Passwords.

Step 6: Select Touch ID

In the Autofill Passwords window, select Touch ID from the list of available options.

Step 7: Click on Turn On

Click on the Turn On button to enable Touch ID password autofill.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you avoid disabling Touch ID password autofill in the future:

Use your passcode or password regularly: Make sure to unlock your device using your passcode or password at least once a day to reset the 156-hour timer.
Use a strong passcode or password: Use a strong and unique passcode or password to unlock your device. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or common words.
Keep your device up to date: Regularly update your device to the latest version of macOS to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Touch ID password autofill is a convenient and secure feature that can be disabled by your Mac if you haven't used your passcode or password to unlock your device for an extended period. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can re-enable Touch ID password autofill on your Mac. Remember to use your passcode or password regularly, use a strong and unique passcode or password, and keep your device up to date to avoid disabling Touch ID password autofill in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Touch ID password autofill:

Q: Why does my Mac disable Touch ID password autofill? A: Your Mac disables Touch ID password autofill if you haven't used your passcode or password to unlock your device for 156 hours (six and a half days) or more.
Q: How do I re-enable Touch ID password autofill? A: To re-enable Touch ID password autofill, unlock your device using your passcode or password, go to System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy, click on Passwords, click on Autofill Passwords, select Touch ID, and click on Turn On.
Q: Can I use Touch ID password autofill if I haven't used my passcode or password for a long time? A: No, you cannot use Touch ID password autofill if you haven't used your passcode or password for a long time. You need to unlock your device using your passcode or password to reset the 156-hour timer.

Here are some related articles that you may find helpful:

How to Use Touch ID on Your Mac
How to Set Up Password Autofill on Your Mac
How to Use Two-Factor Authentication on Your Mac

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Touch ID password autofill:

Q: Why does my Mac disable Touch ID password autofill?

A: Your Mac disables Touch ID password autofill if you haven't used your passcode or password to unlock your device for 156 hours (six and a half days) or more. This is a security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access to your device.

Q: How do I re-enable Touch ID password autofill?

A: To re-enable Touch ID password autofill, unlock your device using your passcode or password, go to System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy, click on Passwords, click on Autofill Passwords, select Touch ID, and click on Turn On.

Q: Can I use Touch ID password autofill if I haven't used my passcode or password for a long time?

A: No, you cannot use Touch ID password autofill if you haven't used your passcode or password for a long time. You need to unlock your device using your passcode or password to reset the 156-hour timer.

Q: Why is there a 156-hour limit on using Touch ID password autofill?

A: The 156-hour limit is a security measure designed to prevent hackers from exploiting the feature. If a hacker gains access to your device and uses Touch ID to unlock it, they may be able to access your passwords and other sensitive information.

Q: Can I change the 156-hour limit?

A: No, you cannot change the 156-hour limit. This is a built-in security feature designed to protect your device and your sensitive information.

Q: What happens if I forget my passcode or password?

A: If you forget your passcode or password, you will need to reset it using the built-in recovery feature. You can do this by going to System Preferences, clicking on Security & Privacy, clicking on Passwords, and clicking on Reset Password.

Q: Can I use Touch ID password autofill on multiple devices?

A: Yes, you can use Touch ID password autofill on multiple devices. However, you will need to set up Touch ID on each device separately.

Q: Is Touch ID password autofill secure?

A: Yes, Touch ID password autofill is a secure feature designed to protect your sensitive information. However, it's essential to use a strong and unique passcode or password to unlock your device.

Q: Can I use Touch ID password autofill with other authentication methods?

A: Yes, you can use Touch ID password autofill with other authentication methods, such as Face ID or a password manager.

Q: What if I have multiple Touch ID-enabled devices?

A: If you have multiple Touch ID-enabled devices, you can use Touch ID password autofill on each device separately. However, you will need to set up Touch ID on each device separately.

Q: Can I use Touch ID password autofill with a third-party password manager?

A: Yes, you can use Touch ID password autofill with a third-party password manager. However, you will need to set up the password manager on each device separately.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common issues related to Touch ID password autofill:

Make sure your device is up to date: Regularly update your device to the latest version of macOS to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.
Check your passcode or password: Make sure you are using a strong and unique passcode or password to unlock your device.
Reset your passcode or password: If you forget your passcode or password, reset it using the built-in recovery feature.
Check your Touch ID settings: Make sure Touch ID is enabled on your device and that you have set up a passcode or password to unlock your device.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about Touch ID password autofill:

Apple Support: Visit the Apple Support website for more information on Touch ID password autofill and other security features.
MacRumors: Visit the MacRumors website for news, reviews, and tutorials on Touch ID password autofill and other Mac-related topics.
Reddit: Visit the r/Mac and r/TouchID subreddits for discussions and advice on Touch ID password autofill and other Mac-related topics.