How to Temporarily Disable Touch ID in iOS 11

Touch ID on iOS 11 can be a quick way to unlock your iPhone or authorize purchases, but sometimes you need to disable it temporarily—for example, when handing your phone to a child, when a friend wants to try your device, or when you’re in a situation where you don’t want accidental unlocks. This guide shows you the fastest method to turn off Touch ID without changing your passcode or losing your saved fingerprints.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 (the steps are the same on iOS 11.0 through 11.4.1)
Your device passcode (you’ll need it to re-enable Touch ID)

Step-by-Step

Wake your device by pressing the side button (or top button on older models) or tapping the screen.
Press and hold either the side button (or top button) and one of the volume buttons simultaneously. On iPhone X and later, this is the side button and volume up. On iPhone 8 and earlier, it’s the side or top button and the Home button. On iPads with Touch ID, use the top button and either volume button.
Keep holding both buttons until the “Slide to power off” screen appears. This usually takes about 2-3 seconds.
Release the buttons but do NOT slide to power off. Just leave the screen on the power-off slider.
Press the Home button (on devices with a physical Home button) or tap the screen (on iPhone X and later) to dismiss the slider and return to the lock screen.
Now, Touch ID is disabled. You’ll notice that the lock screen shows the passcode keypad instead of the fingerprint icon. This state lasts until you unlock the device with your passcode.
To re-enable Touch ID, simply enter your passcode to unlock your iPhone. Touch ID will work again immediately for unlocking and for App Store purchases (if you had it enabled).

This method works because iOS 11 automatically disables Touch ID when it detects that the device has been locked via the power-off screen, even if you don’t actually power off. It’s a security feature designed to prevent someone from forcing your finger onto the sensor while the device is being turned off.

Common Mistakes

Actually sliding to power off: If you slide the slider, your device will shut down completely, which is not what you want. You must release the buttons and then dismiss the slider.
Holding the buttons too long: If you hold the buttons for more than about 5 seconds, the device may force restart instead of showing the power-off slider. If that happens, just wait for it to boot up and try again.
Using the wrong button combination: On iPhone 8 and earlier, you need the side (or top) button and the Home button. On iPhone X, use the side button and volume up. On iPads, use the top button and either volume button. Using only one button won’t work.
Forgetting to dismiss the slider: If you just press the Home button while the slider is still showing, it may not register. Make sure you press it firmly enough to exit the screen.

Tips

Use this before handing your phone to someone: It’s a quick way to ensure they can’t unlock with your fingerprint, but they can still try your passcode.
For a more permanent disable: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode, enter your passcode, and toggle off “iPhone Unlock” or “iTunes & App Store”. This disables Touch ID for those functions until you turn it back on, but it doesn’t require the power-off trick.
Emergency SOS: On iPhone 8 and later, rapidly pressing the side button five times also disables Touch ID and brings up the Emergency SOS screen. This is useful if you feel threatened, but it also calls emergency services if you continue.
Remember your passcode: Since Touch ID is off, you’ll need to type your passcode to unlock. Make sure you remember it.

Troubleshooting

Touch ID isn’t disabled after following the steps: Make sure you released the buttons after the slider appeared. If you kept holding, the device might have restarted. Also, check that you didn’t accidentally slide the power off—if the screen goes black, you powered off. If so, turn it back on and try again.

The power-off slider doesn’t appear: On some devices, you may need to press the Home button once after the slider appears to dismiss it, but if the slider doesn’t appear at all, try pressing the buttons more firmly or for a slightly longer time (up to 5 seconds). If it still doesn’t work, ensure you’re using the correct button combination for your model.

Touch ID re-enables by itself: This can happen if you accidentally press the Home button while the slider is showing, which might unlock the device if you have Touch ID enabled and your finger is on the sensor. To avoid this, keep your finger off the Home button when dismissing the slider.

You can’t unlock with your passcode: If you’ve forgotten your passcode, you’ll need to restore your device via iTunes or Finder, which will erase all data. This is a last resort; always ensure you know your passcode before disabling Touch ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this method work on all iOS 11 devices?

Yes, it works on any iPhone or iPad that supports Touch ID and runs iOS 11, including iPhone 5s through iPhone X (though iPhone X uses Face ID, not Touch ID) and iPads with Touch ID.

Will this disable Touch ID for Apple Pay too?

Yes, when Touch ID is disabled via this method, it’s disabled for all uses, including Apple Pay, App Store purchases, and unlocking. You’ll need to enter your passcode for those actions.

How long does the disable last?

It lasts until you unlock your device with your passcode. Once you do, Touch ID is re-enabled immediately.

Can I disable Touch ID without using the power-off screen?

Yes, you can go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and toggle off the features you want to disable. This is more permanent until you toggle them back on.

Does this affect Face ID on iPhone X?

No, iPhone X doesn’t have Touch ID. The same button trick on iPhone X disables Face ID, which is a similar security feature, but the steps are slightly different—you press and hold the side button and volume up to get the power-off slider.

Will my fingerprints be deleted?

No, your saved fingerprints remain in the device. This method only temporarily disables the sensor’s use; your fingerprints are still stored and will work again after you unlock with your passcode.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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