Regarding the Touch ID Failure on iPhone SE2 (2020)
The other day, while replacing the battery on my iPhone SE2 (2020), an unexpected mishap caused the Touch ID to break. In this post, I’ll talk about how this happened and how I am dealing with it currently.
How the Failure Occurred
During the battery replacement, I accidentally severed the front camera and sensor cable, forcing me to replace it with a new one. Afterward, I sprayed a can of compressed air near the home button to clean out some internal dust, and that was the start of the trouble. While it’s not 100% certain that the compressed air caused it, Touch ID stopped working properly right after that.
Detailed Symptoms
- The home button rapidly clicks on its own
Just touching the home button causes it to register as being clicked repeatedly, even when I’m not pressing it. - Touch ID technically works, but the behavior is erratic
- Unlocking and password entry
Despite the rapid phantom clicking, authentication still manages to go through somehow. However, it is far from smooth. - Depositing and topping up funds in Apple Wallet
Before Touch ID authentication can happen, the rapid clicks seem to trigger a double-tap recognition error, making operations like topping up impossible.
- Unlocking and password entry
- Will replacing the home button not fix it?
Because the iPhone home button is paired to the logic board, it appears that simply replacing the home button will not restore Touch ID functionality.
Emergency Workaround I’m Trying
When I need to use Touch ID authentication, I use this method:
Pressing down hard on the home button with the nail of my thumb while authenticating with a finger on my other hand.
This somehow allows authentication to pass, but it is currently a very tedious process.
Results of Investigating Repair Options
At this point, no definitive solution to this Touch ID failure has been found. Having Apple repair it is an option, but information suggests that even if the home button can be replaced, Touch ID authentication is unlikely to be restored.
Future Steps
Due to a lack of information, I currently have no choice but to rely on workarounds. I am torn between getting used to this cumbersome method or considering an upgrade to a new device. If anyone has experienced a similar issue and knows a solution, please let me know!
Conclusion
This Touch ID trouble was completely unexpected, but it made me acutely aware that utmost care must be taken during repairs and cleaning. If you encounter a similar issue, I strongly recommend doing thorough research beforehand and proceeding with caution.