It can be frustrating when the Touch ID feature does not work in the App Store. There could be a few reasons for this issue. Here are some possible explanations and troubleshooting steps you can take:
1. Hardware issue: Check if there are any physical damages to the Home button or the Touch ID sensor on your iPhone. A faulty hardware component might prevent Touch ID from working correctly. If you suspect this is the case, it's recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.
2. Software glitch: Sometimes, temporary software glitches can cause issues with Touch ID functionality. Try restarting your iPhone as a first step. If the problem persists, ensure that you have the latest version of iOS installed on your device (e.g., iOS 16 for the iPhone 14 series). Outdated software may contain bugs that interfere with Touch ID. If an update is available, install it and see if the problem resolves.
3. Incorrect Touch ID settings: Verify that Touch ID is enabled for App Store purchases. You can check this by going to the "Settings" app on your iPhone, tapping on "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" (depending on your device), entering your passcode, and ensuring that "iTunes & App Store" is toggled on.
4. Touch ID configuration for App Store: On some occasions, Touch ID might be working for device unlocking and other apps but fail specifically for the App Store. To troubleshoot this, consider disabling and re-enabling Touch ID for the App Store specifically. Go to "Settings" -> "Touch ID & Passcode" -> Enter your passcode -> Toggle off "iTunes & App Store" -> Restart your iPhone -> Go back to the same menu and toggle "iTunes & App Store" back on.
5. Fingerprints recognition issues: If you recently added new fingerprints or modified your existing ones, Touch ID may not recognize your fingerprint for App Store authentication. In such cases, it's a good idea to re-register your fingerprint(s) by going to the "Settings" app -> "Touch ID & Passcode" -> Enter your passcode -> Tap on the fingerprint you wish to re-register -> Tap on "Delete Fingerprint." Once deleted, tap on "+ Add a Fingerprint" and re-register it again.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it could be helpful to contact Apple Support directly or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.