How to improve your iPhone 5S touch ID fingerprint reader

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If you've been less than impressed with Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor that comes on Apple's new iPhone 5S, we may be able to help. Although the fingerprint scanner works well for many people, and has garnered positive reviews from some of the most prominent tech critics, others have found that it doesn't work well for them. What to do? Apple recommends rescanning your finger (and, of course, making sure it's clean and dry) or trying other fingers if you are having problems. The company also notes that things like lotion, oils and dry skin, or activities like swimming or exercising "may affect fingerprint recognition." Here we tell some tips to improve your touch ID fingerprint performance. Scan in multiple fingerprint angles: Touch ID stores up to five prints, and given that my 5s is mine and mine alone, I’ve used those print stores to actually capture multiple versions of my thumbprints—each has been scanned once when angled at 60 degrees, and once while pointing straight up. It ensures that even if your grip is a little different, Touch ID should still recognize your thumb. Use a different finger: If you have a mark or cut on your thumb that makes fingerprint analysis and reading difficult, you may have to retire that finger from Touch ID use and instead try one of your other digits. Make sure your finger touches the metal ring: The steel ring around your Touch ID sensor isn’t just there for looks—it helps the scanner recognize your print. As such, if you don’t make contact with it when you try to open your phone, you may have some trouble. Consumer electronics news from Koopower.com