Chaos Computer Club Bypasses Apple's Touch ID System (With Copy of Original Fingerprint)

The Chaos Computer Club claims to be able to bypass Apple's new Touch ID fingerprint sensor with a photo of the original user's fingerprint. The bypass is demonstrated in this short video:


The system is detailed in a how to which requires obtaining the original user's fingerprint:

First, the fingerprint of the enroled user is photographed with 2400 dpi resolution. The resulting image is then cleaned up, inverted and laser printed with 1200 dpi onto transparent sheet with a thick toner setting. Finally, pink latex milk or white woodglue is smeared into the pattern created by the toner onto the transparent sheet. After it cures, the thin latex sheet is lifted from the sheet, breathed on to make it a tiny bit moist and then placed onto the sensor to unlock the phone. This process has been used with minor refinements and variations against the vast majority of fingerprint sensors on the market.

Apple's new iPhone 5s includes a fingerprint sensor called TouchID, which can be used to unlock the iPhone as well as make purchases on the Apple iTunes store. Users, however, can continue to use a pin or password as an alternative to the fingerprint sensor -- though that is arguably even less secure than duplicating someone's fingerprint.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...

Top Rated Comments

flash84x Avatar
161 months ago
So a 2400 DPI photograph of the fingerprint is required? I wouldn't call that 'bypassing'.

This just in, every single passcode system bypassed by first acquiring user's passcode.
Score: 155 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the411 Avatar
161 months ago
First, the fingerprint of the enroled user is photographed with 2400 dpi resolution. The resulting image is then cleaned up, inverted and laser printed with 1200 dpi onto transparent sheet with a thick toner setting. Finally, pink latex milk or white woodglue is smeared into the pattern created by the toner onto the transparent sheet. After it cures, the thin latex sheet is lifted from the sheet, breathed on to make it a tiny bit moist and then placed onto the sensor to unlock the phone.

So it's that simple... :rolleyes:
Score: 140 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SuprUsrStan Avatar
161 months ago
Honestly, kocking someone out and using their finger or holding them at gun point results in the same thing. No password, print or pin is safe. It's just a good way to minimize pesky intruders. That's all.
Score: 115 Votes (Like | Disagree)
arn Avatar
161 months ago
Oh dear! At least they won't be ripping my fingers off any time soon.

which is in itself ridiculous. Phones get stolen and then wiped and sold. You are not that precious a snowflake that someone who steals your phone, wants to read your texts. :)

arn
Score: 82 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
161 months ago
How is a 2400 DPI photograph of someones fingerprint an everyday item? I'm sorry but this is click bait pure and simple. :rolleyes:
Score: 79 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pmau Avatar
161 months ago
This is why I use a different body part ;)
Score: 77 Votes (Like | Disagree)