Finding the fingerprint scanner on a laptop can be tricky when setting up biometric sign-in for the first time, whether using Windows Hello or Apple Touch ID. Depending on your laptop’s brand, model, and design era, the scanner may be located directly on the keyboard, integrated into the power button, or placed on the palm rest.
This guide will help you quickly locate and identify the fingerprint scanner on your Lenovo or Apple laptop.
Lenovo Laptop Fingerprint Scanner Locations
1. Dedicated Key
Where to look: Directly within the main key cluster on the keyboard deck.
On select Lenovo laptop designs, Lenovo integrates the biometric sensor directly into the keyboard array as an individual keycap.
- How to spot it: Examine the keys along the bottom row of the keyboard (typically near the Control key, Alt key, Copilot key, or directional cluster).
- How to identify it: The designated keycap looks like a standard keyboard key, but it has a distinctive white fingerprint icon on its surface.
- How to use it: Gently rest your fingertip flat on the designated keycap surface to unlock your device.
2. On The Palm Rest
Where to look: Below the keyboard, set into the smooth palm rest surface to the right of the trackpad.
The standalone palm rest scanner is Lenovo's classic placement design. It features a separate biometric module set directly into the laptop chassis.
- How to spot it: Open the laptop lid and look at the right side of the palm rest, just below the directional arrow keys.
- How to identify it: You will see a small, square or slightly rectangular cutout recessed into the body of the laptop.
- How to use it: Place your finger flat over the recessed square sensor until Windows registers the print scan.
3. Integrated Power Button
Where to look: Above the keyboard or at the top-right edge of the keyboard.
On some Lenovo laptops, the power button doubles as a biometric scanner.
- How to spot it: Look to the top-right area above the main keyboard or function key row.
- How to identify it: Unfortunately, most of the models in circulation do not have any identifying features that indicate the power button can operate as a fingerprint sensor.
- How to use it: Instead of pushing down firmly as you do to turn the system on, simply rest the flat pad of your finger gently on the surface of the power button.
Apple MacBook Touch ID locations
Apple MacBook Air/Pro
Where to look: Above the keyboard or at the top-right edge of the keyboard.
On most Mac laptops, the power button doubles as a biometric scanner.
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How to spot it:Look to the top-right area to the right of the main keyboard function key row.
- MacBooks with a Touch Bar: It sits at the very far-right edge of the glass Touch Bar.
- How to identify it: Unfortunately, most of the models in circulation do not have any identifying features that indicate the power button can operate as a fingerprint sensor.
- How to use it: Instead of pushing down firmly as you do to turn the system on, simply rest the flat pad of your finger gently on the surface of the power button.
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