If you see the error "The biometric flow either expired or wasn't allowed", your browser probably doesn't have permission to access your device's biometric sensor.
On iPhone, biometrics uses Face ID or Touch ID through your browser. Because of how Apple restricts browser capabilities on iOS, Safari is strongly recommended for the best experience. Chrome on iOS may not support setting up your biometrics correctly. Use this guide to check and update your permissions.
Using Android? How to fix biometric activation on your Android device.
These options may look slightly different depending on your iPhone model and iOS version.
Options to try
Use Safari
Copy the activation link and open it in Safari instead.
Update iOS
An outdated iOS version can cause the biometric setup to fail. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
Check your passcode
Face ID and Touch ID won't work without a passcode set up on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) to add one.
Check that Face ID or Touch ID is enabled
- Go to Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
- Make sure Face ID (or Touch ID) is enabled and that at least one face or fingerprint is enrolled.
Disable password managers temporarily
Password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, or iCloud Keychain can sometimes interfere with the setup of your biometrics.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions and temporarily disable your password manager extension.
- Try setting up your biometrics again.
Once you've set up your biometrics, you can re-enable your password manager and make sure it has Face ID permission in Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Clear the authenticator
- Open Safari and clear your authenticator data. You'll see a "Session cleared" confirmation. Close the tab.
- Then, log out of your session. You can close this tab too.
- Close Safari fully (swipe it away from the app switcher).
- Reopen Safari.
- Try setting up biometrics again using the original link.
Clear Safari's cache
This clears your Safari browsing history and website data.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Reopen Safari.
- Try setting up biometrics again.
Need help?
If setting up your biometrics continues to fail after following all these steps, use your passcode to confirm instead.
If the issue affects multiple users on your account, submit a support request so the support team can investigate.