Is there any way to use apple's Touch ID (fingerprint scanner) on iOS Simulator?

Question

I am working on an app which would require Touch ID Authentication, so is there any way i can use Touch ID (fingerprint scanner) in the simulator ?

Also, please do share some kind of example code for using LocalAuthentication framework.

Answer 1

As of Xcode 7 the Simulator supports 'touchID'. Answer below contains further info.

As of the latest beta (6) there is no way to simulate a fingerprint scan on the simulator. To be honest I doubt this will be included even in later betas.

You will need to test on device.

To use the Authentication framework right now you need:

• Xcode 6
• iPhone 5s with iOS 8

The steps you need to perform are:

Find out whether the device supports fingerprint validation and whether a fingerprint is enrolled:

@import LocalAuthentication;

// Get the local authentication context:
LAContext *context = [[LAContext alloc] init];

// Test if fingerprint authentication is available on the device and a fingerprint has been enrolled.
if ([context canEvaluatePolicy: LAPolicyDeviceOwnerAuthenticationWithBiometrics error:nil])
{
    NSLog(@"Fingerprint authentication available.");
}

Validate a fingerprint only:

[context evaluatePolicy:LAPolicyDeviceOwnerAuthenticationWithBiometrics localizedReason:@"Authenticate for server login" reply:^(BOOL success, NSError *authenticationError){
    if (success) {
        NSLog(@"Fingerprint validated.");
    }
    else {
        NSLog(@"Fingerprint validation failed: %@.", authenticationError.localizedDescription);
    }
}];

Validate a fingerprint or the device’s passcode depending on the user’s choice: This is a little beyond the scope of a question here, please find more information at: https://www.secsign.com/fingerprint-validation-as-an-alternative-to-passcodes/