Apple made the iPhone the central of your digital life. It became a hub for media, email and security. Apple Watch is another example of personal technology. Apple relies on proximity and others cues to allow a Watch, iPhone and Mac to unlock one another without the need for additional authentication.
These combinations allow you to unlock one device from another.
Use an Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone with Face ID
Apple introduced a new feature in iOS 14.5 & watchOS 7.4 that addresses the issue of masks obscured faces when Face ID is being used correctly. In Settings > Face ID & PasscodeYou can enable Unlock on Apple Watch. This will only work with iPhones that support Face ID.
To unlock your iPhone with your Watch, you need to have a passcode and wrist detection set. Once this is done, your Watch must remain on your wrist. (Use the Watch app’s Passcode settings to add a passcode and turn on Wrist Detection.) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must also be enabled on both devices. Your Watch and iPhone must be within about 10 meters (33 feet), the standard distance cited for Bluetooth, but range may vary–closer will work more reliably than farther away.
Further, your iPhone cannot be unlocked via Face ID due to face coverings identified by iOS. Your iPhone will then unlock using authentication via your Watch. When it works, you’ll get a couple of vibrations via haptic feedback on your Watch, and a banner will briefly appear on your iPhone. If you accidentally unlock your iPhone, a Lock button will appear on your Watch. You will need to enter your passcode each time you unlock your iPhone by tapping Lock.
While it seems like many conditions, I’ve seen it work consistently even when Face ID with a Mask is also enabled in Settings > Face ID & PasscodeMy iPhone’s Face ID does not recognize me immediately
Your Apple Watch can be unlocked from an iPhone
You can also unlock your Watch using your iPhone. You can access the Watch App by going to PasscodeEnable Get unlock codes for your iPhone. If just put your Watch on your wrist or it’s locked for another reason, unlocking your iPhone in proximity will also unlock your Watch. The lock button can be tapped to cancel the operation. If you don’t tap it, your Watch is unlocked.
This feature appeared early on with the Watch–so early that Apple didn’t document when it was first available. It can be used with any compatible Watch or iPhone.
Apple Watch allows you to unlock a Mac
Apple released macOS v6. This update allows you to unlock your computer using a Watch at close range. It works with all Watch models and most Macs that run macOS versions since late 2016. Your Watch and Mac need to be logged in with the same Apple ID. (Apple Sherlock KnockAn app that can use your iPhone or Watch to unlock the Mac.
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General and check “Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac.” Enter your administrative password. macOS then communicates to your Watch which must be on its own wrist and unlocked, and activates the feature.
The unlock feature might be enabled in macOS 13 Ventura. This was the case for me as I wanted to activate it on another Mac that was running macOS 12 Monterey. To enable it, go to System Settings > Touch ID & PasswordAllow the feature to be enabled under Apple Watch
Your MacOS will be unlocked the next time it is locked. All you have to do is wear your Watch while in close proximity. It will only unlock your Mac, not log in. You have to enter your Mac account’s password after a restart, starting up from being powered off, or logging in if you’ve logged out but not powered down.
You can also use this feature to replace the need for an administrative password, Touch ID on Macs that are equipped with Touch ID or Magic Keyboards with Touch ID with M series Apple silicon Macs. The Watch will detect your attention using haptics and prompt you to click the side button twice to approve.
As a security precaution, Apple doesn’t let you unlock your Mac if its screen is being shared.
Apple suggests that you check to make sure this feature works on your Mac. Hold down Option and select > System Information and click Wi-Fi. Auto Unlock is shown as a line item. If it works on your Mac, the app will indicate Supported.
Ask Mac 911
We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: Check out our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Send us your ideas! mac911@macworld.comYou can include screen captures if necessary and your full name. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
