How to Unlock Your iPhone with an Apple Watch

Learn how to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch, perfect for when Face ID can’t recognize you due to a mask. Simple setup steps included.

When you’re wearing a face mask, Face ID on your iPhone might not work as well. This means your iPhone might not unlock automatically as it usually does. However, if you have an Apple Watch that’s updated to WatchOS 7.4 or later and an iPhone that’s updated to iOS 14.5 or later, you can use a helpful feature to make things easier.

With these updates, you can set your Apple Watch to automatically unlock your iPhone. This is great solution if Face ID isn’t working because of mask. You won’t have to type in your passcode every time Face ID can’t recognize you. Instead as long as your Apple Watch is on your wrist & unlocked, it will help unlock your iPhone for you. This way you can use your phone more easily while still wearing mask.

Main Points:

• You can unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch if you’re wearing mask or Face ID can’t recognize you.
• Make sure your Apple Watch has WiFi, Bluetooth, passcode and wrist detection set up.
• When you enable “Unlock with Apple Watch” on your iPhone, it will unlock automatically when you raise your wrist or tap screen.

Unlocking Your iPhone with Apple Watch When Wearing Face Mask

Before you enable automatic Unlock with Apple Watch feature, you need to make sure your Apple Watch is properly set up and paired with your iPhone. Take these steps to get your Apple Watch ready:

1. Press Digital Crown to see list of watch apps and tap Settings app.
2. Tap Wi-Fi and make sure it’s turned on by swiping the button to right.
3. Tap Back arrow at top left, then tap Bluetooth.
4. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on by swiping button to the right.
5. Tap Back arrow again.
6. If you don’t already have passcode set on your watch, tap Passcode then tap Turn Passcode On and enter passcode twice to set it.
7. While still in Passcode section, make sure Wrist Detection is enabled by swiping button to right.

Now that your Apple Watch is properly prepared, you can enable Unlock with Apple Watch:

8. On your iPhone, start Settings app.
9. Tap Face ID & Passcode, then enter your phone’s passcode when requested.
10. In Unlock With Apple Watch section, turn feature on by swiping button beside your watch to right.

By following these steps, you’ll set up your Apple Watch to automatically unlock your iPhone, making it easier to use your phone while wearing mask or when Face ID can’t recognize you.

Now your phone will unlock automatically when you raise it or tap screen, even if Face ID can’t recognize you. It may take few seconds to work, but your watch will vibrate to let you know phone is unlocked.

How to Unlock Your Mac With an Apple Watch

Check Compatibility:

• Your Mac must be a mid-2013 model or later with macOS Sierra or higher.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be turned on.
• Ensure internet sharing or screen sharing is not in use.

Verify Compatibility:

• Click the Apple menu and select About this Mac.
• Go to System Report > Network > Wi-Fi.
• Look for Auto Unlock in the right pane. If it says “Supported,” everything should work fine.

Apple Watch Requirements:

• Work with any model of Apple Watch running watchOS 3 or later.
• The watch must be protected by a passcode.

Apple ID Requirements:

• Two-factor authentication—not two-step verification—must be used with your Apple ID.
• Same Apple ID should be used to log into iCloud on both devices.

Enable Unlock Feature:

• On your Mac, open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
• To unlock apps and your Mac: check box next to Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps.
• In order to enable setting enter your Mac pin.

Unlock Your Mac:

• When your Mac is locked, open the Lock Screen with your Apple Watch nearby.
• Wait a few seconds.
• You should hear & feel click on Apple Watch.
• A message that your Mac was unlocked by the Apple Watch will appear on your watch.
• Your Mac will then open to your desktop.

Now you can easily unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch!

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FAQs: Unlock Your iPhone with an Apple Watch

Q: Why does Face ID not work well when I’m wearing a mask?
A: Face ID is designed to recognize your entire face. When you wear a mask, it covers a significant portion of your face, making it harder for Face ID to identify you.

Q: What do I need to automatically unlock my iPhone with my Apple Watch?
A: You need an Apple Watch with WatchOS 7.4 or later and an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later. Your Apple Watch should also have WiFi, Bluetooth, a passcode, and wrist detection set up.

Q: How do I set up my Apple Watch to unlock my iPhone?
A:

1. Press Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to open Settings app.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3. Set up a passcode and enable Wrist Detection in the Passcode section.
4. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
5. Enter your iPhone’s passcode and enable Unlock with Apple Watch.

Q: What are the requirements for unlocking my Mac with my Apple Watch?
A:

• Your Mac must be a mid-2013 model or later with macOS Sierra or higher.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be turned on, and you shouldn’t be using internet sharing or screen sharing.
• Your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 3 or later and have a passcode.
• Both your Mac and Apple Watch must be signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.

Q: How do I enable the unlock feature on my Mac?
A:

1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General on your Mac.
2. To unlock apps & your Mac: check box next to Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps.
3. Enter your Mac password to enable the setting.