Easy Way to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch (Steps & Troubleshooting)
In our face-mask-wearing, tech-connected world, Apple introduced a smart, seamless feature that lets you unlock iPhone with Apple Watch. Perfect for when Face ID can't recognize you—such as when wearing a mask or sunglasses—this feature enhances convenience without compromising security.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking your iPhone with your Apple Watch, including how to set it up, how it works, troubleshooting tips, and alternative methods.
Part 1. How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch (A Step-by-Step Guide)
1.1 What You'll Need: Essential Prerequisites
Before setting things up, ensure both your iPhone and Apple Watch meet these requirements. Here's a quick checklist of the prerequisites:
| Requirements | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone X or later running iOS 14.5 or newer. | To check, go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 7.4 or newer. | To check, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to My Watch tab > General > About. |
| Wi-Fi | Both your iPhone and Apple Watch should generally be connected to Wi-Fi. | / |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth must be turned ON for both your iPhone and Apple Watch. | / |
| Passcode on Apple Watch | Your Apple Watch must have a passcode enabled. | To set one, go to Settings > Passcode on your Apple Watch. |
| Wrist Detection on Apple Watch | This is a crucial security measure and must be enabled. | To enable it, go to Settings > Passcode on your Apple Watch and toggle on Wrist Detection. |
1.2 How to Enable "Unlock with Apple Watch"
Once you've confirmed all prerequisites are in place, setting up the feature is straightforward. Before you begin the setup on your iPhone, make sure your Apple Watch is on your wrist and unlocked. This is important for the iPhone to recognize and communicate with it during the setup process. Next, follow these steps carefully.
Step 1. Unlock your iPhone and navigate to the Settings app. Tap on it to open.
Step 2. Scroll down and find the Face ID & Passcode option. Enter the passcode for the next step.
Step 3. Then, find the "UNLOCK WITH APPLE WATCH" option. Under this heading, you will see the name of your paired Apple Watch(es). Tap this switch to turn the feature ON. Tap Turn On again to confirm.
Once enabled, your iPhone will automatically unlock when:
- You're wearing a mask or sunglasses.
- Your Apple Watch is on your wrist and unlocked.
- Your devices are close to each other.
Note:This feature only works when Face ID detects a partial match, such as when you're wearing a mask. It doesn't replace Face ID entirely.
1.3 How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch (How It Works)
Now all the settings are done, you're able to use the feature to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch. Here is how it works.
When Face ID detects a partial facial match (e.g., due to a mask or large sunglasses), your iPhone checks to see if your Apple Watch is nearby and unlocked. If all conditions are met, it instantly unlocks your iPhone and gives you haptic feedback on your watch confirming the action.
Step 1. Simply raise your iPhone to wake it or tap the screen.
Step 2. Glance at your iPhone as you normally would for Face ID.
Step 3. If Face ID detects your face but encounters difficulty (e.g., due to a mask), it will attempt to communicate with your Apple Watch.
Step 4. If all conditions are met, your iPhone will unlock almost instantly.
1.4 Troubleshooting: If Unlock with Apple Watch Not Working
While the "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature is generally reliable, you might occasionally run into issues. Here are some common issues and solutions.
Problem 1. "Unlock with Apple Watch" Option is Greyed Out or Missing
Solutions:- Verify your iPhone and Apple Watch software versions (iOS 14.5+ and watchOS 7.4+). Update if necessary.
- Ensure your Apple Watch has a passcode set AND Wrist Detection enabled. Go to Settings > Passcode on your Apple Watch to check.
- Make sure your Apple Watch is paired and actively connected to your iPhone.
Problem 2. iPhone Not Unlocking Despite Feature Being Enabled
Solutions:- Check Proximity: Ensure your Apple Watch is very close to your iPhone.
- Watch Unlocked & On Wrist: Confirm your Apple Watch is unlocked and securely on your wrist. If you've taken it off and put it back on, you'll need to unlock it with its passcode once.
- Face Detection: Remember, your iPhone still needs to detect a face. If the camera is completely covered or not pointed at a face, it won't attempt the Apple Watch unlock.
- Restart Both Devices: A classic but often effective fix. Restart your iPhone and then your Apple Watch.
- Toggle Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and then back on for both devices. For iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth.
For Apple Watch: Swipe up for Control Center, tap Bluetooth icon. - Re-Toggle the Feature: Try turning the "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature OFF in your iPhone's Settings > Face ID & Passcode, wait a few seconds, and then toggle it back ON.
Problem 3. "Unable to Communicate with Apple Watch" Error
Solutions:- Follow all steps for "iPhone Not Unlocking" above (proximity, Bluetooth, restarts).
- Check Wi-Fi: While primarily Bluetooth, ensure both devices have Wi-Fi enabled and are on the same network if possible, as this can sometimes aid communication stability.
- Reset Network Settings (Advanced): If problems persist, you could try resetting network settings on your iPhone (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings).
Warning: This will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN/APN settings. - Unpair and Re-pair Apple Watch (Last Resort): This is a more drastic step. If nothing else works, unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone and then pairing it again can resolve stubborn communication issues. This will erase your Watch and restore it from the most recent backup.
Problem 4. Feature Works Intermittently
Solutions:- Watch Fit: Ensure your Apple Watch is snug on your wrist. If it's too loose, Wrist Detection might not work consistently.
- Software Updates: Make sure both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running the latest compatible OS versions. Apple often releases fixes and improvements in updates.
- Interference: Consider potential sources of Bluetooth interference (other wireless devices, microwave ovens, etc.) and try to minimize them.
Problem 5. Delayed Unlocking or No Haptic Feedback on Watch
Solutions:- Some delay is normal, but if it's excessively long, try restarting both devices.
- For missing haptic feedback, ensure your Watch's haptic settings are enabled (Settings > Sounds & Haptics on your Apple Watch).
Also, check that Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode isn't suppressing notifications if you expect an audible alert as well.
Problem 6. "Unlock with Apple Watch requires your iPhone to be unlocked with its passcode after restarting" Message
Solutions:- This is normal behavior. After restarting your iPhone, you must unlock it once using your passcode before Face ID or Unlock with Apple Watch will function.
Part 2. Alternatives Ways to Unlock iPhone Without Apple Watch
While "Unlock with Apple Watch" is handy, some users still encounter the issue that Apple Watch cannot unlock iPhone in some situations. You can try some alternatives here:
1. Face ID with a Mask
Apple introduced this in iOS 15.4 or later, allowing Face ID to recognize users wearing a mask by scanning key features around the eyes. You can enable the feature in Settings > Face ID & Passcode > switch on the "Face ID with a Mask" toggle. Then follow the onscreen instructions and tap Done to finish the setup.
2. Use Touch ID
If you own an iPhone SE (1st, 2nd or 3rd gen), iPhone 8/8 Plus, 7/7 Plus, 6/6s Plus or earlier, you can fall back on fingerprint recognition. To set up Touch ID on your iPhone, you can go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode. Enter the passcode if prompted, and then tap "Add a Fingerprint". You can add several fingerprints if needed.
3. Use a Passcode
This is the most universal method. Although less convenient, it's secure and works in any situation. Here is how to set a passcode on your iPhone: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode if your device has Touch ID) > Turn Passcode On. Enter a 4-digit or 4-digit passcode and confirm the action.
4. Use TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
The "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature is fantastic for everyday convenience, especially when wearing a mask. However, it's designed for a very specific scenario. What if you're facing different iPhone unlocking challenges?
- You've forgotten your iPhone's main screen passcode.
- Your iPhone is disabled after too many incorrect passcode attempts.
- Face ID is completely unresponsive, and the Apple Watch unlock isn't an option.
- You've acquired a second-hand iPhone that is iCloud locked.
In these more complex situations, the native Apple Watch unlock feature won't be able to help. This is where specialized third-party iOS unlocking software can become invaluable. Tools like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker are designed to tackle a wider range of lock issues, from simple forgotten passcodes to more complex MDM (Mobile Device Management) locks or Screen Time passcodes.
Key Features TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
Easily unlock iPhone without passcode, remove Apple ID and iCloud Activation Lock, bypass MDM and Screen Time passcode.
600,000+ Downloads
Here are the detailed steps about how to unlock iPhone without Apple Watch when forgetting the screen lock passcode.
Step 1 To begin with, please run TunesKit iPhone Unlocker and connect your iPhone to the computer. When your iPhone is detected by TunesKit iPhone Unlocker, click the Unlock iOS Screen > Start button for the next step.
Step 2 Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iPhone into Recovery mode. When your iPhone is in Recovery or DFU mode, click the Next button.
Step 3 You will need to ensure that the on-screen instruction is corresponding to your iPhone. If there is anything wrong, you can correct it manually. Click the Download to start the downloading firmare package process.
Step 4 Click the Unlock button and TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will unlock your iPhone within several minutes. After unlocking, all the content and data on your iPhone will be erased, and you will need to set up your iPhone again.
Part 3. FAQs About Unlocking iPhone with Apple Watch
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this feature:
-
Q1. Is it safe to unlock my iPhone with my Apple Watch?
Yes, Apple has designed this feature with security in mind. Your Apple Watch must have a passcode and Wrist Detection enabled, meaning it needs to be on your wrist and unlocked. The communication between the devices is encrypted.
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Q2. Does it work for Apple Pay or App Store purchases?
No. For sensitive actions like Apple Pay, App Store purchases, or password autofill, Face ID or your passcode is still required.
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Q3. Can I unlock my iPhone with Apple Watch if I'm wearing a mask?
Yes! This was one of the primary motivations for Apple enhancing this feature. As long as your iPhone detects a face (even partially with a mask), and the other conditions are met, it should unlock.
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Q4. How do I turn off Unlock with Apple Watch feature?
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone, enter your passcode, and then toggle OFF the switch next to your Apple Watch under the Unlock with Apple Watch section.
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Q5. How to unlock Apple Watch with iPhone?
To unlock your Apple Watch with your iPhone, you can enable the Unlock with iPhone feature on your watch. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then go to My Watch > Passcode > Toggle on Unlock with iPhone option.
Remember that your Apple Watch should be Series 3 or later running watchOS 7 or newer, iPhone should be 6s or later with iOS 14 or newer. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices.
Part 4. Final Words
If you're someone who wears a face mask regularly, works in healthcare, or just values convenience, unlocking your iPhone with Apple Watch can be a game-changer. It blends security with seamless access, especially when Face ID is obstructed.
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a recommended iOS unlocking tool that helps users unlock iOS devices in any situation. Taking the assistance of it will be a smart move when you need to unlock your iDevice. You can leave us a comment if you have any other questions as well.
