Can I Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch? Setup, Limits & Fixes
Unlock with Apple Watch works with an iPhone X or later using Face ID and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on, the Watch must be unlocked and on your wrist, and Wrist Detection must be enabled. Apple Watch cannot bypass a forgotten iPhone passcode.
Yes, you can unlock an iPhone with Apple Watch, but the feature only works in specific situations. Your Apple Watch can help unlock a nearby Face ID iPhone when your face is covered by a mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles. It cannot bypass a forgotten iPhone passcode or replace Face ID for every type of authentication.
This guide explains how to set up Unlock with Apple Watch, when it works, what its limitations are, and how to fix it when your Apple Watch won't unlock your iPhone.
Can You Unlock an iPhone with Apple Watch?
Yes. Apple provides an Unlock with Apple Watch feature that lets a nearby, unlocked Apple Watch help unlock your iPhone when your face is obstructed. Apple currently lists these requirements:
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone X or later with Face ID |
| iOS | iOS 14.5 or later |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 3 or later |
| watchOS | watchOS 7.4 or later |
| Pairing | Apple Watch must be paired with the iPhone |
| Wi-Fi | Turned on; an active Wi-Fi connection is not required |
| Bluetooth | Turned on |
| Watch passcode | Required |
| Wrist Detection | Turned on |
| Watch status | On your wrist and unlocked |
| Face obstruction | Mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles |
One important detail is that Unlock with Apple Watch does not use Face ID to recognize and authenticate your identity. Instead, the nearby unlocked Watch acts as part of Apple's secure unlock process.
How to Turn On Unlock with Apple Watch
Before trying to unlock your iPhone, enable the feature from the iPhone's Face ID settings.
- 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.
- Step 4. Your Apple Watch must have both a passcode and Wrist Detection turned on. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and then go to Passcode > Turn Passcode On and Wrist Detection. and If Wrist Detection is disabled, your iPhone may prompt you to enable it before Unlock with Apple Watch can be activated.
How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch
Once everything is configured, the actual unlocking process is simple.
- Step 1. Put the Watch on your wrist and make sure it is already unlocked. You should also be wearing a mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles that interfere with normal Face ID recognition.
- Step 2. Raise your iPhone or tap the screen to wake it.
- Step 3. Look at your iPhone as you normally would when using Face ID.
- Step 4. When Apple Watch unlock succeeds, your Watch provides haptic feedback and displays a notification. Swipe up on the iPhone to start using it.
Unlocked the Wrong iPhone?
If you receive an unexpected unlock notification, tap Lock iPhone on your Apple Watch. The next time the iPhone is unlocked, Apple requires the iPhone passcode.
Can Apple Watch Unlock iPhone Without Passcode?
Yes, Apple Watch can unlock your iPhone without requiring you to type the passcode during normal use, as long as Unlock with Apple Watch was already enabled and all requirements are met. However, it cannot bypass a forgotten iPhone passcode. You still need the passcode to set up the feature and in certain security situations, such as after restarting the iPhone.
Here is what Apple Watch can and cannot do:
| Situation | Can Apple Watch Unlock It? |
|---|---|
| Face covered by a mask | Yes |
| Wearing sunglasses or ski goggles | Yes |
| Don't want to type the passcode during normal use | Yes, when requirements are met |
| Forgot iPhone passcode | Yes, if you set up it before you forgot the passcode |
| iPhone just restarted | No, enter the passcode first |
| Apple Pay authentication | No |
| Unlock Keychain passwords | No |
| Open password-protected apps | No |
Apple specifically states that Unlock with Apple Watch is limited to unlocking the iPhone. It does not authenticate Apple Pay, Keychain passwords, or password-protected apps.
Unlock with Apple Watch Not Working? 8 Fixes
If Apple Watch won't unlock your iPhone, first check whether the feature's conditions are actually being met. Many failures happen because one required setting is missing rather than because either device is malfunctioning.
Fix 1. Make Sure Your Face Is Obstructed
Unlock with Apple Watch is designed for situations where a mask covers your mouth and nose or sunglasses/ski goggles obstruct your eyes. If your face is fully visible, normal Face ID usually handles the unlock instead.
Fix 2. Make Sure Apple Watch Is Unlocked and on Your Wrist
Your Watch must be:
- worn on your wrist;
- unlocked;
- close to the iPhone.
If you take your Watch off and put it back on, unlock the Watch first before trying the iPhone again.
Fix 3. Turn On Wrist Detection
On your iPhone, open the Watch app and check the passcode settings to make sure Wrist Detection is enabled. Apple requires Wrist Detection for Unlock with Apple Watch.
Fix 4. Turn On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both the iPhone and Apple Watch need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. However, they do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and Apple says an active Wi-Fi network connection is not required.
Fix 5. Enter Your Passcode After Restarting the iPhone
If your iPhone was recently turned off or restarted, enter the iPhone passcode first. Apple requires the device passcode after startup before alternative unlock mechanisms can resume.
Fix 6. Turn Unlock with Apple Watch Off and Back On
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Unlock with Apple Watch to turn the option off, wait a few seconds, and enable it again. Then lock your iPhone and test the feature.
Fix 7. Restart Both Devices
Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch. After restarting, enter the required passcodes, make sure the Watch is unlocked, and try again.
Fix 8. Unpair and Re-pair Apple Watch
If all other settings are correct but the feature still fails, unpairing and pairing the Apple Watch again can rebuild the connection between the two devices. Use this as a later troubleshooting step rather than your first fix.
Unlock with Apple Watch vs Face ID with a Mask
If your main goal is simply to unlock an iPhone while wearing a mask, you may not need an Apple Watch at all.
Apple supports Face ID with a Mask on iPhone 12 and later running iOS 15.4 or later. Unlike Unlock with Apple Watch, this method analyzes the unique features around your eyes and can also work for other Face ID authentication tasks.
| Feature | Unlock with Apple Watch | Face ID with a Mask |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum iPhone | iPhone X | iPhone 12 |
| Apple Watch required | Yes | No |
| Works with mask | Yes | Yes |
| Works with sunglasses | Yes, in supported unlock situations | No |
| Unlock iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | No | Yes |
| Protected apps | No | Yes |
| Keychain authentication | No | Yes |
If you use an iPhone 12 or later, Face ID with a Mask may therefore be more useful for everyday authentication. You can also leave both features enabled. Apple says they can work together.
Forgot iPhone Passcode? Apple Watch Can't Bypass It
If your real problem is a forgotten iPhone screen passcode, enabling Unlock with Apple Watch will not solve it. The feature must already be configured, and the iPhone passcode remains the foundation of Apple's device security.
In that situation, use Apple's available recovery/reset options. If you prefer a desktop solution for a device you own, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is another option for removing the iPhone screen lock.
Key Features of TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
Easily unlock iPhone when you forgot the screen passcode. Easy to use and have detailed step guides. Supports many iOS versions and iPhone Models including iOS 27 and iPhone 18.
600,000+ Downloads
Unlock a Forgotten iPhone Passcode with TunesKit iPhone Unlocker
TunesKit iPhone Unlocker supports removing 4-digit and 6-digit passcodes, custom passcodes, Face ID, and Touch ID screen locks on compatible devices. Its current guide uses an Unlock iOS Screen mode for forgotten screen passcodes.
- Step 1. Launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker on your PC or Mac, connect the iPhone with a USB cable, and select Unlock iOS Screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to put the device into the required mode if necessary.
- Step 2. Confirm the detected device information and download the appropriate firmware package.
- Step 3. After the firmware is ready, click Unlock and keep the iPhone connected until the process finishes.
Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch vs Unlock Apple Watch with iPhone
These two Apple features sound almost identical but work in opposite directions.
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Unlock with Apple Watch | Apple Watch helps unlock the paired iPhone |
| Unlock with iPhone | Unlocking the paired iPhone automatically unlocks Apple Watch |
If you want your iPhone to unlock Apple Watch, open the Watch app on the iPhone, go to My Watch > Passcode, and turn on Unlock with iPhone.
Apple says the iPhone must be within normal Bluetooth range of the Watch for this reverse feature to work.
FAQs About Unlocking iPhone with Apple Watch
-
Can Apple Watch unlock iPhone without Face ID?
Unlock with Apple Watch does not use Face ID to authenticate your identity, but it is only available on iPhones equipped with Face ID. Apple currently requires an iPhone X or later.
-
Why is Unlock with Apple Watch missing from Settings?
First confirm that you are using a Face ID iPhone X or later, an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, and supported system versions. Also make sure the Watch is paired correctly. The option appears under Settings > Face ID & Passcode on compatible devices.
-
Does Apple Watch have to be connected to Wi-Fi to unlock iPhone?
Wi-Fi must be turned on, but Apple says the devices do not need an active Wi-Fi network connection. Bluetooth must also be enabled.
Conclusion
You can unlock an iPhone with Apple Watch when you use a compatible Face ID iPhone and Apple Watch, enable the required settings, and wear a mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles. Keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, make sure your Watch is unlocked and on your wrist, and enable Wrist Detection.
Remember that Apple Watch cannot bypass a forgotten iPhone passcode. If you are completely locked out of your own device, use Apple's recovery options or a screen-passcode removal solution such as TunesKit iPhone Unlocker.
