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Auto unlock Mac with Apple Watch feature doesn't work, how to fix?
Auto Unlock with Apple Watch with multiple Macs? Hello, I've an iMac & an a macbook pro. Same apple ID with both. Should I be able to unlock both with the watch? I was able to configure it on the iMac after multiple tries it accept it. It worked 1 time but usualy just ask for the password after few seconds. To unlock the Watch afterward, press the Side Button and the Digital Crown at the same time. Accessing Apple Watch via iPhone. Thanks to the Watch app for iPhone, you can do pretty much everything covered here by using your iPhone too. Unlock Apple Watch. First off, you can unlock your Apple Watch without even using it. You can avoid that hassle if you own an Apple Watch thanks to a feature known as Auto Unlock, which automatically unlocks your Mac's screen with your smartwatch when your computer goes into Lock Mode. The Apple Watch auto unlock feature only works on mid-2013 or new Macs. But Redditor jjborcean has figured out a hack for automatically unlocking his late 2012 Retina MacBook Pro with his Apple Watch. He explains: Auto Unlock in watchOS 3 / macOS Sierra is only supported on mid-2013 or newer Mac models. Have an older Mac? I’m quite new to Apple Watch, having a version 4 with cellular which I’m really happy about. Recently I came across this nice feature where you use your Watch to auto unlock your MacBook. Yes auto unlock and not auto login first time after power on, restart, and logoff. Before you configure auto unlock make sure your MacBook actually.
Many users were pleased when Apple introduced the new macOS version and a function allowing them to unlock their computers via Apple Watch. This function allows access to computers without entering a password by using an associated watch in close proximity. This invokes an automatic sign-in, but unfortunately does mean that the password must be entered for the first time after rebooting the computer. Despite the convenience of this system, people have encountered various issues, such as incorrect security options on iCloud logins, miscommunication between Mac and the Apple Watch, and so on.
Fortunately, most of the problems are straightforward to solve by following a few easy steps. Without proper knowledge, however, this situation might seem quite confusing. For example, if auto unlock works properly there is no regular need to remember a password (since it is not required at log in), but if the function fails, suddenly you are required to recall it (not easy if it was a complicated combination of characters and numbers). This is just one potentially difficult case that people encounter when the unlock with an Apple Watch fails. In this article, we describe the most common issues and solutions, and how to properly set two-factor authentication rather than two-step verification, which is one way to enable the auto unlock function.
Table of Contents:
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Basic requirements for your watch and Mac to enable auto unlock function
We begin with checking your system and software. Ensure you fulfil all of the following requirements:
- Auto unlock function is available only for Mac computers released in 2013 or later.
- Apple Watch series 0, 1, or 2 must be running on watchOS 3 or later and computer on macOS Sierra or newer version to enable Auto Unlock feature, while Apple Watch Series 3 requires watchOS 4 and Mac running on macOS High Sierra or later.
- Two-factor authentication must be enabled for your iCloud. The most common problem is that two-factor authentication is not enabled or users are still using Apple's old two-step verification protection.
- Apple Watch and Mac computer must be signed with the same iCloud account. If devices are signed with different accounts, the Auto Unlock function will be unavailable.
- Both devices, Apple Watch and Mac computer, must have a passcode enabled. If one of the devices does not have an enabled passcode, the Auto Unlock function will be unavailable.
Switch from two-step verification to two-factor authentication
Before you try to switch between protections, ensure that all devices connected to your iCloud account meets the requirements. Sign in to the AppleID website and study the Devices section. Minimum requirements for iOS devices is version 9 or later, watches must be running on versions of OS 2, and computers with OS X El Capitan or later.
- To change the protection method, log into Apple ID website.
- You must use a two-step code to confirm your action.
- Find the Security section where you should be able to find a label displaying Two-Step Verification and 'On' beneath it. Otherwise, skip the next two steps (since two-step verification is not configured for your account).
- Click on Edit, click Turn Off Two-Step Verification, and then click again to confirm your action.
- Apple will ask you to create security questions to protect your account. This is required since your account is currently protected by password only.
- In addition, you will need a device associated with your iCloud account. You can use a Mac computer or any iOS device that meets the minimum requirements listed above.
- Enable two-factor authentication using a Mac computer:
- Open iCloud under System Preferences, and then click on Account Details.
- Enter the password when asked and choose Security Tab.
- Click Turn on Two-Factor Authentication and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you wish to turn on two-factor authentication using any iOS device: - Open the device settings and tap on iCloud.
- Select your Apple ID and enter the password if asked.
- Tap Password & Security, select Turn on Two-Factor Authentication, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Ensure Automatic Login is disabled
The Auto Unlock function cannot work together with automatic login enabled on a system, so ensure this that feature is disabled. First, open Mac System Preferences and choose Users & Groups. Select Login Options, click on lock, and confirm your action by entering a system administrator password to make the changes. Once you have changed the settings, click the drop-down menu next to Automatic login and select Off.
Reset connections via radio waves
Check that the Auto unlock feature works by using both Bluetooth version 4.2 and Wi-Fi connections. First, ensure both devices are enabled and connected via these signals. These connections can revert to a non-responsive state, resulting in a lost connection and failure of the Auto unlock function. The best solution is to reset both connections.
To reset connections on your Apple watch, swipe up to bring up control center. 10 6 snow leopard download apple. Tap the Airplane Mode button, which will disable all connections. Once Airplane mode is enabled, it will turn to yellow. Tap again to disable Airplane Mode and the watch will try to reconnect automatically.
To reset connections on a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar at top left corner of the screen. Then select Turn Bluetooth Off. Enable it by clicking the icon again and selecting Turn Bluetooth On.
Next, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar next to Bluetooth and select Turn Wi-Fi Off. Enable the connection again by repeating the steps and check if the auto unlock feature works.
Reboot devices
Restarting electronic devices is always an option, and can sometimes solve even serious problems. Restart Apple Watch by holding down the Digital Crown and Side button simultaneously. Keep holding the buttons until you see the Apple logo. To restart the Mac, click the Apple logo and select Restart. Finally, when your devices reboot, enter the password for the first time to enable the auto unlock function. Let the Mac 'Sleep' and try the auto unlock feature again.
Check for system update
Apple Watch Unlock Not Working
New versions of operating systems often have compatibility problems, with subsequent versions providing fixes. This might be the case with your system, so check if there are any updates to your software. To check available updates for Apple Watch, launch the application on your iPhone. Tap on the My Watch tab at the bottom, select General and tap on Software Update. If you see any updates available, install them. To ensure that you are running on the latest version of macOS, open the Mac App Store. Select the Update tab and check if there any updates available and, if so, install them. Once you have updated your software, reboot the devices, log in for the first time and check if the auto unlock feature works.
Re-pair your Apple Watch
Re-pairing an Apple Watch might be a complicated process, but if a problem occurred in the connection between the iPhone and Apple Watch, secure information pertaining to the auto unlock feature will not be transferred correctly. To solve this frustrating issue, first un-pair your devices by launching the Watch application. Tap on the My Watch tab in the bottom of the screen, and then tap on the Apple Watch at the top. Then press the Info button on the right and select Unpair Apple Watch. In addition, you must repeat the pairing procedure and at the end of process, select restoring from your most recent backup file. Once the re-pairing process is complete, enable the Auto Unlock function in Mac preferences. Finally, check if the auto unlock feature works correctly.
Each time the owner removes the Apple Watch from their wrist, the device will automatically lock. This will prevent others from accessing your data. When locked, the watch can’t be used for any purpose other than telling the time.
Contents
- 1 Lock Apple Watch
- 2 Restarting the Apple Watch
Lock Apple Watch
You can lock your Apple Watch at any time, even while wearing it on your wrist. However, you’ll need the passcode to unlock it! Note that when the Apple Watch is locked, all notifications you receive will go to your iPhone.
How to Lock and Unlock Apple Watch
- Lift your wrist to wake the watch.
- Press and hold the side button.
- When you see the Power screen, swipe the Lock Device icon to the right. The Apple Watch will lock, and you’ll see the Lock icon at the top of the display.
- When you’re ready to unlock the device, tap the screen, and you’ll see the Enter Passcode screen.
- Enter your passcode on the screen, and the watch face will appear.
Unlock Mac With Watch
Restarting the Apple Watch
The Apple Watch should run smoothly without any issues. However, sometimes the user will need to restart the device to resolve problems with software, slowdowns, etc. Restarting the Apple Watch will close all the applications that are running, so the device should then be working at full speed.
How to Restart the Apple Watch
- Press and hold the side button.
- As soon as the Power screen appears, tap Power Off, and slide it to the right to power the device off.
- Press and hold the side button again.
- When the Apple logo appears on the screen, release the side button.
- The watch face appears, locked.
- Tap the watch face.
- When you see the Enter Passcode Screen, type the passcode to unlock the Apple Watch and resume using it.
A Few Apps for the Apple Watch
- Yelp: When you open this app, you’ll see just four icons: Restaurants, Bars, Coffee & Tea, and Hot & New. If you tap on the one you’re interested, Yelp will show you a list sorted by distance, with the all-important star ratings and average cost listed on top of a photograph. If you tap again, you will get the opening hours, a map, and the reviews. The database is enormous and lists places even in remote locations. Yelp’s app is good for finding places in unfamiliar towns or unfamiliar places.
- The Guardian: The Guardian is a news app that shows you an interesting story every time you open it. The app will look at your preferences on the iPhone and show you one story that it thinks you’ll be interested in. The user will see a headline, a small photo, and a synopsis, and you can either Force Touch to save the item to your reading list, or use Handoff to open the full item on your phone.
- Philips Hue: This is Philips’ HomeKit-compatible bulb system app. It enables you to create light recipes that you can save for easy access. It’s based around a hub that connects to your wireless router, allowing control via phone, tablet, or watch. Once installed, you need to create its widgets using the Hue app on your phone – but once you’ve done that you can then tap on the appropriate icon to open its settings. The app also integrates with Siri.
- Foursquare City Guide: The main interface of City Guide has five tappable areas: Search, Favorites, Food, Coffee and Nightlife. Tapping on the appropriate option takes you to a list of venues, but instead of just filtering by distance, the app also filters by Foursquare user ratings. The list gives you the name, price bracket, average rating, and distance for each venue. If you tap on a venue you’ll also see reviews, photos, maps and other key information. The big selling point here is Foursquare’s global reach.
- Google Maps: Watch users have a choice of transport apps on their Watch. The built-in Maps app from Apple is still the most versatile thanks to excellent maps, directions, and now public transport options in some cities. But Google’s answer is straightforward and attractive. Google Maps gives directions for two destinations, home and work, but will also show routes recently followed on your phone. A Force Press on the Watch screen lets you switch between walking, driving, and public transport modes.
- Camera Remote: This app let’s your frame a shot remotely with your Apple Watch by seeing a preview of what’s in the phone viewfinder via the Watch screen. It also has a shutter button and initiates a countdown. It works with both the front and back cameras and is free.
- Chipotle: While it’s not the most groundbreaking app, users can create a one-tap order with the Chipotle Apple Watch app and have their meal ready to go while they’re on the treadmill at the gym next door. It’s as efficient as it is calorie rich.
Links
- About Activation Lock on your Apple Watch – Apple Support.
- Want to switch to the new model? Sell your used Apple Watch to iGotOffer. We pay the highest price online for you used iDevices. Free instant quote, free fully insured shipping, fast payment.
How to lock and unlock your Apple Watch [Video]
Video published by iDB on April 27, 2015