When you do the initial setup of your Apple Watch, it asks you to enter a pin code to secure its data. Then, each time you take the watch off your wrist, it automatically locks itself and requires you to enter the pin code on the tiny number pad to unlock.
Entering the Pincode whenever you wear your Apple Watch can be frustrating. Alternatively, you can use your iPhone to unlock your Apple Watch by enabling the option in the settings.
In this article, we will guide you on how to unlock Apple Watch using iPhone and unlock iPhone with Apple Watch when you’re wearing a face mask.
How to unlock Apple Watch with iPhone?
To enable the settings to unlock using your iPhone, you need to do the following in one of the devices.
On your iPhone
- Open Watch application on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Passcode.
- Find Unlock With iPhone option in the list then slide the toggle to the right to enable it.
On your Apple Watch
Similarly, you can use your Apple Watch to enable this feature. Follow the steps given below.
- Open Settings app on your watch.
- Scroll down and tap on Passcode.
- Find Unlock With iPhone option in the list then slide the toggle to the right to enable it.
When this is turned on, unlocking your iPhone will automatically unlock Apple Watch as long as you’re wearing it on your wrist. Please note, your iPhone must be in the normal Bluetooth range of your Apple Watch, and if Bluetooth is off on your Apple Watch, then you will have to enter the passcode to unlock it manually.
Also read: How to remove the activation lock on Apple Watch?
How to unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch when you’re wearing face mask?
With iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, Apple has brought major integration between iPhone and Apple Watch. Now you do not have to pull down your mask every time you want to unlock your iPhone using Face ID; instead, you can use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a face mask.
To unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch when your face mask is on, you will need to meet the following requirements.
- An iPhone that has Face ID (iPhone X or later) feature with iOS 14.5 or later.
- Apple Watch series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later.
- Apple Watch must be paired with your iPhone.
- Both the devices must have WiFi and Bluetooth enabled. WiFi network connection is not necessary.
- Apple Watch must have passcode and wrist detection enabled.
- Apple Watch should be on your wirst and unlocked.
- You should be wearing a face mask that covers your mouth and nose.
Also read: How to unpair Apple Watch?
How to setup unlock with Apple Watch?
- Open Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your iPhone passcode. Then tap Done, located on the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down to Unlock With Apple Watch option. Slide the toggle to the right, located next to your watch’s name.
If your watch has the wrist detection featured disabled, you will be asked to turn it on.
How to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch?
- Put on your face mask and make sure your Apple Watch is on your wrist and unlocked.
- Wake your iPhone by raising it or tapping on its screen.
- Glance at your iPhone to unlock it. Then slide up from the bottom of the screen to use it.
Once your Apple Watch unlocks your iPhone successfully, your watch gives haptic feedback and shows an alert on the watch screen. If you didn’t want to unlock your iPhone, tap the Lock iPhone button on your watch screen to lock your iPhone immediately. Next time you tap on this button to unlock your iPhone, your iPhone will manually ask you to enter your passcode.
Please note, unlock with Apple Watch works only to unlock your iPhone. It does not verify your identity for using Apple Pay, Keychain or password-protected apps. However, you can use these features by typing your passcode manually and using Apple Watch for Apple Pay.
Also read: What does the red dot mean on Apple Watch? Watch icons explained
