ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

How to unlock your Mac computer with an Apple Watch using the 'Auto Unlock' feature

Apple's "Auto Unlock" feature allows you to unlock your Mac using your Apple Watch .

how to unlock mac with apple watch

You probably purchased your Apple Watch for its activity tracking, or to easily use Apple Pay. But its advancements are growing year by year.

Did you know that you can now unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch ? Apple's recent "Auto Unlock" feature allows you to unlock your Mac just by sitting down in front of it with the watch on your wrist, if you have compatible devices. Pretty cool, right?

If you want to try the new function for yourself, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following questions. Then, read on to learn all about "Auto Unlock."

ADVERTISEMENT
  • Your Mac must be running macOS Sierra or later and have been manufactured in 2013 or later.
  • If you have an original Apple Watch, or a Series 1 or 2, it must be running watchOS 3 or later.
  • Apple Watch 3 requires watchOS 4, and the compatible Mac must be running High Sierra.
  • Apple Watch 4 ships with watchOS 5 and also requires High Sierra on your Mac.

Make sure your Mac and your Apple Watch are signed in to the same iCloud account. You'll also need to have two-factor authentication set up on your iCloud account (this is different from two-step authentication). This requires your iPhone to be running iOS 9 or later.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ensure both devices have a passcode set up. If you don't use Apple Pay , you may not have set one up for your Apple Watch. You can set a passcode using the Watch app on your companion iPhone.

Make sure your Apple Watch is on your wrist and that it is unlocked. Your Mac will then be able to detect the device and turn on "Auto Unlock."

ADVERTISEMENT

Now that you know you have two compatible devices prepared, turning on "Auto Unlock" is a painless process:

1. Log in to your Mac.

2. Open to the Apple menu in the top left corner of your display.

3. Click "System Preferences." It may also be pinned to your menu bar (it's a grey gear).

ADVERTISEMENT

4. Open "Security & Privacy."

5. Click on the "General" tab at the top of the window.

6. Click the lock in the bottom left corner, enter your admin password and click "OK."

7. Tick the box that has the description "Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac." Note: if you don't see this option, it's because your Mac isn't detecting your Apple Watch. Go through the preparation questions above.

ADVERTISEMENT

8. You will now be able to unlock your Mac just by wearing your Apple Watch near your Mac.

See Also:

ADVERTISEMENT

SEE ALSO: How to change your account username on a Mac computer, if you bought a pre-owned Mac or otherwise need a name change

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT