How to Fix Apple Watch Not Unlocking Mac?

Hello there! It’s Rokon from The Soft Best, and today I’m here to discuss a common issue faced by Apple users: the problem of Apple Watch not unlocking Mac devices. While this feature is designed to be effortless, some users need help. But worry not!

Highlights:

Ensure your Mac and Apple Watch meet compatibility requirements for auto unlock feature.

Try restarting both your Apple Watch and Mac to resolve common issues.
Turn off and on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices for seamless auto unlock functionality.
Refresh the auto unlock setting in System Preferences to troubleshoot glitches.

Keep your devices up-to-date with the latest software versions to fix potential bugs.

Table of Content

Guide to Fix Apple Watch not Unlocking Mac

If your Apple Watch isn’t unlocking your Mac, first ensure compatibility and update your devices. Try restarting both and toggling Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Refresh auto-unlock settings and sign out/in to your Apple ID. If issues persist, update both devices’ software for a seamless experience.

Here, I’ll share six effective tips and tricks to resolve this problem and get your Apple Watch and Mac working seamlessly together.

Mac and Apple Watch Compatibility

First and foremost, ensure that your Mac and Apple Watch are compatible. Check if your devices meet the requirements for auto unlock:

MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in late 2013 or later

MacBook Air introduced in 2013 or later
Mac Mini introduced in 2014 or later
iMac introduced in 2013 or later

iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later

Also, make sure both devices are running macOS Sierra or later and watchOS 3 or later.

Restart Your Devices

If the compatibility is not the issue, try the simple yet effective method of restarting both your Apple Watch and Mac. To restart your Apple Watch, press and hold both the Digital Crown and the side button until the Apple logo appears. For your Mac, click on the Apple menu and choose Restart. Sometimes, a quick reset can solve many common problems.

Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

For the auto unlock feature to work seamlessly, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on both your Mac and Apple Watch. If you’re facing issues despite having these enabled, turn them off, restart your devices, and then turn them back on.

On your Mac, click on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth menus to toggle them off and on. On your Apple Watch, navigate to Settings, turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, restart the device, and then re-enable them.

Enable/Disable Auto Unlock

Refreshing the settings might do the trick. Open System Preferences on your Mac, go to Security & Privacy, and toggle the option to use your Apple Watch to unlock your apps and Mac. Sometimes, resetting this feature can resolve any glitches causing the problem.

Sign Out of Apple ID

If none of the previous methods worked, consider signing out of your Apple ID on your Mac and then signing back in. This can help resolve authentication issues that might be causing the problem. Launch System Preferences, click on Apple ID, choose Overview, and click Sign Out. After waiting for a few moments, sign back in and check if the issue is resolved.

Software Update

If all else fails, the problem could be a software bug. Apple frequently releases updates with bug fixes and enhancements. Ensure both your Mac and Apple Watch are running the latest software versions.

On your Mac, go to System Preferences, choose Software Update, and download and install the latest macOS version. On your Apple Watch, access Settings > General > Software Update, and ensure your watchOS is up to date.

Conclusion

And there you have it, five tried-and-tested methods to fix the issue of Apple Watch not unlocking your Mac. I hope these solutions help you get your devices working harmoniously again. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like and share it.

How to Fix Apple Watch Not Unlocking Mac? – (5 Steps)