How to enable Auto Unlock on Mac and Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is not only useful for physical tracking or using Apple Pay. If you have a compatible Mac, you can also use Auto Unlock. This feature (requires macOS Sierra and watchOS 3 and above) allows you to pair Apple Watch with a Mac.

Once paired successfully, you can automatically unlock your computer without a password, as long as you wear the Apple Watch on your wrist and unlock it when sitting in front of your computer.

Before starting to use Auto Unlock

Before you start using Auto Unlock, you'll need to make sure your Mac and Apple Watch are compatible and you've set up two-factor authentication for your iCloud account.

Make sure you own the right Mac and Apple Watch

To use Auto Unlock, you will need:

1. Any Mac was manufactured from mid-2013 onwards
2. Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

Make sure you have updated your operating system

If you own Apple Watch Series 0, 1 or 2, you will need to run watchOS 3 or higher on your smartwatch. Also, compatible Macs need to be running macOS Sierra or later. The new Apple Watch needs watchOS 4 or higher.

Note: Mac must have WiFi and Bluetooth turned on.

Activate two-factor authentication for iCloud accounts

Because you can use Auto Unlock to bypass your Mac's login password, Apple wants to make sure your computer is as secure as possible by turning on two-factor authentication on your iCloud account.

To enable two-factor authentication, iPhones will also need to run iOS 9 or later.

Make sure your Apple Watch and Mac are logged into the same iCloud account

To use Auto Unlock, Apple Watch and Mac must use the same iCloud account. Make sure you are logged in on both devices with the same Apple ID.

Make sure both Mac and Apple Watch have passwords

You might think you don't need to use a passcode with the Apple Watch when you first set it up, but if you want to use Auto Unlock, you'll need a password. You also need to set a login password on the Mac.

Put on your Apple Watch

If the Apple Watch is not unlocked and worn on your wrist, you will not be able to connect it to a Mac. If it's on your wrist and is unlocked, the Mac will detect the device and allow you to turn on Auto Unlock.

How to turn on Auto Unlock on Mac

Turning on Auto Unlock is easy.

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.

3. Click Security & Privacy .

4. Click General .

5. Check the box Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac . Auto Unlock will be activated.

Note : If you don't see a box that allows Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, review the preparation steps above.