How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch

This updated guide examines How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Part 1of 2:

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

1. Click the Apple menu on your Mac and select"System Preferences." You'll need Two-Factor Authentication enabled for your account to be able to unlock with your Apple Watch. You can enable it in the System Preferences menu.
   • To set up Two-Factor on your iPhone instead, open the Settings app and select "iCloud." Tap your Apple ID and enter your password. Tap "Password & Security" and then tap "Set Up Two-Factor Authentication."^[1]
2. Select "iCloud" and then click"Account Details." You'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.
3. Click the "Security" tab. This will display the security settings for your Apple ID account.
4. Click the "Set Up Two-Factor Authentication" button. This will start the Two-Factor setup process.
   • If you have devices that aren't running iOS 9+ or OS X 10.11+, you'll be warned that those devices will require a special password to use them.
5. Answer your security questions. You'll need to answer both questions before you can proceed.
6. Enter a verification phone number. This phone number will be able to receive SMS codes in case you don't have access to your trusted devices when trying to log in.
   • A valid credit card attached to your account can help you recover access if you get locked out when Two-Factor is activated. You can add one by logging intoappleid.apple.comand adding your card in the "Payment Method" section.^[2]

Part 2of 2:

Enabling Auto Unlock

1. Enable a passcode on your Apple Watch. You'll need to have a passcode enabled for your Apple Watch to turn on Auto Unlock. You won't be prompted for this passcode every time you use your watch to unlock your computer.
   • See the "Setting Up the Watch section of Use Your Apple Watch for details on enabling a passcode for your watch.
2. Click the Apple menu and select"System Preferences." You'll find the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
3. Select"Security & Privacy." This option is in the top row of menu.
4. Check the "Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac" box. If this box isn't available, you may not be running Sierra on a compatible Mac computer
5. Enter your Mac user password. This may be different than your Apple ID password. This is the password you use to log in as a user on your Mac computer.
6. Wait while Auto Unlock enables. This may take a few moments. You'll see a spinning wheel to the right of the checkbox while it's processing.
7. Lock your computer and test it out. Once Auto Unlock is enabled, you can try it out. Lock your computer by closing the lid and then opening it again, then move your watch close. You'll be logged in automatically after just a moment.^[3]
   • A notification will appear on your watch letting you know that you've unlocked your computer.
   • You must be wearing the Apple Watch in order for the Auto Unlock process to work.