How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch

With the Apple Watch and macOS Sierra, you can unlock your computer without having to type in your password. Simply hold your watch close to the login screen and you'll be logged in automatically. In order to enable this feature, you'll...

Part 1 of 2:

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 1
Click the Apple menu on your Mac and select "System Preferences." You'll need Two-Factor Authentication enabled for your account in order to be able to unlock with your Apple Watch. You can enable it in the System Preferences menu.
1. 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]
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 2

Select "iCloud" and then click "Account Details." You'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 3

Click the "Security" tab. This will display the security settings for your Apple ID account.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 4
Click the "Set Up Two-Factor Authentication" button. This will start the Two-Factor setup process.
1. 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 in order to use them.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 5

Answer your security questions. You'll need to answer both questions before you can proceed.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 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.
1. 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 into appleid.apple.com and adding your card in the "Payment Method" section.^[2]

Part 2 of 2:

Enabling Auto Unlock

How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 7
Enable a passcode on your Apple Watch. You'll need to have a passcode enabled for your Apple Watch in order to turn on Auto Unlock. You won't be prompted for this passcode every time you use your watch to unlock your computer.
1. See the "Setting Up the Watch section of Use Your Apple Watch for details on enabling a passcode for your watch.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 8

Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." You'll find the Apple menu in the upper-left corner.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 9

Select "Security & Privacy." This option is in the top row of menu.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 10

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
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 11

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.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 12

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.
How to Unlock a Mac Using the Apple Watch Picture 13
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]
1. A notification will appear on your watch letting you know that you've unlocked your computer.
2. You must be wearing the Apple Watch in order for the Auto Unlock process to work.

apple watch unlock 'll

Isabella Humphrey

Update 04 March 2020

You should read it

Maybe you are interested