How to unlock a Mac or iPhone with an Apple Watch

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

An unlocked Apple Watch on your wrist can unlock your Mac when you wake it, and unlock an iPhone with Face ID when your face is covered by a mask or sunglasses.

Step by step

1. Check the basics

   The watch needs a passcode and Wrist Detection on. All devices must use the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication, and have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.

   Done

2. Mac: open System Settings

   Click Touch ID & Password. On a Mac without Touch ID it is called Login Password.

   Done

3. Mac: switch on your watch under Apple Watch

   Enter your Mac password to confirm. From now on, waking the Mac while wearing the watch unlocks it, with a tap on your wrist.

   Done

4. iPhone: open Settings, Face ID & Passcode

   Enter your passcode and scroll to Unlock with Apple Watch.

   Done

5. iPhone: switch on your watch

   When Face ID cannot see your whole face, the phone unlocks and the watch taps you, with a button to lock the phone again if it was not you.

   Done

Good to know

After a restart, the Mac and the iPhone each ask for the password or passcode once before the watch can unlock them.

On a Mac, the watch can also approve password prompts: double-click the side button when asked.

If it stops working, switch the setting off and on again, and check that the watch is unlocked and close to the device.

In short: Mac: System Settings, Touch ID & Password, Apple Watch. iPhone: Settings, Face ID & Passcode, Unlock with Apple Watch.