Apple has a complex system in place to make Auto Unlock possible, but unfortunately it can sometimes malfunction. If you’ve been experiencing issues yourself, here’s what you can do if your Apple Watch won’t unlock your Mac.

Apple Watch Auto Unlock Requirements

Before trying any fixes, first make sure you fulfill this list of requirements.

Your Mac should be a mid-2013 or newer model running macOS Sierra or later.Your Apple Watch should be running WatchOS 3 or later.Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on both your Mac and Apple Watch.You should be signed in iCloud using the same Apple ID on both Mac and Apple Watch.Your Apple ID should have two-factor authentication enabled.You’ve have set a login password on your Mac and Passcode on your Apple Watch.

On top of all of that, make sure you are nearby your Mac when you attempt to use Auto Unlock. Also note that if you restart your Mac, you’ll still be required to input your password. Anyway, as long as you fulfill the above requirements, Auto Unlock should work just fine. If it is still not working, try the below fixes.

1. Disable Auto Unlock and Enable It Again

The first fix you should try is to disable Auto Unlock and enable it again.

2. Reset Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connection

Auto Unlock on Mac uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to verify the signals. Most of the time, when the Auto Unlock feature doesn’t work, it is mainly due to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection interruption. The easiest way to fix the Bluetooth or WI-Fi-related issues is to turn them off and then on again.

On Mac

On Apple Watch

3. Turn Off Automatic Login

The Automatic Login feature on Mac allows to automatically sign in into a user account during startup. When Automatic Login is enabled on your Mac, you can’t use Auto Unlock. So, If you want to unlock your Mac using Apple Watch, you will have to turn off automatic login first.

4. Turn Off Internet Sharing and Screen Sharing

Auto Unlock doesn’t work when “Internet Sharing” or “Screen Sharing” is turned on. So, if you are sharing your Mac screen or Internet, you will have to turn them off.

5. Update Mac and Apple Watch

Apple regularly updates its devices including Macs and the Apple Watch to fix bugs and issues. If you are running an outdated version of macOS or WatchOS and facing issues with Auto Unlock, you should update your Mac and Apple Watch. Note: Apple recommends backing up your Mac, before attempting to update.

Update Mac

Update Apple Watch

6. Unpair Apple Watch and Pair Again

If you tried all the above fixes and none of them worked for you, the last fix you might wish to try is to unpair your Apple Watch and pair it again. After pairing your Apple Watch, enable Auto Unlock, and hopefully, it should work now. All screenshots taken by Ratnesh Kumar Image credit: Unsplash