Auto Unlock lets an unlocked Apple Watch on your wrist unlock your nearby Mac when it wakes. It can also approve some macOS security prompts by double-clicking the watch side button.
This applies to supported Macs from mid-2013 or later, watchOS 3 or later, the same Apple Account, and two-factor authentication.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to stop typing your Mac password every time the display wakes, while still keeping the Mac locked when you are away.
Turn On Auto Unlock
- Make sure the Mac and Apple Watch use the same Apple Account.
- Confirm two-factor authentication is enabled for that account.
- Set a passcode on Apple Watch and turn on wrist detection.
- Wear the watch and unlock it.
- On the Mac, open System Settings > Touch ID & Password, or Password on Macs without Touch ID.
- Enable Use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.
- Enter your Mac password if prompted, then lock and wake the Mac to test.
Approve Security Prompts
- Keep Auto Unlock enabled.
- When macOS shows a supported password prompt, look for an Apple Watch approval message.
- Double-click the side button on the watch to approve.
- Use your Mac password for prompts that do not support Apple Watch approval, such as ordinary Terminal sudo prompts.
Fix Auto Unlock Problems
Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Auto Unlock needs both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Turn them on for the Mac and make sure the watch is nearby.
Wear an Unlocked Watch
If the watch is locked, wrist detection is off, or the watch was removed, Auto Unlock will not run.
Toggle the Setting
Turn off Use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, wait briefly, then turn it back on.
Restart Both Devices
Restart the Mac and Apple Watch if the feature suddenly stops working. A stuck Bluetooth state is a common cause.
First Login After Restart
You still need the Mac password the first time after restarting because Auto Unlock depends on services that start after the first login.
Multiple Macs
The same watch can unlock more than one supported Mac signed in with the same Apple Account.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac
- Apple Support: Use Apple Watch to approve requests on your Mac
- Apple Support: If Auto Unlock is not working