How To Unlock IPhone With Apple Watch

Unless you have the Face ID with a Mask feature on your iPhone, the face ID doesn’t recognize your face when you are wearing a mask. But for iPhones without such a feature, you can still set up the Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone.

But, if are running an older version, specifically between 14.5 and 15.4, you still have a similar feature called “Unlock with Apple Watch” that seamlessly unlocks the iPhone using an Apple Watch.

To unlock iPhone with Apple Watch, make sure you meet the following requirements.

All the iPhone models above iPhone X and running on iOS 14.5 or newer
Apple Watch Series 3 or newer running on watchOS 7.4 or above
The Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone.
You have previously set up and enabled the Face ID.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Configure Apple Watch Settings on the iPhone

To unlock the iPhone with Apple Watch, you must enable the setting called “Unlock with iPhone”. Along with it, you must also have a passcode on the watch.

Press the crown button (knob) on your Apple Watch to display the home screen.
Tap to open the Settings app.
Swipe down and tap on Passcode.
Then, tap Turn Passcode On. If you already have a passcode set up on your Apple Watch, you will see Turn Passcode Off. In that case, skip to the next step.
Scroll down and tap to toggle on the button next to Unlock with iPhone.
Also, enable the Wrist detection method.
Additionally, turn on Simple Passcode to unlock your Apple Watch with a four-digit PIN.

Step 2: Enable Unlock Setting on Your iPhone

After configuring essential settings in the Apple Watch, you need to enable a setting on your iPhone. However, make sure the watch is turned on and unlocked to access the setting.

Open the Settings app.
Select Face ID & Passcode. Enter the iPhone password if prompted.
Now, scroll down and toggle on the button under the Unlock with Apple Watch section.
On the next prompt, select Turn On to confirm.

Step 3: Turn On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Make sure you turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices. You can enable them from their Settings app. Then, proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Glance at the iPhone

Now, while you have the watch unlocked on your wrist, tap on the iPhone screen with a quick look at its camera and it should unlock immediately. Also, you can notice a slight vibration on your Apple Watch notifying you that your iPhone has been unlocked and with the option to lock the iPhone again.