How to Unlock Mac With Apple Watch

Charlotte Daniels

Mac, Tutorials

Unlocking your Mac with your Apple Watch is not only convenient but also adds an extra layer of security to your device. With this feature, you no longer need to type in your password every time you want to access your Mac.

Instead, you can simply have your Apple Watch authenticate and unlock it for you. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to set up and use this fantastic feature.

Requirements:

Before we get started, make sure that you meet the following requirements:

  • Your Mac must be running macOS Sierra or later.
  • Your Apple Watch must be running watchOS 3 or later.
  • You must have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID.

Setting Up Auto Unlock:

To enable Auto Unlock on your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check System Preferences

On your Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Open Security & Privacy

In the System Preferences window, click on “Security & Privacy”.

Step 3: Authenticate

If the padlock icon at the bottom left is locked, click on it and enter your administrator password to make changes.

Step 4: Enable Auto Unlock

In the Security & Privacy settings, select the “General” tab. Look for the option that says “Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac” and check the box next to it.

Step 5: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

If you haven’t already set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, you will be prompted to do so. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Using Auto Unlock:

Once you have set up Auto Unlock, using it is a breeze. Here’s how:

Step 1: Wake Up Your Mac

Wake up your Mac by pressing any key on the keyboard or clicking on the trackpad.

Step 2: Wait for Authentication

After waking up your Mac, simply wait for the authentication process to complete. You will see a message on your Apple Watch saying “Unlocking Mac..”

Step 3: Successfully Unlocked!

If everything goes smoothly, your Mac will unlock automatically, and you’ll be ready to go!

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you encounter any issues while setting up or using Auto Unlock, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your Mac and Apple Watch.
  • Ensure that both devices are connected to the same iCloud account.
  • If Auto Unlock still doesn’t work, try restarting both your Mac and Apple Watch.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and learned how to use Auto Unlock with your Apple Watch. Enjoy the convenience and added security this feature brings to your Mac!

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