How do i unlock my apple watch

Here is the simplest way to unlock your Apple Watch, including how to use your iPhone to unlock your wearable device.

Keeping your devices under lock and key can feel stressful, however, it is usually best that you ensure all your devices are safe so your personal information can stay private.

We’re going to be showing you how you can unlock your Apple Watch via your iPhone, meaning that whenever you unlock your iPhone your Watch will also unlock, provided that you are wearing it.

Keep reading to find out the best way to unlock your Apple Watch in just a few simple steps.

What we used

  • We used an Apple Watch Series 6 that is paired with an iPhone 13 Pro, running watchOS 8 and iOS 15, respectively

The Short Version

  • Find the Watch app on your iPhone
  • Scroll down to Passcode
  • Click Passcode
  • Tick the Unlock with iPhone box
  • Enter your password on your Apple Watch

  1. Step
    1

    Find the Watch app on your iPhone

    How do i unlock my apple watch

    Locate the Watch app on your iPhone and open it.

    How do i unlock my apple watch

  2. Step
    2

    Scroll down to Passcode

    How do i unlock my apple watch

    When in the Watch app, you will need to scroll down to the tab that says Passcode.

    How do i unlock my apple watch

  3. Step
    3

    Click Passcode

    How do i unlock my apple watch

    Once you have found the tab marked Passcode, tap on it. It is a pinkish-red colour and has a lock as the logo.

    How do i unlock my apple watch

  4. Step
    4

    Tick the Unlock with iPhone box

    How do i unlock my apple watch

    Out of the several options on screen, find the box that says Unlock with iPhone. You will want to tick that so it is now green.

    How do i unlock my apple watch

  5. Step
    5

    Enter your password on your Apple Watch

    How do i unlock my apple watch

    A screen will come up that asks you to enter your password on your Apple Watch. If for any reason you enter the wrong password into your Watch, simply repeat step three and try again.

    How do i unlock my apple watch

FAQs

Can I turn off the open with iPhone feature?

Yes you can, you just need to untick the box to disable the feature.

Do I need a passcode on my Apple Watch?

No, you do not need to have a passcode on your Apple Watch, however, we recommend using one as it helps keep any sensitive information on your Watch private and it means that only you can access it.

and depending on the settings you select, you can always keep your Watch unlocked, unlock and lock it manually, or have it automatically lock when you're not wearing it.

How to change your passcode

You'll be prompted to set a passcode when you first set up your Apple Watch, but you can change it at any time.

1. Open the Settings app on Apple Watch. It's a gray icon with a gear on it.

apple watch

Tap the Settings icon.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

2. Scroll down to Passcode using your finger or by turning the Digital Crown.

IMG_8440.JPG

Scroll down to and select Passcode.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

3. Tap Passcode, then Change Passcode.

4. Enter your current passcode.

Apple Watch current passcode

You'll need to enter your current passcode in order to reset it.Abigail Abesamis

5. Enter a new passcode. Re-enter it to confirm the change.

6. Alternatively, you can change your passcode on the Watch app for iPhone by going to the My Watch tab and tapping Passcode, then Change Passcode.

Apple Watch passcode settings

Tap Change Passcode.Abigail Abesamis

7. To use a passcode that's longer than four digits, turn off "Simple Passcode" in the Passcode menu on the Watch app.

How to turn off passcode

You can choose to not have a passcode to unlock your Apple Watch, but note that without a passcode you will not be able to use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch.

1. Open the Settings app on Apple Watch.

2. Tap Passcode, then Turn Passcode Off.

IMG_8443.JPG

Tap Turn Passcode Off.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

3. Alternatively, on the Watch App for iPhone, tap My Watch, Passcode, then Turn Passcode Off.

Apple Watch turning off passcode

Tap Turn Off Passcode Lock.Abigail Abesamis

How to unlock your Apple Watch with an iPhone

This feature unlocks Apple Watch whenever you unlock your iPhone and you're wearing your Watch. Your iPhone and Apple Watch must be within standard Bluetooth range (about 33 feet, according to the Apple Watch User Guide) for this feature to work.

1. Open the Settings app on Apple Watch.

2. Tap Passcode, then switch on Unlock with iPhone.

IMG_8443.JPG

Tap Unlock with iPhone.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

3. Alternatively, on the Watch App for iPhone, tap My Watch, Passcode, then switch on Unlock with iPhone.

How to lock your Apple Watch automatically

The Wrist Detection feature locks your Apple Watch when you're not wearing it to keep your information secure.

1. Open the Watch app for iPhone.

2. Tap My Watch, Passcode, then switch on Wrist Detection.

Apple Watch turning off wrist detection

Turning off Wrist Detection will disable some of your Apple Watch's features.Abigail Abesamis

3. Apple also notes that if Wrist Detection is turned off, 1st generation Apple Watch users can't use Apple Pay on their Watch, and Series 4 Watches won't make an automatic emergency call after a hard fall.

How to lock your Apple Watch manually

To lock your Watch manually, you must have Wrist Detection turned off (see above).

1. Swipe up on the Watch face to reveal the Control Center.

2. Tap the lock icon.

lock

Tap the lock icon.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

3. To lock your Watch screen during a workout to avoid accidental taps, swipe right, then tap Lock. To unlock, press the Digital Crown and side button at the same time.

What to do if you forget your passcode

This may be hard to hear, but if you forget your passcode, you need to erase your Apple Watch.

1. Unpair your Apple Watch by opening the Watch app, tapping on your Watch listed at the top, then tap the "i" icon to the right of it. Tap Unpair Apple Watch. This action will erase all Apple Watch settings and its passcode. Once unpaired, pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.

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Tap the "i" next to your Watch and then tap Unpair Apple Watch on the next page.Abigail Abesamis/Business Insider

2. Reset your Apple Watch by opening the Watch app, tapping General, then Reset. Once reset, pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.

Resetting Apple Watch

Choose an option to reset the device.Abigail Abesamis

3. For more tips, check out this Apple support page.

  • How to update your Apple Watch and get the device's latest features

  • How to turn your Apple Watch on and off, and force-restart it for troubleshooting

  • How to add and remove apps on your Apple Watch

  • How to silence your Apple Watch in four different ways

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made. 

Why can't I unlock my Apple Watch?

Make Sure Wrist Detection is Enabled Wrist Detection has to be enabled for Unlock With Apple Watch to work. So head into the Watch app on your ‌iPhone‌, and in the Watch tab, select Passcode and ensure the Wrist Detection switch is in the green ON position.

What do I do when my Apple Watch says locked?

You can use these steps:.
Connect your Apple Watch to its Apple Magnetic Charging Cable..
Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider..
Force Press Power Off and tap Erase all content and settings..

Can you unlock Apple Watch without passcode?

If your Apple Watch is disabled because you forgot your passcode or entered an incorrect passcode too many times, you can use the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to allow you to enter the passcode again. If you still can't remember your passcode, you can reset your Apple Watch and set it up again.

How do I unlock my Apple Watch without my iPhone?

The following are the steps on how you can unlock an Apple Watch without a paired iPhone. Plug your Apple Watch into the charging because this is necessary to reset your Watch. Press and hold down the Side button and you should see an option that says Power Off. Press the slider and let go of your finger.