Want to open your iPhone without taking off your mask, gloves, or while you're working? The “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature does exactly that: if you meet a few basic requirements, your watch can authorize access to your iPhone when Face ID can’t identify you. It is an option designed for specific moments when your face is covered or there are obstacles to facial recognition., and works quickly and discreetly with a vibration on your wrist and a notification on your watch.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know to activate it, use it comfortably and troubleshoot if something goes wrong.We've incorporated official requirements, configuration steps, security limitations, and the most effective solutions when things aren't working as expected. In addition, we tell you how to coexist with Face ID with a mask on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 with iOS 15.4 or later, and what Apple Watch settings should be checked to keep the system running smoothly.
What is “Unlock with Apple Watch” and when does it work for you?
“Unlock with Apple Watch” allows your watch, when on your wrist and unlocked, to authorize access to your iPhone if Face ID encounters an obstacle.It's especially useful with masks, scarves, or other items that cover part of the face, or in situations where wearing gloves or having wet hands makes it difficult to use the device.
The experience is very agile: You pick up your iPhone or tap the screen, look at it, and if Face ID detects that it can't recognize your face because it's partially blocked, the system turns to your Apple Watch. In thousandths, the watch vibrates and displays an unlock prompt so you know that access has been granted.
This method also provides support for requests to Siri or if there is a specific impediment for Face ID.It does not replace facial recognition under normal conditions, but acts as a backup when there is facial coverage or in atypical situations.
You have full control if the unlocking was not intentional: From the Apple Watch notification itself, you can tap “Lock iPhone” and the phone will immediately lock again. The next time you want to access after that action, the iPhone will ask you for the code..
Prerequisites and compatibility
To ensure everything works the first time, it's a good idea to confirm that you meet the hardware, software, and settings requirements.Here are the key points to keep in mind before activating the feature:
- Compatible Models: Requires at least an iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X and later) and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
- System Versions: Make sure you have iOS 14.5 or later and watchOS 7.4 or later as a minimum base for this feature.
- Linked clock: Your Apple Watch must be paired with the iPhone where you’ll turn on Unlock with Apple Watch.
- Connectivity: Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices; you don’t need to connect to a Wi-Fi network, but you do need to have those radios turned on.
- Code and wrist detection: The watch must have a code lock and the “Wrist Detection” option activated to verify that you are wearing it.
- Watch on wrist and unlocked: It is essential that the Apple Watch is in place, unlocked, and near the iPhone when you try to access it.
- Partially covered face: The feature is activated when the system detects an obstacle to Face ID, such as wearing a mask or items that cover part of the face (for example, wraparound sunglasses or ski goggles).
Context note: Apple has documented and updated this feature on its support pages as of October 7, 2024, reflecting the most recent requirements and behavior as of that date.
How to activate it step by step on the iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone and go to “Face ID & Passcode.” Enter your passcode to continue.
- Scroll down to the “Unlock with Apple Watch” section. and turn on the switch next to your watch name.
- If it asks you to activate wrist detection, follow the instructions: it is an essential safety requirement.
- Do you have more than one Apple Watch? You can enable this option for each watch you want to use with your iPhone.
When enabled, your iPhone can be unlocked with the help of your watch when Face ID can't verify you normally.Your Apple Watch will emit a gentle vibration, and you'll see a confirmation prompt on its screen.
If the unlocking was not desired, tap “Lock iPhone” on the watch notification to lock your phone again. After pressing that button, the next access will require the iPhone code..
Daily use: this is how you unlock with your watch
- Put on your Apple Watch and unlock it with its passcode.. Make sure you wear it properly and with wrist detection active.
- Pick up your iPhone or tap the screen to activate it. Hold iPhone close to your face, as you would when using Face ID normally.
- Look at the iPhone. If Face ID detects an obstacle (e.g., a mask), it will ask the watch for authorization and The Apple Watch will vibrate confirming the unlock.. You can now swipe up to enter.
Remember this is designed to expedite access in face covering situations.Under normal conditions, Face ID will remain the primary authentication method.
Safety and limitations you should know
- It does not verify your identity with Face ID at that time: The system trusts that Apple Watch is on your wrist, nearby, and unlocked, and that iPhone detects a partially covered face.
- Just unlock the iPhone: It is not used to authorize Apple Pay, access keychain passwords, or access protected apps. For that, Use your iPhone passcode or the corresponding authentication methodsWith Apple Pay, you can also use your Apple Watch directly.
- You have an immediate lock button on the watch notificationIf you find that your iPhone has been accidentally unlocked, tap “Lock iPhone” and the system will require the code next time.
- After you restart your iPhone or Apple Watch, you'll be asked for your passcode at least once.. It's a way to securely exchange keys before re-enabling watch-assisted unlocking.
This approach prioritizes convenience without losing sight of basic safety., which is why it limits its use to unlocking the device and requires the code for sensitive actions.
Face ID with a mask on iOS 15.4 and later
If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 with iOS 15.4 or later, you can enable Face ID with a mask without the Apple Watch.This option recognizes features in the eye area to make unlocking easier when wearing a face mask.
The interesting thing is that Face ID with a mask and “Unlock with Apple Watch” can coexist.. In more complicated scenarios—for example, a mask and full-coverage sunglasses— The Apple Watch back adds comfort when Face ID doesn't have enough information to identify you.
If you are one of those who alternate between sports, work and public transport, having both options active guarantees you smooth access in almost any situation.
Solutions if it doesn't work: quick and advanced guide
Although the system is usually very reliable, if one day it does not respond as you expect, try these checks in orderStart with the basics and move on to deeper adjustments if it still doesn't work.
Quick checks to restore operation:
- Confirm that your Apple Watch is unlockedIf you see a lock at the top of the watch, enter the code and try again.
- Turn on Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth on both devicesOn iPhone, from Control Center; on Apple Watch, Settings > Wi‑Fi and Settings > Bluetooth.
- Toggle Airplane Mode for 15 seconds on iPhone and Apple Watch, and then turn it off to reset radios.
- Restart iPhone and Apple WatchA power cycle resolves many temporary communication failures.
If that's not enough, check your settings.:
- Turn off and then turn on “Unlock with Apple Watch” again. in Settings > Face ID & Passcode on your iPhone. After turning it off, restart your iPhone and turn it back on.
- Check wrist detection and watch code in the Watch app on iPhone: My Watch > Passcode > Wrist Detection.
- Reset Face ID in Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID, and set up your face again.
- Reset network settings in Settings > General > Transfer or reset > Reset > Reset network settings.
- Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch from the Watch app (My Watch > All Watches > “i” > Unpair). Then, set it up again.
Keep in mind two expected behaviors: After restarting your iPhone or Apple Watch, the system will ask for the code the first time; and the function It only works when the iPhone detects a partially covered face..
Are you using an iPhone 13 and it occasionally fails? Apple has documented in its support what to do if “Unlock with Apple Watch” doesn’t work on that model under certain circumstances. Check for iOS updates and consult Apple's specific guide if the problem persists.
If none of the above solves itMake an appointment at an Apple Store or authorized service provider. They can use diagnostic tools to verify that the hardware and sensors are working properly.
Extra control: Change the Apple Watch code
Using a strong, easy-to-remember watch passcode increases the security of your Apple Watch unlock.You can update it whenever you want from the watch itself or from your iPhone.
- On the Apple Watch: Open Settings > Code > Change Code and follow the on-screen prompts.
- From the iPhone: Open the Watch app > My Watch > Passcode > Change Passcode and complete the steps.
Also check that “Wrist Detection” is active in My Watch > Passcode; this is required so that iPhone trusts that you're wearing your watch when authorizing access.
quick questions
Can I unlock my iPhone with Apple Watch? Yes. If your watch is on your wrist, unlocked, and near your iPhone, and Face ID encounters an obstacle (such as a mask), The Apple Watch can authorize unlocking and will notify you with a vibration and a message on the screen.
Can you use it to pay with Apple Pay or access protected apps? No. This feature only unlocks the iPhoneFor Apple Pay, Keychain passwords, or protected apps, use your usual method (Face ID, passcode, etc.).
Can I use Face ID while wearing a mask? Yes. On iPhone 12 and 13 with iOS 15.4 or later You can activate Face ID while wearing a mask and keep your Apple Watch backed up. for situations where facial recognition is not sufficient.
What happens if it opens accidentally? From the clock notification you can touch “Lock iPhone”. The phone will close and On the next attempt it will ask for your code to reauthorize the system.
“Unlock with Apple Watch” has become a fantastic wildcard when Face ID doesn't have all the conditions in its favor: with the requirements in order, correct activation and well-configured security settings, You get speed and control with a flick of the wrist; and if any failure occurs, Connectivity checks, wrist detection check, and reboots usually restore reliability., with the option to combine it with Face ID with a mask on compatible iPhones for an even more complete experience.