How to enable Auto Unlock on your Mac and Apple Watch

Apple Watch isn’t just useful for tracking fitness or using Apple Pay: If you have a compatible Mac, you can also use the auto-unlock feature: (which requires macOS Sierra or later and watchOS 3 or later) allows you to pair your screen with your Mac

Once you do that, you can automatically unlock your computer by simply sitting in front of it, without a password — if your Apple Watch is unlocked and on your wrist when you sit down. Here’s how.

Before you start using “auto-unlock”

Before you start using Auto Unlock, you need to ensure that your Mac and Apple Watch are compatible and that you have set up two-factor authentication (not two-step) for your iCloud account.

Make sure you own the right Mac and Apple Watch

Make sure you’ve updated your operating system

Enable two-factor authentication for your iCloud account

Make sure your Apple Watch and Mac are signed in to the same iCloud account

To use Auto Unlock, your Apple Watch and Mac must be using the same iCloud account. Make sure you’ve signed in on both devices with the same Apple ID.

Make sure your Mac and Apple Watch both have a passcode

Lastly: Put your Apple Watch on

If your Apple Watch is not unlocked and on your wrist, you will not be able to connect it to your Mac. If it’s on your wrist and unlocks it, your Mac will register the device and allow you to enable automatic unlock.

How to enable Auto Unlock on your Mac

Once you’ve prepared your devices, enabling Auto Unlock is a breeze.

Note: If you don’t see the box for Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, there is a problem. Review your preparatory steps above; If the problem persists, see this troubleshooting guide.

Troubleshooting Auto Unlock: Why can’t I see Auto Unlock on my Mac?

There are a few additional steps you may have to take if you can’t enable Auto Unlock. We’ve got a full guide below:

What time is it?

Are you looking for a new Apple Watch? Check out our favorites for this year.

If any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Originally published at https://www.globebusinesscenter.com on November 26, 2020.