How to fix Apple Watch not unlocking Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix the issue of your Apple Watch not unlocking your Mac, ensure that both devices are properly configured and within range of each other. If problems persist, you may need to adjust settings on both your Apple Watch and Mac.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to fix the Apple Watch unlocking issue, ensure you have the following:
  • •An Apple Watch running watchOS 3 or later.
  • •A Mac running macOS Sierra or later.
  • •Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID.
  • •Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled on both devices.
  • •Your Mac must support Apple Watch unlocking (MacBook Pro 2016 and later, iMac 2017 and later, etc.).

Method 1: Enable Apple Watch Unlocking on Mac

This method involves enabling the feature on your Mac to allow your Apple Watch to unlock it.
  • •Step 1: On your Mac, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select 'System Preferences'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Security & Privacy'.
  • •Step 3: In the 'General' tab, check the box next to 'Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac'.
  • •Step 4: You should see a confirmation message stating 'Apple Watch is set to unlock this Mac'. If not, ensure your devices are close together and try again.

For Windows 11

While Apple Watch unlocking is not natively supported on Windows, you can use third-party applications to achieve similar functionality.
  • •Install a third-party application like 'Near Lock' from the Microsoft Store.
  • •Follow the setup instructions within the app to pair your Apple Watch and Windows device.

For Windows 10

Similar to Windows 11, use third-party applications for unlocking.
  • •Download 'Near Lock' or similar from the Microsoft Store.
  • •Configure the app according to the provided instructions.

Method 2: Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Settings

Ensuring that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices is crucial for the unlocking feature to work.
  • •Step 1: On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and ensure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  • •Step 2: Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and confirm that Bluetooth is enabled.
  • •Step 3: On your Apple Watch, swipe up to access the Control Center and ensure both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons are blue, indicating they are enabled.
  • •Step 4: If either is off, tap the respective icon to turn it on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the Apple Watch still does not unlock your Mac, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Apple Watch not detected' - Solution: Ensure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID and are within range.
  • •Issue: 'Unlocking not working' - Fix: Restart both your Apple Watch and Mac. To restart your Mac, click the Apple logo and select 'Restart'. For the Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the slider appears, then drag to power off.
  • •Problem: 'Apple Watch is not paired with iPhone' - Workaround: Ensure your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and check the pairing status.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these expert tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to settings.
  • •Command line: 'sudo nvram boot-args=' - Use this command to reset your NVRAM, which can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Handoff' - Ensure Handoff is enabled on both devices for smoother transitions between Apple Watch and Mac.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best experience, keep your devices updated and check settings regularly.