At the end of April 2021, Apple released a new iPhone feature that allows Apple Watch users to instantly unlock their iPhone without needing Face ID.
Here’s how you get it done.
What Do You Need?
Stating the obvious, you will need to have an iPhone device that uses Face ID. This includes the iPhone X series and everything above it, except the iPhone SE (2nd generation). Ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 14.5 or later.
Since this feature only works alongside the Apple Watch, you’ll also need an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, running watchOS 7.4 or later.
How Do You Set Up The Unlock With Apple Watch Feature?
You can enable this feature from the Settings app on your iPhone:
Go to Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode. Enter your iPhone’s passcode. Scroll down to the heading Unlock with Apple Watch. Enable the toggle for your Apple Watch. If the option is grayed out, you may not have updated to iOS 14. 5 or watchOS 7. 5 or later.
How Do You Unlock Your iPhone With Apple Watch?
Ensure that your Apple Watch has a passcode set up and wrist detection turned on.
Once you have your watch on your wrist and a mask on your face, pair your phone and your Apple Watch, ensuring that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on for both devices.
To unlock, you will have to follow the routine process you usually do. Turn on your iPhone and look at it for your iPhone to unlock instantly. You will then feel a vibration on your wrist along with an alert on your Apple Watch indicating that your phone is now unlocked.
If you turned your iPhone on accidentally, tap Lock iPhone on the new alert on the display of your Apple Watch. You will be asked to enter your password the next time you unlock using your Apple Watch.
You will also be asked to enter your passcode on your iPhone the first time you put on your watch to use the feature. The passcode will have to be entered every time you remove and put on your Apple Watch.
Is This Feature Only For Unlocking Your iPhone?
Apart from unlocking the screen, you can also use Face ID to perform several other functions on your iPhone. These include downloading apps, logging into accounts, and using Apple Pay.
Unfortunately, using Face ID with an Apple Watch and face mask will not work for any of these other features. You can only use it to unlock your iPhone.
Apple’s New Unlocking Feature
Apple has taken a brilliant step to ensure that life is more convenient for you if you own an Apple Watch. There are tons of ways your Apple Watch can help you fight COVID, and this is one of them, as you do not need to pull down your mask to unlock your iPhone in public anymore.
Interestingly, this has also proven helpful for motorcycle users, especially delivery agents, who can now unlock their iPhones while they have their helmets on. Make good use of your Apple Watch and put this feature to use immediately.
