Since updating Apple Watch to watchOS 7, it’s possible Auto Unlock with macOS stops working. This is due to a bug with the credentials stored in macOS used to authenticate the Handoff. You can reset these stored keys in Keychain Access to reset the Auto Unlock functionality. Auto Unlock Mac using your Apple Watch is a nice feature to avoid entering the password. This feature is available with all Apple Watch but limited to Macs manufactured in 2013 and later. For any reason, if you can’t unlock Mac with Apple Watch, there’s nothing to disappoint.
Since updating Apple Watch to watchOS 7, it’s possible Auto Unlock with macOS stops working. This is due to a bug with the credentials stored in macOS used to authenticate the Handoff. You can reset these stored keys in Keychain Access to reset the Auto Unlock functionality.
Delete Keychain entries
Open Keychain Access.app from the Utilities folder in Applications. Choose View → Show Invisible Items. This will show all items in the Keychain, including the entries relating to the Auto Unlock functionality, which would be hidden otherwise. If you can’t find the items in subsequent steps, check that this is toggled correctly and not accidentally unset.
Search for ‘auto unlock’ and some application passwords should appear. If not, skip this step, but if some exist, delete all the ‘Auto Unlock’ items. These items are within the iCloud keychain so they are synchronised to other Macs you might also be signed in to, so Auto Unlock will be invalidated and disabled everywhere.
Now search for ‘autounlock’ and you should see some entries with that name. Delete all ‘AutoUnlock’ entries. Some of them might be regenerated shortly after deletion.
Delete preferences
Go to the Library folder in your home folder, open Sharing, then AutoUnlock. Delete both preference files within. If you can’t find the folder, double-check you’re looking in the Library folder within your home folder, not at the root of the boot volume — see the path at the bottom of the screenshot below. Apple mac keyboard layout diagram.
Restart, then try to re-enable Auto Unlock in System Preferences. Hopefully these steps should get everything back to normal.
The Apple Watch is not only useful for physical tracking or using Apple Pay. If you have a compatible Mac, you can also use Auto Unlock. This feature allows you to pair your Apple Watch with a Mac.
The Apple Watch is not only useful for physical tracking or using Apple Pay. If you have a compatible Mac, you can also use Auto Unlock. This feature (requires macOS Sierra and watchOS 3 and above) allows you to pair Apple Watch with a Mac.
Once paired successfully, you can automatically unlock your computer without a password, as long as you wear the Apple Watch on your wrist and unlock it when sitting in front of your computer.
Before starting to use Auto Unlock
Before you start using Auto Unlock, you'll need to make sure your Mac and Apple Watch are compatible and you've set up two-factor authentication for your iCloud account.
Make sure you own the right Mac and Apple Watch
To use Auto Unlock, you will need:
- Any Mac was manufactured from mid-2013 onwards
- Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
Make sure you have updated your operating system
If you own Apple Watch Series 0, 1 or 2, you will need to run watchOS 3 or higher on your smartwatch. Also, compatible Macs need to be running macOS Sierra or later. The new Apple Watch needs watchOS 4 or higher.
Note: Mac must have WiFi and Bluetooth turned on.
Activate two-factor authentication for iCloud accounts
Because you can use Auto Unlock to bypass your Mac's login password, Apple wants to make sure your computer is as secure as possible by turning on two-factor authentication on your iCloud account.
Auto Unlock Mac With Apple Watch Series 3
To enable two-factor authentication, iPhones will also need to run iOS 9 or later.
Make sure your Apple Watch and Mac are logged into the same iCloud account
To use Auto Unlock, Apple Watch and Mac must use the same iCloud account. Make sure you are logged in on both devices with the same Apple ID.
Make sure both Mac and Apple Watch have passwords
![Watch Watch](https://media.idownloadblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/iOS-9.3-Auto-Install-software-update-iPhone-screenshot-001.jpg)
You might think you don't need to use a passcode with the Apple Watch when you first set it up, but if you want to use Auto Unlock, you'll need a password. You also need to set a login password on the Mac.
Put on your Apple Watch
If the Apple Watch is not unlocked and worn on your wrist, you will not be able to connect it to a Mac. If it's on your wrist and is unlocked, the Mac will detect the device and allow you to turn on Auto Unlock.
How to turn on Auto Unlock on Mac
![Auto unlock mac with apple watch bands Auto unlock mac with apple watch bands](https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/p90364655_highres-640x640.jpg)
Unlock Mac With Apple Watch Not Working
Turning on Auto Unlock is easy.
1. Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3. Click Security & Privacy .
4. Click General .
5. Check the box Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac . Auto Unlock will be activated.
Note : If you don't see a box that allows Apple Watch to unlock your Mac, review the preparation steps above.
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