When the Mac detects that the Watch is within 3 meters of the Mac it is connected to via Handoff it is in the right range to trigger an unlock. When the Watch sends a Bluetooth signal to trigger the unlock, the Mac sends an additional 802.11v request to the watch via wireless. This request is then timed for arrival. You can enable this Apple Watch security feature and unlock Mac apps with your Watch by performing these steps. On your Mac open System Preferences. Click on Security & Privacy and go to General tab. Next make sure ‘Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and you Mac’ option is enabled. Once you select Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac you will see a Turning On message. You may need to enter your password. From now on if you wake up your Mac while wearing your Apple Watch.
New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….
Original story (published on November 26, 2020) follows:
Apple products are designed to work seamlessly with each other which is one of the main reasons most individuals choose to go the Apple route.
Take for example the feature that allows Apple Watch users to unlock their Macs without the need to enter a password since the computer can automatically sense when the watch is nearby.
While this might not sound like a big deal, those who use their computers every day know that it can save a lot of time in the long run.
Unfortunately, after installing the macOS Big Sur update, many Mac users have been complaining that they aren’t able to unlock their computers with the Apple Watch.
Have just updated to Big Sur on iMac but now cannot unlock with Apple watch (series 5). Advice please. (Source)
I also have this issue since upgrading to Big Sur. My Apple Watch (series 4, latest iOS) has worked seamlessly with other operating systems but just refuses to connect to my watch. (Source)
Back in old days, there was a quaint custom of *TESTING* software before rolling it out. But I guess that’s out of fashion now. Better to just use your customers as guinea pigs. (Source)
My Apple Watch will not unlock my iMac after Big Sur as well. (Source)
Further, Apple recently rolled out the watchOS 7.1 update which supposedly resolved the issue that prevented some users from unlocking their Macs with the Apple Watch.
We’ve shared the changelog for the watchOS 7.1 update below for reference:
– Adds the ability to be notified when your headphone audio level could impact your hearing – Adds support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in the Republic of Korea and Russia – Adds support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in the Republic of Korea and Russia – Resolves an issue that prevented some users from unlocking Mac with Apple Watch – Fixes an issue where the screen may be dark on wrist raise for some Apple Watch Series 6 users. (Source)
Seeing the changelog, one would believe that the problem should no longer arise, but sadly, this does not seem to be the case since some users still aren’t able to unlock their Macs running macOS Big Sur after installing the watchOS 7.1 update.
Same Issue here, Mac OS Big Sur 11.0.1 (20B29) on a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018).
The Apple Watch is a Series 4 with WatchOS 7.1 (18R590) (Source)
Apple is yet to make any comment on the matter. Moreover, we do not expect to see an acknowledgment from the Cupertino tech giant. Although it may roll out another patch down the line.
In case you aren’t willing to wait for an official fix to go live, there are a few ways you can get your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac running Big Sur.
Workarounds for Apple Watch not unlocking Macs on macOS Big Sur
1) Possible fix for those on watchOS 7.1:
One user has claimed that those who have installed the watchOS 7.1 update simply need to sign out of iCloud, reboot, and sign in again.
For those who have updated: sign out of icloud, reboot and sign in again This fix for me: unlock by watch, handoff, sidecar. (Source)
2) Fix “AutoUnlock” errors on your Mac:
1. Open “Keychain Access” 2. In “View”, enable “Show Invisible Items” 3. Search for “Auto Unlock” 4. You should see a whole bunch of application passwords for “Auto Unlock: XXXX’s …” 5. Select all records and delete (this will reset/disable auto unlock on other Macs if you use multiple Macs)
6. Whilst still in “Keychain Access”, search for “AutoUnlock” (no space) 7. here should be 4 entries for “tlk” “tlk-nonsync” “classA” “classC” 8. Select 4 records and delete (don’t worry if they re-appear, the system repairs this automatically) 9. Open “Finder” and navigate to “~/Library/Sharing/AutoUnlock” 10. There should be two files “ltk.plist” and “pairing-records.plist”
11. Delete both files (Some users have reported better success restarting macOS at this stage) 12. Open “System Preferences” and try enabling auto unlock. You may need to enable it twice, the first attempt will fail.
These steps were shared by an individual over on the Macrumors forums and has apparently fixed the problem for several users.
However, in case this does not work or if for some reason you do not wish to perform the multiple steps listed above, you could also reset your Apple Watch.
3) Reset the Apple Watch:
Resetting your Apple Watch is a fairly easy process and involves just a few taps and also a bit of patience. Now, to reset your Apple Watch, head to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Wd my passport ultra software for mac.
Wait for the watch to reset and then pair it with your Mac and iPhone. Once done, you should be able to unlock your Mac running macOS Big Sur with your Apple Watch as usual.
Following either of these three or all three workarounds provided above should fix the issue. In case you’re still facing issues while trying to unlock your Mac running macOS Big Sur via the Apple Watch, let us know in the comments below.
That being said, this isn’t the only issue troubling Mac users after installing the macOS Big Sur update.
We’ve reported on several bugs and issues including the issue where users aren’t able to print documents, battery and overheating problems, and the single login screen background. So it seems Apple still has a lot to work upon.
Update 1 (December 16)
10:53 am (IST): Apple released the macOS Big Sur 11.1 update and it seems that the company has fixed the issue which prevented some users from unlocking their Macs with the Apple Watch at times, at least according to the changelog.
We’ve shared part of the changelog which mentions all the bugs and issues that were fixed via the new software update below:
– QuickTime Player might quit when opening a movie with a timecode track after upgrading from macOS Catalina – Bluetooth connection status was not displayed in Control Center – Reliability of unlocking your Mac automatically with your Apple Watch – Trackpad scrolling speed may be faster than expected on MacBook Pro models – LG UltraFine 5K Display may incorrectly display at 4K resolution on Macs with M1
NOTE: There are more such stories in our dedicated Apple section so be sure to go through it as well.
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The last decade saw a revolution in wearable tech devices, and at the forefront of this development is the Apple watch. This amazing device puts the power of your entire iPhone on your wrist; the usefulness and portability are features that are hard to turn down, even for thieves. The Apple watch is highly attractive to criminals because, unlike iPads or iPhones, it’s always in view, and if a person owns one, it’s easy to know. This article will teach you how to bypass Apple watch Activation Lock using the best methods. Activation Lock is an iOS security feature that prevents malicious persons from performing a factory restoration on Apple devices.
Sometimes, legit owners may wipe their Apple watches and need to restore it; without knowing the Apple ID, Activation Lock treats you like a thief and prevents you from doing so. If all of these sound new to you, don’t worry; we will discuss Activation Lock in the section that follows, as well as services for bypassing Activation Lock on the Apple watch.
Part 1. What is Activation Lock?
As promised, we will give a brief overview of Activation Lock. Whenever you set up a new Apple watch, you need to associate it with an Apple ID to make use of it. However, if a device is already linked to an Apple ID, you will be required to enter the details, thanks to Activation Lock. Activation Lock is part of the “Find My” service. To avoid this predicament, you need to disconnect the Apple ID from the Apple watch before attempting the restore. However, if you do not know the Apple ID, this blog will show you how to bypass Apple watch Activation Lock.
Part 2. Check If the Apple Watch Activation Lock is On
Before proceeding to bypass the Activation Lock on the Apple watch, you have to make sure that Activation Lock is on. To do this, follow the steps below:
Launch the Apple Watch app.
Navigate to the “My Watch” tab.
From the top of the screen, find the name of your Apple watch.
When you see it, look at the side for an exclamation mark, which is the “Additional information” tab, and tap on it.
If there is a “Find My Apple Watch” button there, then you can be sure that the device’s Activation Lock is enabled.
If Activation Lock is not on, you can stop reading this post and reboot your device.
Part 3. Using AppleiPhoneUnlock Apple Watch Activation Lock Bypass Service
Updated in June: There is a new product called iBypasser from iMyFone, which is the best iCloud Activation Lock Bypass Tool so far. It claims to bypass Activation Lock in 3 simple steps. AppleiPhoneUnlock needs a few days.
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AppleiPhoneUnlock offers a cool Apple watch Activation Lock bypassing service. This service is highly recommended because, with their swift refund policy, you have nothing to lose making use of their service. AppleiPhoneUnlock is not a downloadable software, rather, it is a tool hosted online.
Key Features:
It is an online Apple watch Activation Lock removal service.
You get a full refund if the Apple watch iCloud lock bypass fails, thanks to its fast money-back guarantee.
The Apple watch iCloud lock bypass is permanent.
It can also bypass Activation Lock on all iPhone modes, and other iOS devices, not only the Apple watch.
How to use AppleiPhoneUnlock to bypass Activation lock on Apple Watch:
Step 1. On a web browser, open the website.
Step 2. Click “iCloud Unlock.” On the next page, you will find a form; you will have to fill it with the requested information, as it is needed for the operation.
Step 3 Click inside the “Select your iPhone model” field on the web page to reveal a list of devices and select Apple watch.
Step4. Next, click in the field labeled “Your IMEI (iPhone) / Serial Number (iPad)” and type in the IMEI number of your Apple Watch. On the Apple Watch Series 1 and above, the IMEI number is written in the band slot. Remove the band to reveal it. The IMEI number of 1st gen Apple watches can be found at the back of the gadget.
Step 5. Hit the “Unlock now” button below the form.
Step 6. You will be redirected to the next page. Here, enter your email address and the additional details for your order.
Step 7. AppleiPhoneUnlock will send you an email to say that your payment has been received.
Step 8. Wait for a couple of days, and you will get another email confirming whether or not the unlock was successful.
Step 9. Suppose it was successful, simply turn off your device and turn it back on. The Activation Lock page will be gone, and you will now be able to set up the iPhone or iPad without limitations.
Part 4. Using DoctorUnlock Apple Watch Activation Lock Bypass Service
The DoctorUnlock Apple watch Activation Lock bypass service is quite similar to AppleiPhoneUnlock in terms of operating. Widely regarded as the best Apple watch iCloud Lock removal service, DoctorUnlock is also an online service that takes the weight of bypassing Activation Lock off your shoulders.
Key Features:
Apple Watch Activation Lock removal service is handled online. No download is necessary.
It is one of the first online Apple Watch Activation Lock removal services, and has a great track record of success.
It lets you track your order to monitor the progress.
The Apple Watch Activation Lock bypass is easy and fast, without the user having much to do.
How To Unlock Apple Watch
How to use DoctorUnlock to bypass Activation lock on Apple Watch:
How Apple Watch Unlock Mac Worksheet
Step 1. Open the website
Since this is an online Apple Watch Activation Lock removal service, the first step is to go to the site on an internet browser. This is where the Apple watch iCloud lock bypass will be done – www.doctorunlock.net.
Step 2. Enter IMEI number
DoctorUnlock requires the IMEI number of your device to unlock it. Remember that you can find the Apple watch IMEI number written on the housing of the gadget. When you have the IMEI number in hand, the next step is to send it to DoctorUnlock. On an internet browser, open the website, and on the homepage, enter the IMEI number and click “Unlock now.”
Step 3. Make payment and unlock
Office 365 software for mac. Immediately you provide the IMEI number of your Apple watch and, you will get an email to confirm that you have paid for the service. Wait for a few days for the Activation Lock to be removed. When that happens, you will receive another email to confirm the unlock.
How Apple Watch Unlock Mac Worksheets
Part 5. How to Bypass Apple Watch Activation Lock with Password
If you have the iCloud password, you do not need any of the above guides, as the Apple ID is sufficient. This is the regular technique for bypassing Apple watch Activation Lock. Below are the steps for performing this task:
Unlock Mac With Apple Watch Troubleshooting
Open www.iCloud.com on an internet browser.
Sign in to icloud.com using the iCloud login.
On your Apple Watch, launch the Settings app.
Next, in Settings, tap “My Devices” and find your Apple watch from this list.
When you locate your gadget, click the blue “X” beside it to unlink the Apple watch from the Apple ID. Confirm by clicking the “Remove” button on the prompt.
Conclusion:
How To Unlock Mac With Watch
The sophisticated security features of smart devices improve our user experience and make the devices safer and more efficient. The security feature, Activation Lock, backfires all the time, and when this happens, you need a good Apple Watch Activation Lock removal service. If you understand and follow the guides here, you already know how to bypass Apple ID on Apple Watch.