An Apple Watch is the ultimate wearable gadget that’s got many features to offer. If you’ve purchased an Apple Watch and want to keep your device and data safe, the best thing you can do is set a lock immediately after getting your hands on your wearable.
To ensure you have no problems using the device after setting a lock, you’ll need to learn how to unlock Apple Watch. Luckily, we’ve got the most detailed step-by-step guides that’ll easily walk you through the procedure. So, let’s get started and discover!
How to Unlock Apple Watch
The most straightforward way to unlock your Apple Watch is by entering the passcode you’ve set up. To do that, you’ll need to wake the display, which can be done in three ways:
- Raising your wrist
- Tapping the display
- Pressing or turning the digital crown upward
Once the screen is on, you’ll need to use the virtual keyboard to enter your passcode, which will unlock your Apple Watch.
Other Possible Methods
Using your iPhone
An even easier way to unlock your Apple Watch is using your iPhone. Using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, you can set your wearable to unlock with your iPhone.
To do that, you’ll need to open the Apple Watch app and go to the ‘My watch’ tab. Tap the ‘Passcode’ option, then turn on the ‘unlock with iPhone’ setting. After customizing the setting, your Apple Watch will unlock with your iPhone.
However, to use this feature, your iPhone must be within Bluetooth range of your Apple Watch. Additionally, if the Bluetooth on your Apple Watch is turned off, you won’t be able to unlock your watch using your iPhone.
If you’ve forgotten the passcode
If you’ve forgotten your Apple Watch passcode and cannot unlock the device, you have two options: unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPhone or resetting it.
To unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone, you’ll need to place them close together. Open the Apple Watch app on your phone, then open the ‘My Watch’ tab. From the ‘My Watch’ menu, tap ‘All Watches’.
Next, tap the info button next to your watch’s name, then tap ‘Unpair Apple Watch’. You’ll need to configure your cellular plan using a cellular model. Then, tap again to confirm your choice. Once you pair the devices again, you’ll be able to set a new passcode.
The second method involves resetting your Apple Watch to its factory settings and removing the passcode. To remove a forgotten passcode, you’ll need to open the ‘Settings’ of your Apple Watch. Go to General > Reset, and choose ‘Erase all’ or ‘Erase All & Keep Plan’.
You can also restart the Apple Watch using your iPhone by going to the ‘My Watch’ tab in the Apple Watch app, then navigating to General > Reset and choosing the ‘Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings’ option.
Read More: How to Remove Apps From Apple Watch
Do I Need to Have a Passcode?
No, an Apple Watch doesn’t require that you use a passcode. The safety feature is completely optional, so you can choose whether you want to use one or not.
However, it is strongly recommended that you use one. Using a passcode on your Apple Watch and all other devices will help protect your private data.
Despite safeguarding your privacy, a passcode will protect your wearable from unauthorized access and preserve your data if the device gets stolen.
Can I Turn the Passcode Off?
Since having a passcode on your Apple Watch is optional, you can easily turn the feature off. To turn it off, you’ll need to go to the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Open the ‘Passcode’ menu, then tap the ‘Turn Passcode Off‘ toggle button.
If you prefer, you can also use your paired iPhone to turn off the passcode. Open the Apple Watch app on your phone and navigate to the ‘My Watch’ tab. Tap ‘Passocdde’, then tap ‘Turn Passcode Off’, and your passcode protection will be disabled.
You should note that a passcode is the main safety feature of your Apple Watch. Turning it off will make your device vulnerable to data leaks.
What Passcode Can I Use on My Apple Watch?
Your Apple Watch Passcode can be any combination of numbers. If you want to make your passcode shorter so that it is easier to remember, you can turn on the 4-digit passcode option. To enhance the device’s safety, you can turn the setting off and set up a longer, stronger passcode.
To change it on your Apple Watch, you need to go to the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap ‘Passcode’, then tap ‘Change Passcode’, and follow the prompts for updating your passcode.
You can do the same using your iPhone. Go to the Apple Watch app, navigate to My Watch > Passcode > Change Passcode, and follow the prompts.
Why Is My Apple Watch Locking Automatically?
The Apple Watch has a built-in automatic lock or wrist detection to enhance data safety and ensure unauthorized users cannot access your device without your knowledge.
When wrist detection is turned on, your Apple Watch will automatically lock when you’re not wearing it. It can come in quite handy in case the device gets lost.
Although the feature plays a major role in data protection, you can always decide to turn it off. Here’s how you can do it: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Go to the ‘Passcode’ tab, and you should see the ‘Wrist Detection’ option on the screen. Tap the button to turn it on or off.
Some features will be affected if you decide to turn wrist detection off. For instance, you’ll need to enter your passcode every time you make a payment using Apple Pay, heart rate tracking and notifications will be turned off, the watch will no longer automatically lock and unlock, etc.
Also Read: How to Set up Hard Fall Detection on Apple Watch
Conclusion
We have come to the very end, and now that you know how to unlock Apple Watch, you can start discovering the other additional features.
Enjoy it!