With the release of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, the iPhone’s Face ID was enhanced to function in tandem with Apple’s smartwatches, allowing customers to unlock their smartphones without incident. While users may configure Face ID to function with face masks or glasses, the Apple Watch technique is simpler. The following section of the article illustrates how to enable this useful setting.
Here’s how to use an Apple Watch to unlock an iPhone.
First and foremost, ensure that both needed devices meet the following criteria:
- An iPhone that uses Face ID (iPhone X or later) and has iOS 14.5 or later
- Apple’s Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later
Regrettably, iPhones with Touch ID (pre-iPhone X) do not support this feature. It is strongly advised that you update both devices to the most recent software version.
Before you begin, it should be remembered that both devices must have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on. They do not, however, have to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Needless to mention, the devices must be linked together. Finally, the Watch must have a passcode and wrist detection enabled.
You can now enable the unlock feature by doing the following steps:
- Keep the smartwatch unlocked and on your wrist.
- On your iPhone, go to the Settings app and select Face ID & Passcode. You’ll next be asked to enter your passcode, which you must do correctly.
- Scroll down and flick the button to enable the Unlock with Apple Watch option.
That’s all there is to it – you can now effortlessly unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch. Hold your iPhone in portrait mode while wearing the watch and simply swipe up and glance to unlock it. The watch will display a notification that the phone has been unlocked, as well as the ability to lock it.
It should be noted that if your face is plainly visible, the iPhone will automatically unlock using Face ID.
When you wear a face mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles that conceal your eyes or a significant area of your face, the Unlock with Apple Watch feature is active. While this approach can be used to unlock your smartphone, it cannot be used to authenticate transactions or sign into applications.
As previously stated, users may now use Face ID to unlock their iPhone while wearing a mask or sunglasses, without the need for an Apple Watch. This feature debuted in iOS 15.4 and can be enabled via Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Face ID with a Mask.
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