Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch Using the Best Approach Today

Penny Warren Published on May 21, 2025Unlock iOS3-min reading

Whenever you try to unlock your iPhone while wearing a mask, you typically get stuck performing password entry procedures from 2020 to today. That's where the feature to unlock iPhone with Apple Watch steps in - a small but clever solution that quietly solves a very modern problem. Ready for instant access, this setting enables your Apple Watch to deliver convenience and speed since Face ID may fail in situations with masks or when your phone is offscreen. This guide reveals the Apple Watch unlocking method, its setup requirements, and troubleshooting steps when the process doesn't deliver expected results.

Part 1. Can You Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch

Yes, everyone can unlock their iPhone using Apple Watch - but only under certain conditions. The system provides this option to aid convenience whenever face-obstructing elements turn off Face ID authentication. The feature works only between certain iPhones with specific Apple Watches after you establish all the needed settings for smooth operation.

The following checklist will help you set up iPhone unlock with Apple Watch:

1. Device Compatibility:

To use this feature, your iPhone must have Face ID technology from the iPhone X and newer models while operating at least iOS 14.5. The Apple Watch must be a Series 3 or higher model, which requires WatchOS version 7.4 at a minimum.

2. Proper Pairing:

The Apple Watch requires a connection to the specific iPhone model that you want to unlock. No connection, no unlock.

3. Wrist Detection Enabled:

The Apple Watch needs to have the wrist detection option enabled from its settings page. The feature verifies that your watch is in the proper position on your wrist, thus establishing essential security measures.

4. Unlock and Wear Out the Apple Watch

Before unlocking your iPhone, keep your watch on your wrist and already unlocked.

5. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On:

Bluetooth, along with the Wi-Fi feature, needs to be active for both devices. It is unnecessary to activate these settings with an internet connection. Simply enable their active status.

Part 2. How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch

First, you need to enable the feature on your iPhone before you can follow the procedure we added here. Now, to unlock the iPhone with the Apple Watch, you need to follow the tutorial that we have here.

Part 3. Why Can't Apple Watch Unlock Your iPhone?

Your Apple Watch fails to unlock your iPhone when all settings seem accurate, although the problem usually stems from a basic assumption not being met. The feature operates under exceptional procedural requirements because failing to fulfill just one requirement turns off its operation. A malfunction between the Face ID, Bluetooth, and Activation Lock on the Apple Watch, or an improper watch wrist attachment, may lead to iPhone unlock errors. The feature can remain disabled for any reason.

The good news? When all setup requirements are correctly configured, your iPhone can be easily and swiftly unlocked with your Apple Watch. Activate this functionality through your iPhone settings as explained below.

Part 4. Alternative Way to Unlock iPhone Without Passcode

iPhone users who got locked out of their device without Face ID or passcode or Apple Watch unlocking capability can regain access through the imyPass iPassGo tool. The program functions as a basic application that removes iPhone screen locks without requiring passcode entry. iPassGo allows users to regain entry into their device when locked or when they forget the code without any necessary technical understanding.

While learning how to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch is an ideal choice for many, iPassGo works best when that method isn't available or your devices don't meet the requirements. Simply install your iPhone on a computer and launch the software to complete the easy recovery process. It enables access to many iPhone versions along with different iOS versions, so users have a dependable additional option whenever they need urgent access.

With this app, you can also bypass the Screen Time passcode easily with almost the same procedure, but with a few tweaks, and that shows how good this app is.

Conclusion

Today, you have learned the way of unlocking an iPhone with Apple Watch using various methods that will surely make your unlocking process swift. Yet, if you forgot the passcode of your iOS and the method of unlocking it with Apple Watch does not work, you need to use the alternative process here.