Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch: Prerequisites, Steps & Fixes

Samuel Spenser Published on February 12, 2026Unlock iOS3-min reading

When you try to unlock an iPhone while wearing a mask or sunglasses, Face ID may fail to recognize your face, preventing your phone from unlocking. It's so inconvenient. Fortunately, Apple offers a strong feature - unlocking your iPhone with an Apple Watch. As long as your Apple Watch is worn and unlocked, you can easily unlock your iPhone without entering a passcode!

Part 1: Prerequisites & Settings You Need to Know

Not all iPhone models can unlock with Apple Watch. You need to know the requirements of the device and system before unlocking! And check out these settings to ensure you can unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch successfully!

Device & System Requirements

• iPhone X or later models that run iOS 14.5 or later.
• Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later.

Ensure These Settings

• The iPhone and Apple Watch must be paired with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. They do not need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Your Apple Watch must have a passcode. Remember to turn on the Wrist Detection.
• Enable Unlock with Apple Watch feature on your iPhone.
• The Apple Watch must be worn on your wrist and unlocked.
• Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close to each other.

How to Enable Unlock with Apple Watch

Part 2: How to Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch

The way Apple Watch unlocks an iPhone is as follows: if the user is wearing a mask or sunglasses, Face ID may only detect partial facial features. In this case, the iPhone automatically checks whether a paired and unlocked Apple Watch is nearby. If all conditions for unlocking are met, the iPhone will unlock immediately and send haptic feedback to the Apple Watch to confirm the successful unlock.

You need to follow these steps to unlock your iPhone:

Part 3: Common Fixes: If Unlock with Apple Watch Not Working

Unlock with Apple Watch Feature Cannot Be Enabled.

• Make sure that your devices' version can meet the requirements.
• Repair the iPhone with the Apple Watch.
• Check whether Wrist Detection is enabled on your Apple Watch. Go to Settings, tap Passcode, and turn on Wrist Detection.

Unlock with Apple Watch Feature Enabled but Fails to Unlock iPhone.

• Check whether your devices are too far apart.
• Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
• Turn off the Bluetooth and then open it again.

Unlocking Succeeds Intermittently.

• Fix software issues: Update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest system versions.
• Make sure your watch isn't worn too loosely – if too loose, it might not be detected.
• Verify that no other wireless devices are causing interference with the unlock process.

Part 4: How to Unlock iPhone Without a Passcode

Is there another way to unlock an iPhone without entering a passcode? Absolutely! Apple offers several unlocking features that allow you unlock your iPhone easily while you're wearing a mask or glasses.

Use Touch ID

If your iPhone has Touch ID enabled, this is the fastest method to unlock your iPhone without a passcode. However, after your iPhone has been restarted or remained locked for more than 48 hours, you must type your passcode to re-enable Touch ID.

How to set up Touch ID on your iPhone:

Use Face ID with a Mask

If it is inconvenient for you to take off your mask or your Touch ID is not working, using Face ID with a Mask is a good option. This feature is available on iPhone 12 and newer models running iOS 15.4 or later. It can identify your unique facial features around the eyes to verify your identity, so you can unlock your iPhone without taking off your mask.

How to set up Face ID with a Mask:

Use imyPass iPassGo

These methods let you unlock your iPhone quickly, but they don't always work. If you forget your screen passcode, your iPhone gets disabled after too many wrong passcode attempts, or Face ID is not working, your Apple Watch won't be able to unlock your iPhone, how to unlock the iPhone in these situations? Don't worry! That's when you need a professional iOS unlock tool!

imyPass iPassGo is exactly the tool you need - it allows you to effortlessly unlock your iPhone without a passcode in any scenario! This software supports all iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPods), including the newest iPhone 17 with the latest iOS 26/iPadOS 26. It can unlock your iPhone without a passcode, Touch ID, Face ID, or Screen Time passcode!

You can use it to get rid of all kinds of locks in easy 3 steps!

Conclusion

When a mask blocks Face ID, using Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone is simple and convenient. However, if Face ID and Touch ID are both unavailable and you've forgotten your passcode, a professional iPhone unlocking tool like iPassGo can make a difference. With iPassGo, you can easily bypass the lock screen and unlock your iPhone in no time!