In the world we live in now, we always have to wear a mask, which makes it very hard to use our Face ID to unlock an iPhone. In fact, Apple Face ID is now useless because it can’t recognize your face when you’re wearing a mask. So, Apple has updated iOS 14.5 with a new feature that lets you unlock your iPhone with both Face ID and the Apple Watch.
Basically, you just have to put on your mask and look into the front camera of your iPhone. Your Apple Watch will buzz when your iPhone is unlocked. To use your iPhone, you have to slide the screen up. Today, everyone who has an iPhone or Apple Watch needs to have this feature. In this article, we’ll show you how to put on your mask and unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch.
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How to Unlock Your iPhone With Your Apple Watch?
To unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch, it must be close by, on your wrist, unlocked, and protected by a passcode. If you haven’t set up a passcode yet, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Passcode > Turn Passcode On, and then enter the passcode you want to use. You’ll have to do it twice to be sure.
Also Read: Ditch Your Apple Watch Series 3 and Grab a Series 7 for Its Best Price Yet
People know that Apple devices work well together as a whole set. Your new iPhone knows everything there is to know about your great Mac, and your Mac connects automatically to your Apple Watch. This lets you use the shortcuts and features that make your work lighter and life easier.
For example, if you’re tired of typing your security PIN on the Apple Watch’s small screen, you can use your paired iPhone to automatically unlock it. Whether you have the Apple Watch Ultra or an older model, the process is the same. The steps are written down below.
What You Require?
People love this feature because your Face ID is used to unlock your iPhone when you put on my watch. On neither of the two devices, you need to enter a password. It works well so that you don’t have to type in the PIN on the Apple Watch’s small screen.
If you often take off your smartwatch and don’t mind if other people see it, this setting will save you a few seconds every time you put it back on. And the setting won’t work if your iPhone isn’t close to your Watch, so bad people won’t be able to get to your Watch.
However unlocking your iPhone also requires a few devices which are helpful in unlocking your phone with your Apple Watch. A complete list of these devices are listed below:
- At least a Series 3 with WatchOS 7.4 or later, Apple Watch.
- Face ID and iOS 14.5 or later on an iPhone (iPhone X or later).
Not only devices but a few features are also required:
- You have to wear your Apple Watch and open it.
- You should wear a mask, sunglasses, or ski goggles that cover your eyes and nose.
- Your Apple Watch needs to be paired with your iPhone.
- Both your iPhone and Apple Watch need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. But you don’t need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Your Apple Watch needs a passcode and must be set up to recognize your wrist.
How To Unlock your iPhone Using Apple Watch?
Make sure your phone has an iOS 14.5 as the first thing you need to do. WatchOS 7.4 needs to be updated to the latest on even the Apple Watch. This is because the new feature of being able to unlock with a mask on isn’t in older versions of iOS and WatchOS. You will also need an Apple Watch Series 3 or the later and an iPhone X or later. Here’s what you need to do to update the operating system on your device.
Also Read: Apple is About to Launch New iMac With M3 Chipset! Check Out Now.
Step 1: On your iPhone and go to Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Step 2: You’ll check to see if a new version is available.
Step 3: You can click on the Download and Install button. Even better, if there is an option to upgrade to iOS 15, tap on it.
Step 4: To update the watchOS on your Apple Watch, go to the Watch app on your iPhone.
Step 5: Click the “My Watch” tab, then “General,” and then “Software Update.”
How Do I Set Up the New Feature to Unlock?
Follow these steps to set up your phone’s new way to get in.
Step 1: You’ll need to go to your iPhone’s Settings app.
Step 2: Choose the option that says Face ID & Passcode.
Step 3: You’ll be asked for the passcode for your iPhone, which you’ll need to enter to continue.
Step 4: Now, look for a choice that says “Unlock with Watch.”
Step 5: Flip the switch next to the Apple Watch to turn it on.
If you want to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone, it needs to be close to your iPhone. To keep it safe, your Apple Watch needs a passcode to unlock it. To set a passcode, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Passcode, and then turn the passcode on. After that, you’ll need to set and confirm a passcode.
When you use iWatch to unlock your iPhone for the first time, your iPhone will ask for the passcode. After the first time, you can use a mask and still unlock the iPhone. Your iPhone is now unlocked, and your iWatch will let you know. You can also lock the phone if you happen to open it by accident. Note that you have to enter the passcode again every time you take off the watch.
Conclusion
Since it’s only supposed to work when your face is hidden, you might not notice it being used much after you turn it on. But on the sunny days, when you’re skiing, or when you’re wearing a mask, it can be a great way to quickly unlock your iPhone without having to tap in your passcode.
Also Read: Apple Releases iOS 16.4 Beta 2! Check the All New Features Here
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the iOS feature that lets you unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch can be very helpful. It works very well and is faster. From your Apple Watch, you can also lock your iPhone. Keep in mind, though, that this feature only lets you lock and unlock the iPhone. You won’t be able to set up passwords, buy things, or use other features.
