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In iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, Apple introduced a feature that would allow mask wearers to unlock their iPhones with a paired and authenticated Apple Watch, eliminating the need to constantly enter a passcode. Now the company wants to provide clarity.
Apple now has a support document published, which describes how the "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature works and what requirements must be met for it to work. Apple says that the Apple Watch unlock process doesn't use Face ID to recognize and authenticate users, so the same facial scanning that allows Face ID to unlock your phone doesn't occur here.
“Unlock with Apple Watch” must be explicitly enabled
There are a number of specific requirements that allow the Apple Watch to authenticate your identity to unlock an iPhone. You need an iPhone X or later with iOS 14.5 or later and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 7.4 or later, which must be paired together. Both Wifi and Bluetooth must be enabled for communication between the iPhone and Apple Watch, and the Apple Watch must have a passcode. Wrist detection must also be enabled. In addition, unlocking with the Apple Watch must be explicitly turned on for it to work. Users can find the feature under Settings -> Face ID & Passcode.
iOS 14.5 & watchOS 7.4: Function has proximity requirement
In order for the Apple Watch to authenticate your identity, the watch must be on your wrist and unlocked. You must also wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose, presumably to signal the iPhone to use the secondary unlock method instead of Face ID. To unlock the iPhone with the Apple Watch, you must wake your iPhone by lifting it or tapping the screen and then glancing at the device. The requirement to look at the iPhone is intended to prevent the feature from working if you are not near your iPhone. Although it is not mentioned by Apple, there definitely seems to be a proximity requirement as well, as it will signal you when you are not close enough to the phone.
“Unlock with Apple Watch” should be used with caution
"Unlock with Apple Watch" is a feature that could theoretically allow another person to unlock your iPhone if they're nearby, have your iPhone, and are wearing a mask. Therefore, it should be activated with caution. If other people have access to your device and you're concerned about security, you may want to avoid it. It's also worth noting that "Unlock with Apple Watch" only works to unlock your iPhone. It doesn't verify identity for use with Apple Pay, keychain passwords, or password-protected apps that require either Face ID or your passcode. While not as secure as Face ID, "Unlock with Apple Watch" is a convenient option for those tired of having to enter a passcode on their devices while wearing a mask. Nevertheless, use the feature wisely. (Photo by BackyardProductions / Bigstockphoto)
