Filip Brož Apple tries to improve its ecosystem every year with the arrival of new operating systems, especially with functions that focus on so-called continuity. The result is maximum interconnectedness and higher work efficiency. A big new feature in macOS Sierra is the ability to unlock your computer with your Apple Watch.
The new function is called Auto Unlock, and in practice it works by simply approaching the MacBook with the watch, which will automatically unlock without you having to enter any password.
However, before you can turn on the function itself, you must meet several conditions and security. The automatic MacBook unlock feature only works with the latest macOS Sierra operating system. You must also have it installed on the Watch latest watchOS 3.
While you can use Apple Watch to unlock any computer, first or second generation, you must have a MacBook from at least 2013. If you have an older machine, Auto Unlock will not work for you.
It's also important that you're signed in to the same iCloud account on all devices—in this case, Apple Watch and MacBook. With it, you must have two-factor authentication active, which is required as a security component of Auto Unlock. All about what two-factor authentication means and how to set it up can be found in our guide.
Another security feature you need to use for Auto Unlock is a passcode, both on your MacBook and Apple Watch. In the case of a watch, this is a numeric code that you turn on in the Watch app on your iPhone in the menu Code.
Once you have all the above-mentioned requirements fulfilled, all you have to do is activate Auto Unlock on your Mac. IN System Preferences > Security & Privacy check the option "Enable Mac Unlock from Apple Watch".
Then you just need to have the Apple Watch on your wrist and unlocked for the MacBook to detect it. As soon as you approach your MacBook with the Watch, you can get out of the lock screen without having to enter your password directly to your account.
It's a shame, but it's not possible to use the Touch ID of iPhones and iPads. Btw can the function be used only on Macbooks or on Macs in general? I couldn't find this information anywhere and Apple also presents it only with Macbook
Touch id umi the Knock app. I have been using it for 2 years and I am satisfied.
It also works with AppleWatch, i.e. without having to have an iPhone at hand, somehow I can't find this information... thanks for the info.
http://www.knocktounlock.com/
For example, the MacID app works - I unlock it using TID on the iPhone. It works great for me.
And MacID has an application not only for the Apple Watch but also for the Pebble smart watch.
> As soon as you approach the MacBook with the Watch, you can get out of the lock screen without having to enter your password directly to your account.
Theoretical. Practically: you wait a few seconds, i.e. much longer than you enter the password. Then it still fails and you have to enter the password. I managed to open my MacBook with the watch TWICE, since then (so at least 30 logins) not anymore.
On the contrary, it works well for me. I guess a 99% success rate. Waiting is about the same time as entering the password, but since I only touch the key when approaching the table - unlock it before I sit down. And when I entered the password, I first sat down and then unlocked it. Otherwise, it is a meeting. I also tested with a colleague that I was about 1,5 m from the laptop and clicked on the keyboard, so it didn't unlock. It said that the watch was too far away. Otherwise great for me. They had a problem - that the watch always chimes and displays a message that it has been unlocked and needs to be tapped. This bothers me.
You're wrong, you don't have to tap it off... If you ignore it, it will disappear from the watch in a moment and it won't limit you in any way.
You have something wrong (or some piece of defect), it works perfectly for me, login usually within 1-2 seconds, i.e. against the password in the worst case, but usually faster. I have to say that it is extremely addictive, I started it for a long time and did not expect anything from it, but in a very short time I got used to it.
does it work even if the laptop doesn't sleep? i.e. that it just turns off the lcd when closing and I log out? it didn't work very well in the beta thanks to that... and the second question - does it also work as an automatic logout when I go to the next room? diics
The first yes (that is, if I understand the situation correctly), that's fine with me.
I will try automatic logout, but otherwise there is one good trick for that in general – using hot corners... You set a screensaver that requires a password and then connect it to the lower left corner, for example. To lock the computer (for example, to go out for coffee in openspace), you just need to move the mouse to a corner and that's it.
When I manually log out, Watch won't unlock it anymore. Likewise when switching user accounts. Otherwise, after opening the lid, it logs in immediately, it's perfect.
thank you both for the answers :)
How about MacbookPro 2013 early compatibility? I can't find it anywhere, thanks!!
Everything should work.
I have MB Pro Retina early 2013 and unlocking with Watch 2 watchOS 3 does not work. There's also no "Allow unlocking Mac from Apple Watch" option under the Security tab.
Have you really fulfilled all the points mentioned in the article? It can be one thing, but then the pairing fails.
If you have completed everything, then it is still possible that the process is blocking you from Automatic Login (System Preferences > Users and Groups > Login Options > Automatic Login). You have to turn that off.
I have the same problem with Macbook pro early 2013. Since I also planned a clean system, I also did a clean installation without recovery from time machine. It still does not work. Clipboard yes, but not this. I read somewhere that the problem is in wifi. This model does not have AC wifi. But it is possible to buy this module on Amazon for about 20 USD and exchange it.
That's right, early 2013 is no longer possible. But it will be replaced by the Knock app.
I recommend trying MacID. I tried both and this worked better for me.
Please link to that article.
Please, give me an advice. This option is grayed out and I can't log in, how do I activate it? Thanks a lot. https://www.dropbox.com/s/90a67xt9xbac8mh/Screenshot%202016-10-10%2011.34.55.png?dl=0
You should have the automatic login turned off anyway, so that's correct ;)
Hello, I have the same problem. All set. After buying an iPhone 7 and re-pairing the watch - I started using it as a new phone, without uploading a backup, I don't have an offer to unlock with apple watch. I have everything set up as it should be.
It doesn't work until mid-2013, I also have MB Pro Retina Early 2013 and it doesn't work..
Couldn't the article be longer next time?
Does iOS or MB offer two-factor authentication to all of you? I have two-phase turned on and two-factor doesn't offer it at all.
Hi, does anyone know what else to check when my Mac tells me it can't communicate with the Watch? I have everything set up according to the article and the discussion.. Watch is on my hand, active and unlocked... thanks a lot
I have the same problem
Also :( Even after updating to the latest os in both the watch and Mac
I don't have in System Preferences: Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac. Can someone please advise?