One interesting new addition in macOS Sierra is the ability to Unlock Mac using Apple Watch. While you are wearing your Apple Watch, the new “Auto Unlock” feature allows you to access your Mac without entering your Login Password.
Auto Unlock Feature on Mac
The Auto Unlock feature as introduced in the latest macOS Sierra update is sure to be appreciated by those users who find it rather annoying to enter a password every time they walk away from their Mac and come back to find it locked and requiring a password.
Auto Unlock provides you with instant access to Mac. While wearing your Apple Watch, you can just wake up your Mac and start using it immediately, without the need to unlock it by typing your password.
Unlock Mac With Apple Watch
The Auto Unlock feature is only available on mid-2013 or newer Mac’s, with macOS Sierra installed on it. Also, your Apple Watch needs to have WatchOS3 installed on it.
After meeting above Hardware and Software requirements, you can gain the ability to Unlock Mac with your Apple Watch by meeting the following requirements.
- Enable Bluetooth and WiFi on your Mac
- Set up Passcode on your Apple Watch
- Disable Two Step Verification for Apple ID
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID
- Enable Auto Unlock Feature on Mac
- Sign into the same iCloud account, both on Mac and Apple Watch
You will find below the steps to Enable Passcode on Apple Watch, Disable Two Step Verification, Enable Two Factor Authentication and the Steps to Enable Auto Unlock Feature on Mac.
Enable Passcode on Apple Watch
Follow the steps below to enable and setup a Passcode for your Apple Watch.
1. On your Apple Watch, tap on Settings. Next, tap on Passcode
2. On the next screen tap on Enable Passcode
3. Now, enter a Passcode for your Apple Watch
Note: Make sure that you note down this passcode and keep it in a safe place.
Disable Two-Step Verification
After setting up a passcode on your Apple Watch the next step is to disable Two-Step Verification for your Apple ID, in case it is enabled.
1. On your Computer visit appleid.apple.com and sign-in to your Apple ID
2. Once in your account, click on the Edit link located in the security section (See image below)
3. Next, click on Turn Off Two-Step Verification link, located under Two-Step Verification heading (See image below).
4. You will see a pop-up, click on Turn Off Two-Step Verification on the Pop-up
5. On the next screens, answer security questions, confirm your date of birth and recovery email and click on Continue to Turn Off Two-Step verification.
Enable Two Factor Authentication
After disabling two-step verification the next step is to enable Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID.
1. Click on the Apple Icon on your Mac and then click on System Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. On the System Preferences screen, click on iCloud
Note: You may have to Login to your iCloud Account by entering your Apple ID and Passcode.
3. Once in your iCloud Account, click on Account Details.
4. Next, click on the Security tab and click on Set Up Two-Factor Authentication… link (See image below)
5. On the next screens, follow the instructions to verify your phone number by using the verification code that Apple sends to your phone number.
Enable Auto Unlock Feature on Mac
After setting up a Passcode on your Apple Watch and enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID, you are all set to enable and Setup Auto Unlock feature on your Mac.
1. On your Mac, tap on the Apple icon located in the top menu (See image below)
2. From the drop-down, tap on System Preferences… (See image above)
3. On the System Preferences Screen, click on Security and Privacy option.
4. On the Security and Privacy screen, click on the General tab, and then click on the checkbox next to Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac option to enable this feature
5. On the pop-up, enter your Admin Password to enable the Auto Unlock feature on your Mac
Now you can lock your Mac and see if you are able to login, without entering your password. While wearing your Apple Watch, you should be able to just wake up your Mac and access it immediately without having to enter your password.
