As expected, macOS Sierra comes in with new great and handy features. One of the features added to macOS Sierra is the “Auto Unlock” feature. With this, you’ll be relieved the stress of entering passwords every time you have to unlock your Mac. All you have to do is to use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac. This is one of the smart features added to Mac.
Luckily, Auto-Unlock feature has gone live with macOS Sierra beta 2. So I gave it a quick try when I found out. And from what I reviewed and experimented with this feature you can easily use your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.
Actually, the process in order to enable Auto Unlock is a bit lengthy, but the end result is great. If you are all geared up to get on with this new feature, let’s cross over to have a go at it!
What you’ll need
Your Mac must be running on macOS Sierra beta 2 or later.
Apple Watch must also be running on watchOS 3 beta 2 or later.
Your Mac and Apple Watch must be linked with the same iCloud account.
You’ll have to enable Two-factor Authentication for your Apple ID account in order to use the Auto Unlock feature. You will also need to turn off Two-Step Verification. Additionally, Passcode must be enabled on your Apple Watch.
Step 1: Turn Off Two-Step Verification on Mac
The first step here is to turn off Two-Step Verification on Mac. So head over to appleid.apple.com. Then log into your Apple ID account. Then click on Edit Under Security section, then below Two-Step Verification, click on Turn Off Two-Step Verification.
Step 2: Turn On Two-factor Authentication on Mac
So click on Apple logo icon, then select System Preferences. Then click on iCloud , and then click on Account Details. Now click on Security, and click on Turn On Two-factor Authentication.
Step 3: How to Enable and Use Auto Unlock on Mac
So ensure you have passcode enabled on your Apple Watch which is runningon watchOS 3. And if you don’t have passcode enabled on your Apple Watch, you can check out this guide on how to set passcode on Apple Watch
Now navigate to System Preferences on your Mac.
Then click on Security & Privacy.
So below the General tab click on the checkbox beside “Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac”.
So you’ll have to enter your Mac’s password when prompted. Then you’ll see a “Turning On” message on your Mac screen.
So lock your Mac now and then try to wake it by wearing your smartwatch.
Then you’ll receive see a message on the screen “Unlocking with Apple Watch.” That’s all! Your Mac has been unlocked easily and successfully.
Note: In case you try to unlock your Mac without wearing your Apple Watch, the password screen will come up as usual.
Also, Auto Unlock will be started by waking the machine if you are using a desktop Mac.
You’ll also have to press the Cancel button to start Auto Unlock if the Mac is already awake.