How To Unlock Your Mac Automatically With Your Apple Watch

The new macOS Sierra comes with a whole host of features that are pertinent to iOS and Apple Watch users. If you own an Apple Watch and a Mac, then you’ll definitely want to consider following these steps to unlock your Mac automatically whenever you come near it wearing your Apple Watch. It’s easy to do.

First, you need to update your Mac to macOS Sierra. You can only do this if your computer was made in 2013 or later. If you’re not sure, then click the apple in the upper left corner of your Mac and choose About This Mac, you’ll see the date listed.

To upgrade to Sierra, go to Apple’s website and click the Upgrade Now button in the top right corner. Follow the prompts until the new macOS is installed. Plan on this taking up to an hour or more, it’s a major upgrade.

You’ll need to make sure you’re set up for Two-Factor Authentication. If you haven’t already done this, you can learn how to do so here.

Next, click the upper left hand apple menu again, and choose System Preferences. Select Security & Privacy. Checkmark the box that says “Allow your Apple Watch to unlock your Mac.” Follow the prompts to complete this process.

That’s all there is to it. I was able to unlock my Mac on the first try without doing anything more than wearing my Apple Watch. It worked like a charm, albeit not very fast. Hopefully this will speed up over time.