Apple Watch to unlock MacBook Pro option doesn't exist even though all official Apple conditions are honored

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InterFan7 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apple Watch to unlock MacBook Pro option doesn't exist even though all official Apple conditions are honored

Macbook Pro 14 M2

Apple Watch series 8

SW Updated to latest

Both Mac and Watch are with Wifi (same one) and BT enabled.

Same Apple ID for both.

No internet sharing or screen sharing is active/enabled.

Rebooted both devices, no luck.

Since the option doesn't exist at all, there couldn't be a clue what might be missing.

It's frustrating considering I've invested in these fresh new products $$ and there is no real support.

The store is not really relevant as the folks there have absolutely no clue, and I don't have patient for them to get the solution from upper layers.

As it seems to be an issue occurring for many ppl I wonder why Apple doesn't provide a more explanatory setting window with clear gaps indications to get that option available.

Option not existing is the most frustrating way for a user to deal with it.

MacBook Pro (2)

Posted on Jul 20, 2023 2:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

InterFan7 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2023 2:55 PM in response to InterFan7

I've resolved it.

You may not beleive, but it's due to the user password which contained certain character.

See the 2nd half of this answer.

I quote here:

If you still do not see this option, then ensure the password for your user account only contains the following characters:

Uppercase or lowercase letters A to Z

Numbers 0 to 9

Underscores

Hyphens

Periods

If any characters other than these are used in your user password, change it in System Preferences > Users & Groups to a password that only contains these supported characters, restart your Mac, and then see if the option to unlock with your Apple Watch appears.

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

120,173 points

Jul 20, 2023 4:21 PM in response to InterFan7

Your Mac and Apple Watch must be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. For more info, see:

Unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Jul 20, 2023 3:51 PM in response to InterFan7

You've ticked off everything I would have suggested...Bluetooth, rebooting both devices, AppleID.

And I'm assuming your Apple Watch appears on your phone's Watch app, and that it responds correctly from there? (Because I'd hate to overlook the obvious...is it paired with your iPhone?...LOL).

Barring all that, I'd recommend you contact AppleCare, since you said you don't feel confident in the Apple Store techs. Let AppleCare have a go at it. If that fails, call them again, but ask to speak to a Senior Advisor.

Sorry for the issue you've having. Please remember the folks here are users just like you and don't work for Apple, nor do we have any kind of secret phone number or handshake to reach them.

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Answer 4

InterFan7 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 21, 2023 1:21 AM in response to javaliga

creocraure290

Thanks, and yes of course the Watch is paired with my iPhone14 Pro. I've bought bunch of Apple products newest module this year.

Moreover, when I attempt to perform a guarded Apple activity which requires 2 factor auth, I see the 6-digits number appears on my Watch in addition to my iPhone.

AppleCare - I've heard of it, not sure what are the conditions and weather I'm entitled to it as I've bought it in a store in Israel and not in Apple store.

I'll need to check that AppleCare thing.

I know this community consists of users, but since there is no easy channel to get support from Apple. Probably the price we pay is purely for products and they've avoided bumping it up to include such a channel. This is a legitimate business model I guess.

javaliga

I've forgotten to mention this one, of course my AppleID has 2-factor auth enabled. I've checked that multiple times.

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Apple Watch to unlock MacBook Pro option doesn't exist even though all official Apple conditions are honored

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