Apple Watch ultra not unlocking M1 MacBook Air

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Level 1

7 points

Apple Watch ultra not unlocking M1 MacBook Air

Unlocking is inconsistent and some days will not work at all. Macbook is on stand in middle of room. Lately MacBook won't unlock even though I try repeatedly touching my watch wrist to the top of the MacBook. Often in the past, the computer will unlock even when I'm not sitting in front of it. I've often walked past the back of the MacBook and I could hear the unlocking 'click' as I walked by, even though I am much further away than when I'm sitting in front of the computer. This is not a new issue. I just read a thread from 2019 citing the same issue and I experienced the issue with my Apple Watch 3 at times as well. I expected the Apple Watch Ultra to be more powerful and was hoping buying one would resolve the issue. Please find a way to fix this problem.

Apple Watch Ultra

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 9:36 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ZintainUSA

Level 5

6,537 points

Sep 17, 2023 6:19 AM in response to 49r

Had a similar issue with mine at one point. Apple support walked me through a few troubleshooting options, but ultimately what fixed it was logging out of my AppleID on both the watch and the MacBook Pro and logging back in and it’s worked ever since.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

99,613 points

Sep 12, 2023 9:53 AM in response to 49r

Proximity to the Mac doesn't make sense as it is primarily a wi-fi function. Maybe the Ultra is not connected to the same Wi-Fi, or not connected at all, and using only bluetooth. Or mac is using VPN.

Resetting and renewing the Mac's wi-Fi connexion may help.

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Answer 3

WaLLy3K

Level 1

8 points

Sep 16, 2023 5:33 PM in response to LD150

If it's anything like what I have, then I can consistently unlock the Mac if the watch is approximately 1 meter away. If it's any closer then the signal is too weak.

This is with:

Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular (actively connected to WiFi network)
iPhone 13 Pro Max
M1 MacBook Air 13"
Two UniFi 802.11AC AP's (at LEAST 70% signal, and BSS Transmission/802.11V enabled)

There is no combination of settings I can find (One AP, 2.4Ghz only, single SSID, separated 5Ghz SSID, other settings enabled/disabled, etc) that can make this feature work reliably. All my hardware has up to date software, any other guides online (e.g: Turn off AW unlock, reboot phone/watch/MBA) absolutely do not help, and I've also factory reset my watch, 13PM and MBA to no avail - this happens on fresh installs.

My only workaround is to have BLEUnlock (on GitHub) wake the Mac up as I approach it from a distance far enough away for the built-in Apple Watch unlock feature to work and even that's not totally reliable.

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

99,613 points

Sep 17, 2023 3:06 AM in response to 49r

49r wrote:

I'm at a loss. Hoping someone from apple will see this and work on it.

Apple do not read these posts except to moderate them for inappropriate language.

It will only unlock a locked screen, it will not unlock a new session in my experience.

I suggest you update to the latest Sonoma and iOS17 and OS10 in a week or two when released, then in Mac settings, turn off the Unlock with your watch and turn it on again. If it doesn't work then something in your setup is interfering with it.

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Answer 5

49r Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 12, 2023 10:11 AM in response to LD150

Mac is not connected to a VPN. I turned wifi on and off on the Mac, then changed my watch, Mac and iPhone to a different wifi network. Watch still would not unlock Mac. Then I changed them all back to the same original wifi network I usually use. Watch still would not unlock Mac.

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Answer 6

49r Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 16, 2023 6:44 PM in response to WaLLy3K

Thank you. I appreciate the reply. Since my post earlier in the week, my Apple Watch Ultra has completely stopped unlocking my M1 MacBook Air. I think I installed an OS update about the time it stopped working. I'm wondering if the OS update may be the culprit?

Auto unlocking my computers with my watch was a major part of my decision to upgrade to the Ultra. I assumed It would have a stronger signal and would be less glitchy unlocking my computers. My prior watch was an Apple 3 cellular as well and although glitchy, it did unlock my Mac minis and M1 MacBook Air most of the time.

I'm at a loss. Hoping someone from apple will see this and work on it.

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Answer 7

LD150

Level 10

99,613 points

Sep 17, 2023 4:13 AM in response to LD150

"...Apple do not read these posts except to moderate them for inappropriate language..,"

and talking about beta performance.

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Apple Watch ultra not unlocking M1 MacBook Air

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