Apple released a feature in iOS 14.5 that lets you unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch – even if you’re wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, the function does not work for all iPhone 13 owners, but this problem has been solved from iOS 15.1.
Unlock iPhone 13 with Apple Watch
iOS 15.1 is not out yet, but is expected in a few weeks. Apple did roll out the second developer beta of iOS 15.1 on Tuesday. It contains a fix for the bug where an Apple Watch cannot be used to unlock an iPhone 13.
Some iPhone 13 users see an error message when trying to unlock their device with the Apple Watch. They are greeted with the text ‘Unable to communicate with Apple Watch’. And no matter how many times you try afterwards; it will not work.
Apple previously promised that the problem will be fixed in a future update, which appears to be iOS 15.1. Still, it’s possible that we’ll see the troubleshooting before. iOS 15.0.1 is likely to be released first, which also fixes several issues. It may also include the bug fix for the Apple Watch issue.
That is how it works
Not all iPhone 13 owners are affected by the issue, so the feature may work for you. If you want to unlock your iPhone with an Apple Watch, the following settings must be correct:
- Your iPhone and Apple Watch must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. (A connection to a Wi-Fi network is not necessary).
- Your Apple Watch must have a passcode.
- Your Apple Watch must be unlocked on your wrist.
Also make sure the “Unlock with Apple Watch” feature is turned on:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings app;
- Tap on ‘Face ID and Passcode’;
- Scroll down to “Unlock with Apple Watch” and turn on the feature next to your watch’s name.
Want to know more about the iPhone 13?
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Can’t unlock iPhone 13 with Apple Watch? iOS 15.1 fixes it
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iPhone 13 notch: this is how Apple made the notch smaller
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Android look on your iPhone 13: should be possible if it’s up to Google!
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iPhone 13: battery capacity is known (and bigger than ever)
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Update: winner iPhone 13 Pro giveaway is known!
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