How to unlock your Apple Watch using your iPhone. Instead of tapping out your PIN code on the way-too-small number pad, here's how you can use your iPhone to unlock your watch. Your Apple Watch is designed to lock when it's not on your wrist — this way, no one can access any of the personal information on your Watch, or use Apple Pay to make fraudulent purchases. Like most Apple Watch faces, you can tweak the information displayed on your new Photos face. Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Swipe through the My Faces section and tap on the face you want to.
Make sure that your Mac and Apple Watch meet the system requirements for Auto Unlock. Make sure that your devices are set up as follows: Your Mac has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. Your Mac and Apple Watch are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID, and your Apple ID is using two-factor authentication. Your Apple Watch is using a passcode. The other problem is that if I lock the screen then many times the shirt sleeve will bring up the code entry screen and by the time I get done with my run my shirt sleeve has entered too many wrong codes and I can't use my watch for hours because I have to wait so I can enter the correct code to unlock it.
If your Apple Watch (not iwatch) is locked by a passcode and you cannot unlock it via the normal procedure, then follow these steps to erase it and re-pair it:
Connect the Apple Watch to its charging cable, connected to power.
Whilst keeping the Apple Watch on the charger:
Press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider.
Press firmly on Power Off (do not try to slide it - just press down more firmly than a normal tap), release your finger and then tap on Erase all content and settings and confirm when prompted.
Pair the watch using the Watch app on your iPhone, choosing to Restore from Backup if offered the option.
More information:
If you are instead referring to Activation Lock, which prevents unauthorised use of Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen, then:
If the Apple Watch is locked to your own account (having previously been paired to your iPhone):
If you are having issues with your credentials, then it may help to follow the instructions here:
Otherwise, follow the steps here to remove the lock:
If you still need assistance, contact Apple Support or make a Genius Bar reservation, taking along your Apple Watch, proof of identity and your original proof of purchase for it:
US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
Elsewhere: Select your country for Apple Watch service and repair information
If the Apple Watch is instead pre-owned and locked to the previous owner's account:
You will need the previous owner (who may not be the seller) to either enter their Apple ID and password on your iPhone or to turn the feature off via https://www.icloud.com/ (by signing in with their Apple ID > Find My iPhone > All Devices, then select the Apple Watch > Erase Apple Watch > Next until erased > click X next to the watch).
If you cannot arrange for the previous owner to do this, then you should return the watch for a refund.
Can I Lock My Apple Watch Series 3
You will not otherwise be able to use the watch. There is no way around this security feature.
Apple will not advise you of the previous owner's contact details, nor will Apple pass your details on to them.