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BraXzy

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 15, 2022
35
82
Maybe it’s just me, but since updating to Watch OS 9, I’ve been really frustrated by the new method to unlock the watch from sleep / water lock etc.

Previously you turned the crown a certain amount and it unlocked the Watch. You could spin the crown super fast and be in pretty much instantly.

Now however you have to press and hold for a long moment… can the method to unlock be tweaked? Or the length of time to hold down adjusted? It feels so much more clunky now.
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,649
10,241
USA
Maybe it’s just me, but since updating to Watch OS 9, I’ve been really frustrated by the new method to unlock the watch from sleep / water lock etc.

Previously you turned the crown a certain amount and it unlocked the Watch. You could spin the crown super fast and be in pretty much instantly.

Now however you have to press and hold for a long moment… can the method to unlock be tweaked? Or the length of time to hold down adjusted? It feels so much more clunky now.
I just noticed that. It does seem weird.

Just as a tip in case you didn't know you can set your iPhone to automatically unlock the watch. This won't save you from dealing with the water unlock though.
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,649
10,241
USA
How do you do that?
Open the Watch app and then go to Passcode then turn on Unlock with iPhone.

Sometimes it’s not immediate so if you just put your watch on and then try to unlock your iPhone it may not work but when you put your watch on and then may be a minute later unlock your iPhone it will also unlock your watch. I hate punching in that four digit code on my watch every time so this is helpful
 

ndouglas

macrumors 6502a
Jun 1, 2022
720
635
Open the Watch app and then go to Passcode then turn on Unlock with iPhone.

Sometimes it’s not immediate so if you just put your watch on and then try to unlock your iPhone it may not work but when you put your watch on and then may be a minute later unlock your iPhone it will also unlock your watch. I hate punching in that four digit code on my watch every time so this is helpful
I try to use this but it seems it’s only valid when the iPhone is already unlocked?
 

ndouglas

macrumors 6502a
Jun 1, 2022
720
635
Yea, I do this multiple times after the shower to expel water and still getting used to it after 5 days. I guess future crowns won’t turn anymore, that’s my guess.
I liked the old way better
I agree the old way was better, as OP put it turning the crown just a “certain amount“ was much easier and faster, after getting used to it. I hope the new way gets easier with time, for now it’s still slower and more annoying.
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,649
10,241
USA
I try to use this but it seems it’s only valid when the iPhone is already unlocked?
It unlocks your watch when you unlock your iPhone. The setting is in the Watch app on the iPhone so of course you have to have the iPhone unlocked to change it.
 

GrandeLatte

macrumors 6502a
Jul 2, 2016
983
2,322
Not so much this feature, but I feel like battery is draining awfully fast on my Hermes Series 7. And I don't like it.
 

BraXzy

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 15, 2022
35
82
I really like the hold crown function over spin the crown, either my crown is super tight or my fingers are slick. I have a horrible time time trying to turn the crown.
I’m not against the change of method as such, just the time it takes. Ideally there would be a setting to choose how long you had to hold it.
 

carbphrek

macrumors member
Nov 2, 2013
77
114
Tampa Bay
I’m not against the change of method as such, just the time it takes. Ideally there would be a setting to choose how long you had to hold it.
I thought too it was a bit long but then I think of the times I get my hand/wrist lodged between the seats of my car. I’ve had to turn off sos because somehow I press the buttons to fire off a distress. I’m special like that. 😬
 

gaximus

macrumors 68020
Oct 11, 2011
2,308
4,715
Is there a way to switch it back to the old way? I keep accidentally unlocking it and ending my exercise, during my exercise
 

jcshas

macrumors 65816
Oct 8, 2003
1,053
1,339
I don't know why Apple decided to change the unlock/water by having you long press the watch crown, when the old method worked just fine and is arguably better. The only logical reason I've come up with is perhaps Apple changed it for accessibility reasons?
 

gaximus

macrumors 68020
Oct 11, 2011
2,308
4,715
How can you "accidentally" unlock it if it takes such a long press? Anyway, I think the answer to your question is no, it's a part of the operating system not covered by System preferences.
I do kick boxing, and the hand wraps can push on the crown. I never had any problems with it before iOS 9, I wish Apple would just give me the option on how I want to unlock it,
 
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canyonblue737

macrumors 68020
Jan 10, 2005
2,227
2,785
I don't know why Apple decided to change the unlock/water by having you long press the watch crown, when the old method worked just fine and is arguably better. The only logical reason I've come up with is perhaps Apple changed it for accessibility reasons?

it has to do with the changes made to the workout app. before WatchOS 9 the workout app required you to swipe on the screen to move between "pages" of data. in WatchOS 9 they decided to add even more available pages of data AND for the first time make it useable if you have the screen locked (unable to swipe due to sweat, swimming etc.) by rotating the crown up and down to move between the pages. because the crown rotation now controls moving between data pages it could no longer be used as a method to remove the water lock so they had to create a new method... and that is the push and hold we have today.
 

andrewj

macrumors regular
Sep 4, 2008
234
37
Agree that it takes to long for pushing to unlock the phone from sleep. It could be shortened by half.
 

Itinj24

Contributor
Nov 8, 2017
4,575
2,624
New York
The new way is more convenient in that you’re just holding the button down but the old was was much faster.

I’m just thankful it isn’t a dual action hold down and spin. I’d just leave my watch water locked for eternity in that case.
 
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