Why doesn't my Apple Watch unlock my MacBook Pro EVERY TIME?

[HappyDude20]

Sometimes it works and sometimes and doesn't and I can't seem to find a pattern determining why.

I wondered if my iPhone and hence Apple Watch need to be connected to the same WiFi network that my MacBook Pro is connected to in order for the automatic unlock to take place but that doesn't seem to be it?

Bluetooth is always on, on all devices so im guessing it can't be that either?

Nevertheless am annoyed that it's always a gamble as to whether my MBP will unlock the whenever I open the lid, considering I almost always am wearing my Apple Watch.

 

[akash.nu]

If the watch is in Bluetooth range and is unlocked then it should work. Mine unlocks every time.

 

[HappyDude20]

Odd, sometimes my kid stays logged into his account on my MBP since he’s doing Covid distance learning. You think maybe that could be it?

 

[Significant1]

Odd, sometimes my kid stays logged into his account on my MBP since he’s doing Covid distance learning. You think maybe that could be it?

Maybe, if he was using it last. Could be it only works for current active user.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Odd, sometimes my kid stays logged into his account on my MBP since he’s doing Covid distance learning. You think maybe that could be it?

It won’t work if you kid is logged in. The watch unlocks the one with the admin account, which is you.

 

[HappyDude20]

It won’t work if you kid is logged in. The watch unlocks the one with the admin account, which is you

Of course I’m wanting/trying to unlock my account which is the admin account on my MBP, so you’re saying so long as my kid is logged in (i.e. orange circle check mark) I won’t be able to automatically unlock the MBP with my Watch and have to input My password?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Of course I’m wanting/trying to unlock my account which is the admin account on my MBP, so you’re saying so long as my kid is logged in (i.e. orange circle check mark) I won’t be able to automatically unlock the MBP with my Watch and have to input My password?

That is what I am saying.

 

[HappyDude20]

That is what I am saying.

Ok cool thank you

 

[NoBoMac]

The watch unlocks the one with the admin account

Minor nit: any account type will work.

My everyday account is non-admin and unlocks with the Watch.

 

[HappyDude20]

Minor nit: any account type will work.

My everyday account is non-admin and unlocks with the Watch.

And funny enough I just opened my MBP today and the Watch did unlocked my MBP. However, my kids account on the MBP was still logged in as well.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Minor nit: any account type will work.

My everyday account is non-admin and unlocks with the Watch.

Thank you for the correction. The Apple support page on said topic gave me the impression it pertained to only the admin account.

 

[G5isAlive]

And funny enough I just opened my MBP today and the Watch did unlocked my MBP. However, my kids account on the MBP was still logged in as well.

which account was last active?

 

[Regbial]

of note: I've noticed the apple watch won't unlock the mac with just Bluetooth, you have to have Wifi enabled (which I usually don't...) ... This is on a non T2 iMac btw...

 

[Janeilfen]

My Apple Watch 3 unlocked my 2020 mini OK up until maybe 3 or 4 days ago. (When I say OK, I mean as long as nothing is attached to any of the mini ports). Called apple support who said it was failing as there was a new software update for both the watch and my iPhone 11. The phone didn't show any updates available but they were indeed there to be installed. Apple said they were having issues with showing that updates are ready for the iPhone. Updated both and it still doesn't work. Update is 13.7 for iPhone 11 and 6.2.8 for watch 3. As of about 4 hours ago, Apple support is not contactable here in the UK.