Unlocking with Apple Watch on iPhone 13: the fix for the bug is coming

Apple revealed that it has identified a problem where the “Unlock with Apple Watch” could does not work with its new devices iPhone 13. Let’s find out all the details together.

Problems with the “unlock with Appe Watch” function on the new iPhone 13

A new note on its Apple support page describes the problem:

You may read “unable to communicate with Apple Watch” if you try to unlock the iPhone while wearing a face mask, or you may not be able to set the unlock with Apple Watch.

On Friday, users of the r / AppleWatch Reddit forum began reporting the issue. Some of them revealed that they were able to use the Watch unlock function with other iPhone models, including theiPhone 11 Max.

Apple introduced the possibility of unlock an iPhone that uses Face ID with a Apple Watch coupled earlier this year, following the release of iOS 14.5. It comes in handy during a pandemic where users are forced to wear face masks in many public places, making it difficult for Face ID to recognize the person.

The unlock function works on iPhone X and later and requires both the iPhone and the watch to have wi-fi e Bluetooth activated. The watch must have the pulse detection activated and be protected by a access code. Moreover, it must be on the wrist and be unlocked for everything to work.

Apple did not disclose what is causing the problem with iPhone 13 devices. The company has only announced that it will be “fixed in an upcoming software update” but not when to expect the update. The note on the support page recommends switch off the “unlock with Apple Watch” function and use the access code to unlock your iPhone 13 in the meantime.