Unlock iPhone Duo With Apple Watch Instead of Touch ID
The iPhone Duo uses a Touch ID sensor built into the side button for authentication. After almost a decade of Face ID on iPhones, some users may see this as a step backwards. But if you wear an Apple Watch, you can use it to unlock iPhone Duo instead — no need to touch the side button at all. It’s the closest thing to a seamless Face ID experience on iPhone Duo, at least for now.
The feature is called Unlock with Apple Watch. It isn’t new to iPhone, but it works reliably. Before you begin, check that your Apple Watch is a Series 9 or later, an Ultra 2 or later, or an SE 3. Here’s how to turn the feature on and start using it.
Turn On Unlock With Apple Watch
Setting up the feature takes just a few steps on your iPhone Duo:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone Duo.
Tap Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode.
Scroll down to “Unlock with Nearby Devices.”
Toggle on the switch next to your Apple Watch. If you have more than one watch paired with your iPhone Duo, toggle it on for each one.
Once the toggle is enabled, your watch is ready to handle authentication.
Unlock iPhone Duo With Your Watch
Using your Apple Watch to unlock the phone is straightforward:
Make sure your Apple Watch is on your wrist, unlocked, and close to your iPhone Duo.
Wake iPhone Duo by raising it or tapping the screen. If it’s closed, opening it also wakes it.
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to dismiss the Lock Screen.
From there, your Apple Watch handles the authentication — no fingerprint required. You still need the swipe up to get past the Lock Screen, but you can turn off this additional step in Settings.
What Unlock With Apple Watch Does Not Cover
It’s worth knowing the limits of the feature. Unlock with Apple Watch is only for unlocking the device. Passwords, Apple Pay, and access to secure apps like banking apps still require Touch ID. In other words, the watch gets you past the Lock Screen, but it doesn’t replace Touch ID for sensitive actions.
A Note on Apple Watch Compatibility
The listed requirement is an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, an Ultra 2 or later, or an SE 3. Some users have reported that the feature also works with an Apple Watch Ultra 1, so results may vary depending on your hardware. If your watch falls outside the official list, it’s worth testing the toggle to see whether it appears for your device.
Why It Matters
Touch ID on the side button can feel awkward in certain orientations, which is why the Apple Watch unlock option appeals to people who want a faster, hands-free experience. If your watch is on your wrist, authentication can feel about as quick as Face ID. For iPhone Duo owners who already wear an Apple Watch, it’s a simple setting change that makes daily unlocking smoother.
