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Q: auto unlock with apple watch is not showing in my Security and Privacy window

"Disable automatic login" or Auto unlock with Apple Watch" is showing in my Security and Privacy window

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 10:14 AM

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Q: auto unlock with apple watch is not showing in my Security and Privacy window

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  • by Kingdaddy,

    Kingdaddy Kingdaddy Sep 27, 2016 12:45 PM in response to 1MilFlyer
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 27, 2016 12:45 PM in response to 1MilFlyer

    My problem is, I see it and it works on my 2015 MBP, but "allow apple watch to unlock mac" does not show up in Security settings on my 2013 iMac.  Buggy solution from Apple?

     

    And this two factor authentication is ridiculous.  If I'm already authenticated on my iMac, why do I have to re-authenticate, and then once again here in the browser when I signed in to comment?  Overkill. 

  • by cwbrandt2,

    cwbrandt2 cwbrandt2 Sep 28, 2016 8:00 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 28, 2016 8:00 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    I have had this problem for days even though I had already dropped two step and started two-factor. I tried lots of other directions and then  all of the above yesterday until I finally gave up and decided that maybe my late 2013 MacBook pro was too old and this was never going to work for me.

    Then just now I got a notification to turn it on and "Continue" took me to the Security & Privacy/General and there finally was the checkbox for "Allow your Apple watch to unlock your Mac".  So whatever was wrong was fixed on its own.

     

    Anyway thanks for the suggestions even if they didn't work for me.

  • by ColoAndrew,

    ColoAndrew ColoAndrew Sep 28, 2016 10:58 PM in response to cwbrandt2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 28, 2016 10:58 PM in response to cwbrandt2

    I'm hoping for some of this black magic myself. I've tried everything I've seen listed here, and still not seeing the option. The one thing I'm wondering is if my Early 2013 13" MacBook Pro Retina is just too old.  Everything I've read has indicated all models from 2013-on should be capable (and mine has Bluetooth 4.0/LMP 0x6), but nowhere can I just find a simple list of model numbers (Axxxx) to tell for sure whether or not mine is compatible.

     

    Anyhow, I've certainly wasted more time by now than I will ever actually save by not typing in my password.

  • by m0thr4,

    m0thr4 m0thr4 Sep 28, 2016 11:26 PM in response to ColoAndrew
    Level 1 (123 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 28, 2016 11:26 PM in response to ColoAndrew

    Your Macbook is unfortunately too old.  I'm not sure what you've read, but Apple's own support article says:  "Make sure that your Apple Watch is using watchOS 3, and your mid-2013 or newer Mac model is using macOS Sierra."

  • by m0thr4,

    m0thr4 m0thr4 Sep 28, 2016 11:28 PM in response to ColoAndrew
    Level 1 (123 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 28, 2016 11:28 PM in response to ColoAndrew
  • by m0thr4,

    m0thr4 m0thr4 Sep 30, 2016 12:27 AM in response to m0thr4
    Level 1 (123 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 30, 2016 12:27 AM in response to m0thr4

    If it's any consolation, even when Auto Unlock is available, it's a truly miserable affair. 

     

    • You first have to interact with an input device for it to kick in. 
    • It then takes approximately 2 seconds for the unlock to complete... about 5 times longer than typing my password manually.
    • Many times (more than 50% in my experience), it gives up and presents you with a password box anyway.
    • It requires 2-step authentication, which absolutely ruins your user experience for a questionable improvement in security.  Personally, I think 2-step auth is little more than "Security Theatre", and I'm not the only one...  https://www.schneier.com/essays/archives/2005/04/two-factor_authentic.html

     

    You could try the app MacID, which auto unlocks your computer when you approach it, and locks it again when you leave.  I found it performed poorly, and resulted in far too many unnecessary alerts on my Apple Watch, but you might have better luck.

  • by samaki,

    samaki samaki Oct 4, 2016 12:41 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Watch
    Oct 4, 2016 12:41 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Hi Jonathan,

     

    Ok, so only Mac 2013 and later. My Macbook is from 2012, so apparently disqualified. What I'd like to know (if this info is available?) - is this an arbitrary decision or is there some technical barrier (my Macbook Pro does fine with handoff, Airdrop etc).

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