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WatchOS 9 spin to unlock again

I used to have to spin the dial to unlock my watch when working out. Now it just unlocks whenever the button is accidentally pressed. How do I bring back the spin to unlock feature?

Apple Watch Series 4

Posted on Oct 17, 2022 7:59 AM

Reply
6 replies

Oct 18, 2022 4:56 PM in response to irongiant1015

Hi irongiant1015,


According to Adjust the workout settings on Apple Watch with watchOS 9 it should unlock when you "Press and hold the Digital Crown." If this is not working as expected you can try some troubleshooting steps:


  1. If you have a case on your Apple Watch, test it without a case.
  2. Clean the Digital Crown of your Apple Watch by following How to clean your Apple Watch.
  3. See if this still occurs when you use the watch on your other hand.


If the issue persists,  Contact Apple Support or use this Get Support link. 


Take care.

Oct 19, 2022 8:49 AM in response to irongiant1015

Hey irongiant1015,


You mentioned this happens when you are working out. Are you using Water Lock? Since you are using watchOS 9, it may no longer be a feature.


"If your Apple Watch has watchOS 8 or earlier, rotate the Digital Crown instead of pressing it. "


How to use Water Lock and eject water from your Apple Watch - Apple Support


You can provide feedback using this link. Feedback - Watch - Apple


Keep us posted.

Oct 19, 2022 12:10 PM in response to irongiant1015

Hello irongiant1015,


According to what has been previously shared above: Adjust the workout settings on Apple Watch - Apple Support


Avoid accidental taps

If the exercise you’re doing or the gear you’re wearing causes accidental taps on your Apple Watch, lock the screen so your workout record isn’t interrupted.

- Lock the screen: Swipe right, then tap Lock.
- Dismiss a notification: Press the Digital Crown.
- Unlock the screen: Press and hold the Digital Crown.


This explains that in order to unlock the screen, you have to press and hold the Digital Crown. This would be expected behavior for watchOS 9. There doesn't appear to be a way to change this option.


We'd suggest wearing the Apple Watch further up your wrist/arm to avoid pressing and holding the Digital Crown. Learn more about wearing the Apple Watch here: Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support


If you prefer it to be different or provide an option to change this in the future, we'd encourage you to provide feedback to Apple directly here: Product Feedback - Apple


Hoping this clears things up, take care.

Oct 19, 2022 7:00 AM in response to Vero_F1

Hi Vero_F1,


It looks like maybe you didn't read/understand my question. Pressing and holding the digital crown to unlock is the problem. If I do push-ups, for example, my wrist bends and the back of my hand accidentally unlocks the watch. Sometimes it even pauses or ends my workout on accident. How do I bring back the "spin digital crown to unlock feature" that I've been using for the last 4 years?


Kind regards,


WatchOS 9 spin to unlock again

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