Apple Watch 6 Continues to Lock on Wrist

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Level 1

12 points

Apple Watch 6 Continues to Lock on Wrist

After the latest software update to v9.5.2 (20T571), my series 6 watch continues to lock while I'm wearing it. I do not have tattoos or a very hairy arm that I've seen can cause this. Wrist Detection is enabled, the band is the same and am not wearing it any looser than I was before. This was not an issue prior to the latest update so appears to be related to a recent enhancement. The timing is not consistent either, I'll unlock it and it'll re-lock shortly after at times and other times it'll re-lock after random times.

I'm required to enter a password to unlock it so this has become pretty annoying over the last several weeks.

Apple Watch Series 6

Posted on Jul 13, 2023 8:54 AM

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Answer 1

Branta_uk

Level 7

33,134 points

Jul 13, 2023 11:59 AM in response to dunnnw

The first thing I would do as a workaround to reduce the annoyance is to set Unlock with iPhone, so your watch gets unlocked when you open your iPhone.

It would be worth cleaning the back (sensor area) of your watch just to eliminate problems there. How to clean your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If that doesn't work, try shifting the watch to your other arm just for testing. If you have a trusted loved one at home you could even let them wear the watch for a few hours and see if the problem persists.

The apparent random nature of the timing tends to suggest something physical rather than software. We have not seen a great mass of similar reports here, which I would expect if there was a problem in the software affecting everyone. On balance, it might be a failed software install but it is more likely either something to do with the way you have been wearing the watch (even if you didn't notice) or a hardware problem.

If you suspect a hardware problem, contact Apple Support to arrange and get the watch examined by Apple's specialists.

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Apple Watch 6 Continues to Lock on Wrist

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