Why Your Apple Watch Keeps Locking and How to Stop It

Part 1. Why Does My Apple Watch Keep Locking

Your Apple Watch locks itself for security reasons. Generally, when the sensors on the back of your watch determine the device is not on your wrist, it automatically locks. This security measure (Wrist Detection) is designed to prevent unauthorized access if the Apple Watch falls off or is removed. Therefore, the constant locking problem is always due to one reason: Your Apple Watch thinks it is removed from your wrist.

Several factors can lead to the Apple Watch keeps locking issue. Improper wearing or loose fit is the most common culprit. When the sensors on the back of your watch are obstructed or dirty, that may trigger the locking problem. If you have dark, patterned tattoos on your wrist, they may disrupt the infrared sensors’ ability to read your skin. When the sensors are physically blocked, your watch may keep locking itself.

Software glitches can sometimes cause Wrist Detection to malfunction. Wrong settings may also let your Apple Watch constantly lock. Moreover, physical damage to your watch could impair its function.

Part 2. How to Fix Apple Watch Keeps Locking

If your watch is physically damaged, you should directly take it to a local Apple Store for repair. If the Apple Watch keeps locking problem is not caused by hardware, follow the steps below to troubleshoot.

First, you should ensure the watch is properly worn on your wrist. If your current band consistently causes issues, try a different band. You can turn off your Apple Watch and clean its back sensors. Ensure the watch is worn directly on your skin, not over clothing sleeves or other accessories. If you have a tattoo where you wear the watch, try repositioning the watch to a clean area of your wrist.

To stop your Apple Watch from locking itself repeatedly, perform a simple restart. The operation can effectively clear temporary software glitches. Moreover, you should ensure your watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Go to Settings on your watch, tap General, and choose Software Update. You can also check for updates on your iPhone via the Watch app.

Disable and then Re-Enable Wrist Detection. On your Apple Watch, go to Settings, tap Passcode, and select Wrist Detection. If the feature is turned ON, turn it off and then turn it on again.

You can also unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch to resolve the locking problem. When you unpair your watch with your iPhone, the watch will be reset, and all data and settings will be removed. When complete, please set up your watch and restore it from a backup. If you have too many passcode attempts to reset the Apple Watch, you can also try using a professional iOS unlocker to solve your problems.

Part 3. How to Unlock Your Apple Watch Without a Password

If a forgotten passcode locks your watch, you can unpair it on your iPhone to reset your Apple Watch. As mentioned, this resetting action will erase all content and settings on your watch. It will also remove your forgotten password. However, the real problem often comes from the paired iPhone. You can’t proceed with the Apple Watch reset and unlock if you forget your iPhone passcode.

Aiseesoft iPhone Unlocker is specially designed to handle various password-forgotten conditions. Turn to the software if you prefer a quick way to wipe your iPhone lock screen passcode, Apple ID passcode, and even the iCloud Activation Lock.

Open iPhone Unlock on your computer and select the specific function you need. Then, follow the onscreen prompts to remove the forgotten password or eliminate restrictions you don’t want.

Part 4. FAQs of Apple Watch Keeps Locking