Google brought some interesting features with the December 2023 Feature Drop. These new features are not exclusive to Pixel phones, as the Pixel Watch also has new additions. With the latest update, Pixel Watch gets the Watch Unlock feature.
The Watch Unlock feature has arrived for most Pixel Watch users. You would expect activating the function to be straightforward, but Google seems to believe otherwise. Nevertheless, with a few toggles, you can enable Watch unlock on Pixel Watch. Instead of using the Pixel Watch app, the option is hidden under settings in your Pixel phone.
How to activate Watch Unlock on Pixel phones
To enable it, head to your Pixel phone’s Settings app >>Security & privacy >>Device unlock>>Fingerprint & Face Unlock. You will confirm your password to reveal “Watch Unlock” which appears alongside Face Unlock and Fingerprint Unlock.
We understand some people have not received the feature even after installing the latest security update. It seems Google is rolling it out in batches, but you can try restarting your device, as many people confirmed they could see the Watch Unlock feature after doing so.
Google explains why “Watch Unlock “may be less secure than a strong pattern, PIN, or password. According to the tech company“In some cases, your watch may unlock this phone even if it’s out of reach.”
How to turn off Watch Unlock with Pixel phone
- On your Pixel phone, open the Google Pixel Watch app
- Click on Watch preference>>Security>>Watch Unlock>>Remove>>Remove
How to turn off Watch Unlock with your watch
- On Google Pixel Watch, swipe down and then tap Settings
- Click Security>>Watch Unlock>>Remove>> Confirm
The feature works on Pixel 4a and later running Android 13+. Pixel Tablets does not support the feature yet. Below are the guidelines to follow to make Watch Unlock remain active:
“Unlock your phone with a passcode or biometric at least once a day to keep Watch Unlock active.”
Users cannot have Extend Unlock (previously Smart Lock) and Watch Unlock active at the same time: “You can use one feature at a time but not both simultaneously.”
Once everything has been set up, you can trigger Watch Unlock by swiping up on the Lockscreen or tapping a notification. You will get an “Unlocked by this watch” notification on your Watch with a “Lock” button and a temporary “Unlocked by your watch” at the top of your phone screen.
Relocking from your Watch means Watch Unlock needs to be reactivated using a passcode or biometric on your device.
