A bug in iOS 14.7 is preventing certain iPhone models from unlocking a paired Apple Watch.
There are two ways to unlock an Apple Watch: Entering a four-digit passcode or, as long as the watch is being worn, unlock the iPhone paired with the device. But 9To5Mac reports that iOS 14.7 removed the ability to unlock an Apple Watch using an iPhone that features Touch ID.
Most recent iPhone models feature the Face ID authentication system that, as its name implies, uses facial recognition to secure the device. But older models—as well as the iPhone SE released in 2020—instead rely on fingerprint scanning enabled by the Touch ID system.
Apple confirmed the problem in a support document and said the “issue will be addressed in an upcoming software update.” Apple Watch owners will have to rely on the device’s PIN in the meantime, because the company didn’t offer a workaround for restoring iPhone-based unlocks.
“If you experience this issue, just type the passcode directly on your Apple Watch to unlock it,” Apple said. “This is required only one time, as long as you keep your Apple Watch on your wrist. If you forgot your passcode, you need to reset your Apple Watch.”
There are two important caveats there. The first is that the passcode will have to be entered every time it’s put on, and the second is that people who forget their passcode will have to choose between resetting their Apple Watch and waiting for Apple to release an update.
Apple Watch owners whose devices are paired with enterprise-managed iPhones won’t even have those options. Instead they will have to ask an “administrator to remove the alphanumeric passcode requirement from your iPhone” before unpairing, resetting, and re-pairing their watch.
