Skip the Touch ID Scan: Unlock iPhone Duo With Apple Watch

Solving problems they created. Starting at $399.

For now. Then at $499, then $599, etc.

I’m using the official Apple folio case with my iPhone Duo. When I try to unlock the outer screen whilst wearing my Apple Watch, after opening the folio flap, it is hit and miss as to whether or not the phone will unlock. Most of the time it insists on Touch ID or pass code. The inner screen always unlocks reliably. Not sure why?

does this also work with passwords, Apple Pay and such? that would be good, still not getting one without telephoto lens though

It does not work with passwords or Apple Pay, only for device unlock. Hence the reason why I am waiting until it officially has Face ID. I was really looking forward to the Duo, but ultimately weighed all the pros and cons, and for me personally, the cons just outweighed the value benefits.

I upgraded to the 18 Pro Max and very happy for now. Let’s see how Apple improves the Duo over the years

does this also work with passwords, Apple Pay and such? that would be good, still not getting one without telephoto lens though

No it’s only for unlocking. Passwords and Apple Pay, or any secure app access like bank apps still require Touch ID.

Solving problems they created. Starting at $399.

iPhone Duo uses a Touch ID sensor built into the side button for authentication. Some may feel this is a step backwards after almost a decade of Face ID on iPhones, but if you wear an Apple Watch, you can use it to unlock your iPhone Duo instead. This way, you don't need to touch the side button at all. It's the closest thing we have to a seamless Face ID experience on iPhone Duo (at least for now ('https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/22/iphone-duo-2-prototypes-under-display-face-id/')).




The feature is called Unlock with Apple Watch. It's not new to iPhone, but it works reliably. Note that your Apple Watch needs to be a Series 9 or later, an Ultra 2 or later, or an SE 3. Here's how to turn on the feature and start using it.

Turn On Unlock With Apple Watch

[LIST=1]
* Open the Settings app on your iPhone Duo.
* Tap Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode.
* Scroll down to "Unlock with Nearby Devices."
* Toggle on the switch next to your Apple Watch. If you have more than one watch paired with your iPhone Duo, toggle it on for each one.





Unlock iPhone Duo With Your Watch

[LIST=1]
* Make sure your Apple Watch is on your wrist and unlocked, and close to your iPhone Duo.
* Wake iPhone Duo by raising it or tapping the screen. (If it's closed, opening it also wakes it.)
* Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to dismiss the Lock Screen.

From here on, your Apple Watch will handle the authentication – no fingerprint shenanigans required. The swipe up is still needed to get past the Lock Screen, but you can turn off this additional step in Settings ('https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/iphone-duo-touch-id-rest-to-open/').

Article Link: Skip the Touch ID Scan: Unlock iPhone Duo With Apple Watch ('https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/unlock-iphone-duo-apple-watch/')

Thank you for the reminder!! I forgot this after using Face ID for a while!! Appreciate it!