Getting started with 1Password for your growing team, or refining your setup? Our Secured Success quickstart guide is for you.
Forum Discussion
Former Member
3 years agoApple Watch Unlock Option Disappearing / Not Functioning
New thing that’s been happening since macOS 16.0:
The option to unlock 1P with my Apple Watch (series 7, fully updated) as a biometric works, but eventually it just stops functioning, and the option in the 1P Security preferences section completely disappears.
To remedy this, I can go to System Settings and toggle off and on again (in the Login Password section) the ability to unlock apps on this Mac with my Apple Watch—which will restore the option in Security in 1P. Turning it back on will allow it to work again for a time, but eventually the option again disappears (after locking 1P and stepping away for an hour last time), which starts the whole troubleshoot cycle over again.
Any ideas what to try to fix this? Really do love that feature in 1P, but it seems broken and I’m not sure if it’s the latest macOS (the unlocking feature otherwise works everywhere else, so I’m doubtful) or just a 1P bug.
Thanks!
1Password Version: 8.9.8
Extension Version: 2.3.8
OS Version: macOS 13.0
Browser:_ Not Provided
50 Replies
- Former Member
Heya 1P_Tommy! Was just about to chime in: I was also excited about the Watch Unlock fix (though this specifically was a new bug in 13.3 for that would prevent even screensaver unlocking from working, but that is fixed with 13.3.1; I think they just reverted from that).
Unfortunately, the main problem persists. I’ve already had it “go missing” under 13.3.1 in the same fashion as before—again, after a brief time “away” from the computer—where 1Password (or Finder unlock functions) doesn’t trigger these unlocks (other than screensaver, of course; that’s always fine).
Our journey continues for the golden era of it working perfectly under Monterey! 😅 It did fix some other bugs, at least, so I’ll take it. It’s gonna be a shame going an entire OS cycle with it being busted, but so it goes.
Take care, till next release!
- 1P_Tommy
Moderator
@MindFad
macOS 13.3.1 was released today with an apparent Apple Watch Unlock fix. Currently, I can't verify if this was the issue we mentioned. The update covers some possible security concerns too. Would you be able to update and let me know if the trouble continues? There are additional releases for other device types. So it looks like it's time to update all around.
I can't say this will help your situation, but at least your device will be updated and secured. Thanks.
- 1P_Tommy
Moderator
Nah, not at all @MindFad I took it as pure passion in the search for a resolution. :)
- Former Member
GreyM1P Awesome, thanks for getting back! Good to know it’s definitely on Apple’s radar too. And apologies, I didn’t mean to sound snarky. 1Password support is always incredible—the feeling of being in the dark is more the Apple side of things, since it’s more of a black box and crapshoot on whether or not they respond to intricate issues like this.
- GreyM1P
1Password Team
@MindFad ToddHerron
Our development team are consulting with Apple about this issue and although there isn't anything to report from that ongoing discussion just yet, it's something that's on our joint radars.
- Former Member
ToddHerron Yeah, as outlined before, that’s a temporary solution and doesn’t last unfortunately. It will force the Mac and 1Password of being aware of each others’ presence again, but only for a bit.
I was more curious if there was any intercommunication with Apple and the 1Password team on solving this bug (that only showed up with Ventura) since everyone’s pretty sure this isn’t just a 1Password problem. I’ve done my part on reporting and sending feedback, but still stinks to be in the dark for months about something busted that worked flawlessly for a brief time.
- ToddHerronNew Contributor
When unlocking 1Password on my Mac, my Apple Watch would vibrate but not show the unlock screen on the Apple Watch.
To fix it, on your Mac:
- Go to Settings > Touch ID and Password > Apple Watch Use Apple Watch to unlock your applications and your Mac
- Toggle the switch OFF and then ON
- Enter your Mac password when prompted
- Former Member
1P_Tommy Sure thing! Glad to keep checking in with this and giving a heads up.
Out of curiosity, internally has your team been in contact with Apple about this—or acknowledgment or awareness from Apple about the issue? Happy to do my part reporting it to Apple as well, but just wondering about how far along it might be on your end. Thanks!
- 1P_Tommy
Moderator
Drat @MindFad
That was on my things to check this AM. I appreciate your posting. It's been a very busy morning here and you helped me gain some time back.
- Former Member
If anyone was hoping, like myself, that this (still suspected to be an Apple issue) would get sorted out in Ventura 13.2, it is not, sorry. Same intermittent failures to be aware the Watch is there until you sit around for a bit. 😔