How to Unlock 1Password With Your Apple Watch

John John (304)
5 hours

For as amazing as password managers have become, there's still the constant hassle of having to type a strong password multiple times a day to unlock it. With 1Password 7.7+ on your Macbook, you can now unlock 1Password easily using your Apple Watch!

In this guide, you'll learn how to configure 1Password to be unlocked using your Apple Watch.

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Unlock 1Password with Apple Watch: Set Up Apple Watch

Open the 1Password app on your Mac, and unlock it using your password. Then click on the 1Password menu icon and select Preferences, or just type cmd ,.

Unlock 1Password with Apple Watch: Adjust Security Settings

In order to use your Apple Watch to unlock 1Password, you'll need to adjust some security settings on your Mac. Click Set Up Apple Watch and it will automatically open the Security & Privacy settings in System Preferences.

Now, if it's not already checked, click the box next to Use your Apple Watch to unlock apps and your Mac. You'll have to enter your password, but once this is complete your computer will be ready to be unlocked using your Apple Watch.

To use this on an ongoing basis, you'll have to ensure that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.

Apple Watch unlock 1Password login screen

Next time 1Password is locked, you can press the Watch icon (or Touch ID icon) to prompt you to unlock from your Apple Watch.

On your Apple Watch, simply double click the side button (underneath the dial) to unlock 1Password.

1Password has two browser extensions: 1Password and 1Password X. The former requires the macOS native 1Password app to be installed while the latter requires you to be authenticated in the browser.

If you're using the normal 1Password extension, you will be able to unlock using your Apple Watch, but if you're using the 1Password X extension for something like a Raspberry Pi, you won't, since it's a fully in-browser app.

Apple pay

How does it work with Apple Pay? 1Password should not interfere with Apple Pay. While it can securely store credit card info, it is not usable the same way that Apple Pay is. Check out our comprehensive Apple Pay introduction to learn everything you need to know about Apple Pay.

Open sesame!
Zach Zach (248)
2 minutes

This guide will show you how to unlock your Mac computer or MacBook automatically using your Apple Watch.