Connectivity and offline use on Apple Watch

This guide explains how internet connectivity affects the Unloc watch app and how to use it when you're away from your

iPhone.

How your watch connects to the internet

Your Apple Watch can access the internet through three methods:

Via your iPhone

When your iPhone is nearby (within Bluetooth range), your watch uses your phone's internet connection. This is the most

common and reliable method.

Via WiFi

Your watch can connect directly to WiFi networks. It automatically joins networks that you've previously connected to from

your iPhone. You can also join networks manually from the watch's Settings app.

Via cellular (LTE models only)

If you have an Apple Watch with cellular capability and an active data plan, your watch can connect to the internet

independently using mobile data.

Lock types and connectivity requirements

Different locks have different connectivity requirements:

IP-operated locks

These locks communicate over the internet. When you tap "Open," your watch sends a command through the cloud to the lock.

• Always require internet: Your watch must have an active connection
• Any connection works: WiFi, iPhone, or cellular
• No offline operation: If you lose internet, you cannot operate these locks

When offline, IP locks display "Needs internet" and the action buttons are disabled.

Bluetooth locks

These locks communicate directly with your watch via Bluetooth. Your watch stores key data locally, allowing offline

operation.

• Can work offline: If you have valid key data stored
• Key data expires: Typically valid for 24 hours for security
• Need internet to refresh: When keys expire, you need a connection to get new ones

Using the watch without your iPhone

Yes, you can leave your iPhone behind and use the watch app independently. What you can do depends on your watch's

connectivity and the lock type:

With internet access (WiFi or cellular)

• Operate any supported lock type
• Refresh expired Bluetooth keys
• Full functionality

Without internet access

• Operate Bluetooth locks (if key data is still valid)
• Cannot operate IP locks
• Cannot refresh expired keys

Key data and expiration

For Bluetooth locks, your watch stores encrypted key data that allows you to operate the lock without an internet

connection. This is designed for convenience and reliability.

Why keys expire

Key data expires periodically (typically every 24 hours) as a security measure. This ensures that if your watch is lost or

stolen, access is automatically revoked after a short time.

Checking expiration time

To see when a key expires:

1. Look for the status icon next to the door
2. Tap the icon to open the status dialog
3. The message shows remaining time (e.g., "Available for 12 hours, 30 minutes remaining")

Status indicators

The status icon color tells you about key health:

• Gray: Key is valid with plenty of time remaining
• Orange: Key expires within 23 hours — refresh recommended
• Red: Key has expired — refresh required before use

Refreshing keys

To refresh a key before it expires:

1. Make sure your watch has internet access
2. Tap the status icon on the door
3. Tap "Refresh" in the dialog
4. Wait for the refresh to complete

A loading indicator appears while the new key data is downloaded. Once complete, the status will update to show the new

expiration time.

Best practices for offline use

If you plan to use your watch without internet access:

• Refresh your keys while connected to ensure maximum validity
• Check expiration times before leaving your phone behind
• Remember that keys typically last 24 hours from the last refresh
• For extended trips without internet, you may need to plan for key expiration

Planning for connectivity

Updated on: 23/01/2026