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Troubleshooting Unloc on Apple Watch

Written by Aksel

This guide helps you resolve common issues with the Unloc app on your Apple Watch.

Doors not appearing on watch

If you don't see your doors on the watch app:

Check that the door is a favorite

Only favorite doors appear on your watch. On your iPhone:

  1. Open the Unloc app

  2. Find the door

  3. Make sure the star icon is filled (marked as favorite)

Trigger a sync

Open the Unloc app on your iPhone. This prompts a sync with your watch. Keep both devices nearby for a few moments.

Check device pairing

Make sure your Apple Watch is properly paired with your iPhone:

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone

  2. Verify your watch appears as connected

  3. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices

Verify lock support

Some lock types are not supported on Apple Watch due to technical limitations. If a specific door doesn't appear despite
being a favorite, the lock type may not be compatible with watchOS.

"Needs internet" message

This message appears for IP-operated locks when your watch cannot reach the internet.

Check watch connectivity

  1. Open Settings on your Apple Watch

  2. Tap WiFi and verify you're connected to a network

  3. If using cellular, check that mobile data is enabled

Move closer to your iPhone

If your watch relies on your iPhone for internet, make sure your phone is nearby and connected to the internet.

Try toggling WiFi

Sometimes reconnecting helps:

  1. Open Settings on your watch

  2. Tap WiFi

  3. Toggle WiFi off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on

Check cellular data (if applicable)

If your watch has cellular:

  1. Open Settings on your watch

  2. Tap Cellular

  3. Verify your plan is active and data is enabled

Lock not responding

If you tap Open or Close but nothing happens:

For Bluetooth locks

Get closer to the lock

Bluetooth range is limited. Stand within 2-3 meters of the lock and try again.

Check Bluetooth is enabled

  1. Open Settings on your watch

  2. Tap Bluetooth

  3. Make sure Bluetooth is on

Check for obstructions

Walls, metal doors, and other obstacles can weaken Bluetooth signals. Try standing directly in front of the lock.

For IP locks

Verify internet connection

IP locks require your watch to have internet access. Check your connection as described above.

Check connection stability

If your connection is weak or unstable, the command may not reach the lock. Try:

  • Moving to an area with better signal

  • Switching between WiFi and cellular

  • Toggling WiFi off and on

Wait and retry

Network delays can cause timeouts. Wait a moment and try the operation again.

Keys showing as expired

When a Bluetooth lock's key has expired, you need to refresh it.

Connect to the internet

Key refresh requires an internet connection. Ensure your watch can reach the internet via WiFi, iPhone, or cellular.

Refresh the key

  1. Tap the status icon (red info icon) on the door

  2. Read the status message confirming expiration

  3. Tap "Refresh" to download new key data

  4. Wait for the refresh to complete

If refresh fails

  • Check your internet connection

  • Try moving closer to your iPhone

  • Toggle WiFi off and on

  • Wait a moment and try again

Watch not syncing with iPhone

If changes on your iPhone don't appear on your watch:

Keep devices close together

Syncing uses Bluetooth. Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are within range of each other.

Enable Bluetooth on both devices

  1. On iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > On

  2. On Apple Watch: Settings > Bluetooth > On

Open the app on both devices

Opening Unloc on your iPhone triggers a sync. You can also open the app on your watch to receive pending updates.

Restart both apps

  1. On your watch, press the side button to see recent apps

  2. Swipe left on Unloc and tap the X to close it

  3. On your iPhone, swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap home) and swipe away Unloc

  4. Reopen both apps

Restart your devices

If syncing still doesn't work:

  1. Restart your Apple Watch (hold side button > Power Off > turn back on)

  2. Restart your iPhone

  3. Open Unloc on both devices

Operation succeeds but door doesn't open

If the app shows success but the physical door doesn't unlock:

Try again

Occasionally the command succeeds on the app side but doesn't reach the lock. Try the operation once more.

Check the lock hardware

  • Make sure the lock has power (battery or wired)

  • Look for any indicator lights on the lock

  • Check if the door is jammed or obstructed

Verify your access

Your key may have restrictions:

  • Time-based access (only valid during certain hours)

  • Date restrictions (expired access period)

  • Contact the person who shared the key with you if unsure

Poor network quality warnings

If you see warnings about unstable connections:

Improve your connection

  • Move to an area with better signal

  • Connect to a different WiFi network

  • Move closer to your iPhone

Toggle WiFi

Switching WiFi off and back on can help establish a better connection:

  1. Open Settings on your watch

  2. Tap WiFi

  3. Toggle off, wait 5 seconds, toggle on

Use a different connection method

If WiFi is unstable, try:

  • Moving closer to your iPhone to use its connection

  • Enabling cellular data if your watch supports it

App crashes or freezes

If the Unloc app becomes unresponsive:

Force close and reopen

  1. Press the side button to show recent apps

  2. Swipe left on Unloc

  3. Tap the X to close it

  4. Reopen the app from your home screen

Restart your Apple Watch

  1. Press and hold the side button

  2. Tap Power Off

  3. After the watch turns off, press and hold the side button to turn it back on

Reinstall the app

If problems persist:

  1. On your watch, press and hold the Unloc app icon

  2. Tap the X to delete it

  3. Reinstall from the App Store or the Watch app on your iPhone

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