Apple Watch randomly unlocks Mac mini, but not MacBook Pro

I live in a small apartment and primarily use a 2018 MacBookPro but also have a MacMini M1 in the same room about 6 feet away from the MacBookPro. Apple Watch 9 unlocks the MacBookPro correctly when I want to log in.


The same watch, however, unlocks the MacMini when I want to log in but will also randomly unlock the MacMini when I DON'T want to log in, e.g. walking by the MacMini or even from the next room about 15 feet away. This unintentional unlocking never happens with the MacBookPro.


I see so many posts with Apple Watches failing to unlock Macs that I feel kinda bad about posting this, but it seems to be a potential security issue. I'm trying to figure out if I have something set differently on the two Macs.


Thanks for any thoughts.

Apple Watch Series 9

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 9:27 AM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 15, 2025 3:52 PM in response to pomme-homme

re: "Apple Watch randomly unlocks Mac mini, but not MacBook Pro"


If you haven't already" You may want to restart the Watch:

See how o: Restart Apple Watch - Apple Support

______________________

Else: if you still need help:

A couple of community members had a similar issue a while ago:

They thoughtfully shared their solutions in the linked discussion thread below: perhaps it may work for you.

See: apple watch won't unlock Mac - Apple Community

Apple Watch randomly unlocks Mac mini, but not MacBook Pro

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