8 Easy Fixes to Stop Apple Watch Locking Randomly

Are you tired of your Apple Watch locking at the wrong times? Do you want to enjoy the full benefits of your smartwatch without any interruptions? If so, you’re not alone. Many Apple Watch users face this annoying problem, which can ruin your experience and productivity.

But don’t worry, there’s a solution. In this article, we’ll show you 8 easy fixes that can help you prevent your Apple Watch from locking randomly. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to unlock your Apple Watch’s full potential and make the most of its features.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Here are some important things you need to know before you try any of the fixes below:

• Wrist detection is a feature that automatically locks your Apple Watch when you take it off your wrist. If you want to keep your watch from locking when it’s off your wrist, you can disable wrist detection.
• A loose or worn-out wristband can affect the sensor on the back of your watch, which can make your watch think it’s been taken off your wrist. If your wristband is not fitting properly, you may need to adjust it or replace it.
• A dirty sensor can also interfere with the connection between your watch and your wrist, which can cause your watch to lock unexpectedly. If your sensor is dirty, you should clean it with a soft cloth.

Fix 1: Turn Off Sleep Mode

Sleep mode is a feature that helps you track your sleep quality and duration with your Apple Watch. However, some users have reported that having sleep mode enabled can cause their watch to lock randomly. If you don’t use your watch for sleep tracking, you can turn off sleep mode and see if that solves the problem.

Here’s how to turn off sleep mode on your Apple Watch:

1. On your iPhone, open Settings.
2. Go to Focus and toggle off Share across devices.
3. On your Apple Watch, open Settings.
4. Go to Sleep and tap Don’t use this Watch for Sleep.

Fix 2: Turn Off Wrist Detection

Wrist detection is a feature that automatically locks your Apple Watch when you take it off your wrist. This can help you protect your personal data and save battery life. However, if your watch is locking while it’s still on your wrist, wrist detection may be malfunctioning. In that case, you can turn off wrist detection and manually lock your watch when you need to.

Here’s how to turn off wrist detection on your Apple Watch:

1. Open the Settings app on your watch.
2. Tap Passcode, then turn off Wrist Detection.

Fix 3: Tighten Your Apple Watch Band

One of the possible reasons why your Apple Watch is locking randomly is that your wristband is too loose. If your wristband is loose, the sensor on the back of your watch won’t have constant contact with your wrist. This can make your watch think it’s been taken off your wrist, which triggers the locking feature.

To fix this, you need to make sure your wristband is tight enough to keep your watch in place. You should be able to slide one finger between your wrist and the band, but not more. If your wristband is old and stretched out, you may want to buy a new one that fits better.

Fix 4: Wear Your Apple Watch Closer to Your Wrist

Another possible reason why your Apple Watch is locking randomly is that your watch is too far up your arm. Some users have noticed that wearing their watch above their wrist bone (closer to their elbow) can cause their watch to lock unexpectedly. This may be because the sensor on the back of the watch is not getting enough contact with the skin.

To fix this, you need to wear your watch closer to your wrist. You should move your watch below your wrist bone (closer to your hand) and make sure it’s not sliding around. This can help the sensor maintain a stable connection with your wrist and prevent random locking.

Fix 5: Clean Your Apple Watch Back

One of the possible causes of your Apple Watch locking randomly is that your sensor is dirty. Dirt, sweat, lotion, or other debris can prevent the sensor from making a strong connection to your wrist. This can make your watch think it’s been taken off your wrist, which triggers the locking feature.

To fix this, you need to clean your sensor regularly. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a soft cloth (like a microfiber towel) and some water to gently wipe the sensor on the back of your Apple Watch.
• If your sensor is very dirty, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol (either on a cotton pad or a pre-moistened wipe) to clean it more thoroughly.
• Make sure your sensor is dry before you put your watch back on your wrist.

Fix 6: Restart Your Apple Watch

Another possible cause of your Apple Watch locking randomly is that your watch has some glitches. Like other electronics, Apple Watches need to be restarted from time to time. Restarting your watch can help clear out any glitches that can occur when your device is on for a long time without being restarted.

To fix this, you need to restart your watch occasionally. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and hold the side button and Digital Crown on your watch until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears.
2. Release both buttons and wait for your watch to restart. This may take a few moments.
3. Check if your watch is still locking randomly. If not, you’ve solved the problem.

Fix 7: Turn Off Passcode

A passcode is a feature that helps you protect your personal data and use Apple Pay or unlock your Mac with your watch. However, if your watch is locking randomly, entering your passcode every time can be a hassle. If you don’t mind losing these features, you can turn off your passcode and make the locking process a little easier.

To fix this, you need to turn off your passcode on your watch. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap Passcode, then tap Turn Passcode Off.
3. Confirm your choice by entering your passcode.

Fix 8: Contact Apple

If none of the above fixes work, you may have a more serious problem with your Apple Watch. In that case, you need to contact Apple for further troubleshooting or service. They may be able to help you fix your watch or replace it if it’s defective.

To contact Apple, you need to go to their Support page and follow these steps:

1. Select Apple Watch as your product.
2. Describe your problem in the search box or choose a topic from the list.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to get contact information via phone, email, or online chat.