Level 1 (4 points)

Watch SE 2 (26.6) does not Communicate with Mac mini 4 updated to 27.0.1 to unlock Mac

Does anyone know why my watch SE 2 (26.6) no longer unlocks my Mac Mini 4 once I upgraded to Mac OS 27.0.1? I have tried the restarts, turning off/on WiFi and Bluetooth and toggling Apple Watch in Touch ID and Password Settings. Watch is connected to WiFi and iPhone but does not show in the Mac's Bluetooth devices. It does show in the iPhone Bluetooth devices. The Mac shows attempting to reach the watch SE to unlock but communication is not established and the login screen reverts to manual login.

Posted on Sep 30, 2026 11:56 AM

3 replies

Coffeeandtea97 Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 11, 2026 12:41 PM in response to Coffeeandtea97

Just spoke with Apple Support and this is on the "bug" list. Solution in a future update.

Interestingly, the watch still authenticates for Apple Pay and Apple ID. It is just Screen Lock that is broken.

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 1, 2026 8:18 AM in response to Coffeeandtea97

Hi there

Please try this

Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth completely on both your Mac and your Apple Watch.
Shut down your Mac and power off your Apple Watch completely, then turn them back on.
Re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
Go to System Settings > Touch ID & Password on your Mac and toggle Apple Watch off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. You may need to type your system password to confirm.

Coffeeandtea97 Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 7, 2026 3:30 PM in response to WheelieNick

I have tried this several times and it is not working. The Mac does not show on the watch Bluetooth list and the Watch does not show on the Mac Bluetooth list. Both the watch and Mac mini show as signed in to my Mac account.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256368037