Why Does My Apple Watch Keep Locking? Find out How to Prevent and Fix the Issue

Celebrated for their convenience, Apple Watches assist with everything from fitness tracking to hands-free communication. However, some users encounter an ongoing frustration: Their Apple Watch keeps locking itself unexpectedly.

This issue can disrupt simple tasks like checking the time or using Siri. Unfortunately, the device gets a lot less convenient when it constantly locks while you are wearing it. So, it is no surprise that frustrated users are asking: Why does my Apple Watch keep locking?

If you are experiencing this problem, you are not alone. Threads are popping up all over Reddit and other social media platforms with frustrated Apple users claiming to be on their “last straw” with this problem.

Users are reporting everything from loose straps, wrist detection issues, and even tattoos causing problems. Keep reading as we walk you through some of the reasons why this is happening and what you can do to fix it.

According to WikiHow and chatter on Reddit, one of the most common reasons for this issue involves the wrist detection feature. This feature, designed to lock the watch when it’s not on your wrist, relies on sensors to detect contact. If the sensors can’t establish consistent contact with your skin, the watch assumes it has been removed and locks automatically.

Several factors can interfere with wrist detection. Tattoos under the watch face are a frequent culprit, as the ink can obstruct the sensors. One Reddit user explained, “Tattoos can interfere with wrist detection, making the device unable to recognize that you’re actually wearing it.” Another common issue is a loose strap. If the watch isn’t snug, the sensors might not be able to tell for sure that you are wearing the watch.

To address this, ensure your watch strap fits snugly but comfortably against your wrist. If you have tattoos on your wrist, try wearing the watch on your other wrist. You can also disable wrist detection in the Watch app under passcode settings. For security reasons, this will disable certain features like Apple Pay.

Beyond wrist detection, users have also reported frustration with the Apple Watch locking during regular use. For instance, one user noted, “The watch screen just locks itself after a couple of seconds constantly. I need to unlock the watch when I’m laying with my wife at night in order to message someone for Siri.” According to responses to the complaint, a loose-fitting band or dirty sensors could be causing the problem.

In these cases, tightening the strap and ensuring the sensors are clean and free of dirt or sweat can help. If the issue persists, consider going into your passcode settings and adjusting how long your watch can remain unlocked.

If your Apple Watch keeps locking despite trying these solutions, hardware issues may be the cause. In such cases, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for a professional inspection is recommended. Malfunctioning sensors or internal damage could require repair or replacement.

For now, proactive steps like ensuring a good fit, keeping your watch updated, and troubleshooting wrist detection can help prevent your Apple Watch from locking unnecessarily.