- New strings in Google Play Services indicate that enabling Android Advanced Protection Mode will automatically disable the Watch Unlock feature on Pixel Watch.
- This potential change prioritizes maximum security over convenience, preventing accidental unlocks if your watch is merely nearby.
- Users will likely need to toggle off Advanced Protection Mode to regain the ability to unlock their Pixel phone via their Pixel Watch.
The Google Pixel Watch features a Watch Unlock function that allows you to use the smartwatch as a key to unlock your Pixel phone. This is very convenient, as it replaces the need for a traditional passcode or biometric identification as long as you’re wearing the watch (and it’s connected to your phone). Although the feature is great, there are instances when you don’t want your watch to unlock your phone. Google could soon update the Watch Unlock functionality to prevent your phone from unlocking with the Pixel Watch when security features like Android Advanced Protection Mode are enabled.
Within Google Play Services v25.49.31 beta, we’ve spotted code that suggests that turning on Android Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) will disable the Watch unlock feature.