Hardware & setup:
• Nuki Opener – firmware 1.11.0
• Nuki Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) – firmware 4.7.4
• Nuki Bridge – latest firmware
• Apple TV 4K – acting as Matter hub
• iPhone 16 Pro – iOS latest
• Apple Watch Series 8 LTE – watchOS latest
• Nuki Web: disabled
• Smart Lock integrated into HomeKit via Matter through Apple TV
Description:
Until around May 2025, I could reliably operate my Nuki Smart Lock and Opener directly from my Apple Watch LTE without my iPhone nearby and without enabling Nuki Web.
This worked even when I was not in Bluetooth range, using the Watch’s LTE connection as a remote control path.
Since a recent update (either Nuki app or watchOS), this no longer works in the Nuki Watch app.
When I try to open the lock from the Watch app in LTE-only mode (iPhone not present), I get a “No connection” error.
However, the exact same action still works if triggered via an Apple Shortcut on the Watch.
This proves:
• LTE data connection on the Watch works
• The Nuki Bridge and server communication work
• Authentication is fine
• The issue is specific to the Nuki Watch app’s connection logic
Technical observation:
From logs, the Watch app now first tries to establish a “Companion Session” with the iPhone.
If that fails, it does not fall back to the remote control path via the Nuki Bridge/Server – even though this path still works (as demonstrated by the Shortcuts test).
Before May, the app either started BLE (if in range) or directly used the server path from the Watch LTE.
Steps to reproduce:
1. Use Nuki Smart Lock/Opener with Bridge and Apple Watch LTE (no iPhone nearby, Nuki Web disabled)
2. Try to operate the lock from the Nuki Watch app → “No connection”
3. Run an equivalent Shortcut on the Watch that unlocks the device → Works instantly
Expected behavior:
If the iPhone is not reachable, the Watch app should fall back to the same remote path that Shortcuts use, allowing LTE-only operation without Nuki Web enabled – as it did before May 2025.