The described embodiments perform a proximity unlock operation. For the proximity unlock operation, a first electronic device in a locked operating state detects that an authorized second electronic device is in proximity to the first electronic device. Based on detecting the authorized second electronic device in proximity to the first electronic device, the first electronic device transitions from a locked operating state to an unlocked operating state. In the described embodiments, the transition to the unlocked operating state occurs without the user performing a manual authentication step that is performed in existing electronic devices to cause the transition from the locked operating state to the unlocked operating state.