Mastering Calls on Your Wrist: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Your Apple Watch for Phone Calls

So, you’ve got an Apple Watch, that sleek little computer strapped to your wrist, and you’re wondering: how do I actually make a call on this thing? The answer is surprisingly straightforward, yet the capabilities extend far beyond simple dialling. In its essence, you can make a call on an Apple Watch in the following ways:

1. Using the Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your watch, select a contact, and tap the phone icon.
2. Siri Voice Command: Activate Siri and say “Call [Contact Name].”
3. Recent Calls: Access your recent calls through the Phone app and tap the number to dial.
4. Contacts App: Navigate to the Contacts app, find the person you want to call, and tap the phone number.
5. From a Text Message: If you have a text message conversation with someone, you can tap their name at the top of the message thread to initiate a call.

Now, let’s delve into the nuances and unlock the full potential of this wrist-worn communication hub.

Unleashing the Power of Wrist-Based Communication: Apple Watch Calling Demystified

Your Apple Watch isn’t just a notification centre; it’s a fully functional communication device. Making and receiving calls directly from your wrist provides convenience, especially when your iPhone is tucked away in your bag or charging in another room. Let’s explore how to make the most of this feature.

Making a Call from the Phone App

This is arguably the most direct method.

1. Find the App: Navigate to your app screen by pressing the Digital Crown. Look for the Phone app, identified by its green icon.
2. Access Your Contacts: Once the app opens, you’ll see options like “Keypad,” “Contacts,” “Recents,” and “Voicemail.” Tap on “Contacts”.
3. Select Your Contact: Scroll through your contact list (or use the Digital Crown for faster navigation) and tap on the person you wish to call.
4. Dial the Number: You’ll see the contact’s information. Tap the phone icon next to the desired number (if they have multiple numbers listed). Your Apple Watch will then initiate the call.

Harnessing the Power of Siri

Siri is your digital assistant, and it can make calls hands-free.

1. Activate Siri: Raise your wrist and say “Hey Siri,” or press and hold the Digital Crown until Siri activates.
2. Issue the Command: Clearly say “Call [Contact Name].” Ensure Siri understands the name clearly.
3. Siri Dials: Siri will confirm the contact and begin dialling.

Reaching Out Through Recent Calls

This method is perfect for quickly calling back someone you’ve recently spoken with.

1. Open the Phone App: As before, access the Phone app on your Apple Watch.
2. Select “Recents”: Tap on the “Recents” tab. This displays a list of your recent calls.
3. Tap to Call: Simply tap the name or number you want to call, and your Apple Watch will immediately dial them.

Calling Directly from the Contacts App

This method provides a more streamlined access to your contact list, bypassing the Phone app.

1. Open the Contacts App: Find the Contacts app on your Apple Watch (it looks like an address book).
2. Browse and Select: Scroll through your contacts and tap on the person you want to call.
3. Tap the Number: Just like in the Phone app, tap the phone number next to the contact’s name to initiate the call.

Initiating a Call from a Text Message

This is incredibly convenient when you’re already engaged in a text conversation.

1. Open the Messages App: Access the Messages app on your Apple Watch.
2. Select the Conversation: Choose the text message thread with the person you want to call.
3. Tap the Contact Name: At the very top of the message thread, you’ll see the contact’s name. Tap on it.
4. Choose “Call”: A menu will appear with options like “Send Message” and “Call“. Tap “Call” to initiate the call.

Fine-Tuning Your Apple Watch Call Experience

Beyond the basics, there are a few more points to consider.

• Bluetooth Connection: Your Apple Watch primarily relies on a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone to make and receive calls. Ensure your iPhone is nearby and Bluetooth is enabled.
• Wi-Fi Calling: If your cellular carrier supports it, and you have Wi-Fi calling enabled on your iPhone, your Apple Watch can make calls over Wi-Fi even when your iPhone is not nearby (but must be on and connected to the internet). This is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular coverage.
• Cellular Apple Watch: If you have a cellular-enabled Apple Watch, you can make and receive calls even when your iPhone is completely unavailable. This requires an active cellular plan for your watch, separate from your iPhone plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions people have about making calls on their Apple Watch.

1. Does my Apple Watch need to be near my iPhone to make calls?

Generally, yes. If you have a non-cellular Apple Watch, it relies on a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone to make and receive calls. Your iPhone needs to be nearby (typically within 30-40 feet) and powered on. However, if Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your iPhone (and supported by your carrier), your Apple Watch can make calls over Wi-Fi even if your iPhone isn’t nearby, provided your iPhone is on and connected to the internet. If you have a cellular Apple Watch with an active plan, you can make calls independently of your iPhone.

2. How do I answer a call on my Apple Watch?

When you receive a call, your Apple Watch will display the caller ID. Tap the green “Answer” button to answer the call directly on your watch. You can also tap the red “Decline” button to reject the call.

3. Can I use AirPods with my Apple Watch for calls?

Absolutely! Connect your AirPods (or other Bluetooth headphones) to your Apple Watch in the Bluetooth settings. Once connected, the audio from your calls will automatically route to your AirPods.

4. How do I adjust the volume during a call on my Apple Watch?

Rotate the Digital Crown up or down to increase or decrease the volume during a call.

5. Can I make emergency calls on my Apple Watch?

Yes. Press and hold the side button on your Apple Watch until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the slider to call emergency services. Cellular models can make these calls even without your iPhone nearby.

6. How do I end a call on my Apple Watch?

During a call, a red phone icon will be displayed on your Apple Watch screen. Tap this icon to end the call.

7. What does “Handoff” mean when I receive a call on my Apple Watch?

“Handoff” allows you to seamlessly transfer the call from your Apple Watch to your iPhone. When you answer a call on your Apple Watch and see the “Handoff” button, tapping it will automatically transfer the call to your iPhone if it is nearby and unlocked.

8. How do I set up Wi-Fi calling on my iPhone for use with my Apple Watch?

Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone. Enable “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone“. Also, ensure that “Add Wi-Fi Calling For Your Other Devices” is enabled.

9. How do I set up a cellular plan for my Apple Watch?

You need a cellular Apple Watch (GPS + Cellular model) and a compatible cellular plan from your carrier. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Cellular, and follow the prompts to activate a cellular plan. Note that not all carriers support Apple Watch cellular plans.

10. My Apple Watch’s microphone isn’t working during calls. What should I do?

First, ensure that the microphone isn’t blocked by anything (like a case). Then, try restarting both your Apple Watch and your iPhone. If the problem persists, check your microphone settings in the Watch app on your iPhone under Privacy > Microphone. If none of these steps work, contact Apple Support.

11. Can I use third-party calling apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger on my Apple Watch?

Yes, many third-party calling apps have Apple Watch versions. You can make and receive calls directly from these apps on your Apple Watch, provided the app is installed and configured on both your iPhone and your Apple Watch.

12. Is it possible to block a phone number on my Apple Watch?

You can block a number on your iPhone, and the block will sync to your Apple Watch. However, you cannot directly block a number from the Apple Watch. Block the number in the Phone app on your iPhone under Recents > (i) icon > Block this Caller.