Answering Calls Like a Pro: Your Complete AirPods Guide

So, you’ve got your AirPods nestled snugly in your ears, and the phone’s ringing. The question is: how do you actually answer the call? The good news is, it’s incredibly simple and designed for seamless integration into your day. The primary way to answer a call with your AirPods is by double-tapping either AirPod. This action serves as both an answer and an end-call command. However, the specific functionality can be customized, making your AirPod experience truly your own.

Mastering the Double-Tap: The Core Functionality

The default setting for AirPods is indeed the double-tap. Once you hear the ringing in your ears, a swift double-tap on either the left or right AirPod stem will instantly connect you to the call. No fumbling for your phone, no frantic searching – just a simple tap and you’re talking. This ease of use is one of the reasons AirPods have become so popular.

However, Apple understands that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s where the customization options come into play.

Customizing Your AirPod Controls

You’re not stuck with the default double-tap. Apple allows you to tailor your AirPods to your specific preferences. Here’s how:

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad. Ensure they’re in your ears and connected via Bluetooth.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap on “Bluetooth.”
4. Locate your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to their name.
5. Under “Double-Tap on AirPod,” you’ll see options for both the left and right AirPod. Here, you can choose different actions for each AirPod.

Available actions for the double-tap include:

• Siri: Activate Apple’s virtual assistant.
• Play/Pause: Control your music or podcast.
• Next Track: Skip to the next song.
• Previous Track: Go back to the previous song.
• Off: Disable the double-tap functionality altogether.

While you can’t directly assign “answer call” to a different gesture, understanding these customization options allows you to optimize your AirPods for your most common uses, freeing up the double-tap for answering calls.

Beyond the Basics: Siri and Automatic Call Routing

While the double-tap is the most common method, Siri offers another hands-free option.

Using Siri to Answer Calls

If you have Siri enabled, you can simply say “Hey Siri, answer the call” when your phone rings. This is especially useful when your hands are full or you’re otherwise occupied. Make sure Siri is enabled in your iPhone settings.

Automatic Call Routing

By default, your iPhone should automatically route calls to your AirPods when they’re connected and in your ears. However, you can adjust these settings to suit your needs:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Bluetooth.”
3. Locate your AirPods in the list of devices and tap the “i” icon next to their name.
4. Scroll down to “Microphone” and choose “Automatically Switch AirPods”.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:

• AirPods not connecting: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and that your AirPods are charged. Try putting them back in the case and then taking them out again.
• Double-tap not working: Check the settings to ensure the double-tap function is enabled for answering calls (or that it’s not set to “Off”). Ensure your AirPods are properly connected and that the sensors are clean.
• Sound quality issues: Ensure your AirPods are clean and that there’s no obstruction in the ear canal. Try restarting your iPhone or resetting your AirPods.

AirPods: The Future of Hands-Free Communication

AirPods offer a seamless and convenient way to manage calls on the go. Understanding the double-tap functionality, customization options, and troubleshooting tips will ensure you get the most out of your AirPods. With a little practice, you’ll be answering calls like a pro in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I answer a call with AirPods Pro using noise cancellation mode?

Yes, you can answer a call with AirPods Pro regardless of the noise cancellation mode. The mode (noise cancellation, transparency, or off) doesn’t affect the call answering functionality. The double-tap gesture will still work.

2. What if I only have one AirPod in? Can I still answer the call?

Yes, you can still answer the call with only one AirPod in. The double-tap gesture will work on whichever AirPod is in your ear, assuming it’s properly connected to your device.

3. How do I end a call with my AirPods?

Just like answering, you can end a call by double-tapping either AirPod. This utilizes the same gesture for both actions, making it easy to remember.

4. My double-tap isn’t working. What should I do?

First, ensure your AirPods are properly connected to your iPhone. Second, check the settings (Settings > Bluetooth > Your AirPods > Double-Tap on AirPod) to make sure the double-tap function is enabled and assigned to the correct AirPod. Finally, clean your AirPods as dirt or earwax can interfere with the sensors. If the problem persists, try resetting your AirPods.

5. Can I use the volume buttons on my AirPods to answer or end calls?

Unfortunately, AirPods do not have dedicated volume buttons. Volume control is typically achieved through Siri (“Hey Siri, turn up the volume”), through the Control Center on your iPhone, or via the volume buttons on your iPhone itself. Some newer AirPods have touch controls for volume. You cannot use the volume controls to answer or end calls.

6. Can I answer a call from my Apple Watch using my AirPods?

Yes! When a call comes in on your Apple Watch, and your AirPods are connected, you can answer the call directly from your watch. The audio will automatically route through your AirPods.

7. How do I reject a call with my AirPods?

While you can’t directly reject a call with your AirPods, you can reject it from your iPhone screen if it’s accessible. If you’re using an Apple Watch, you can reject the call from there too. If you don’t answer, the call will eventually go to voicemail (if configured).

8. Can I use AirPods with an Android phone?

Yes, you can use AirPods with an Android phone. The pairing process is similar to any other Bluetooth headset. However, some features, like automatic switching between Apple devices and Siri integration, may not be available on Android. The double-tap to answer calls should still work.

9. Will my AirPods automatically switch to the call audio when a call comes in?

Generally, yes. By default, your iPhone should automatically route the audio to your AirPods when a call comes in, provided they are connected and in your ears. You can adjust this in the Bluetooth settings as described earlier.

10. How do I redial the last number with my AirPods?

You cannot directly redial the last number using your AirPods. You would need to use Siri (“Hey Siri, redial the last number”) or manually redial from your iPhone’s Phone app.

11. Do AirPods work with FaceTime calls?

Yes, AirPods work seamlessly with FaceTime calls, both audio and video. The double-tap gesture will answer and end FaceTime calls just as it does with regular phone calls.

12. Can I answer a call while listening to music on my AirPods?

Yes, when a call comes in while you’re listening to music, the music will automatically pause, and you can answer the call by double-tapping. Once the call ends, the music should resume automatically.