How to Answer a Call on AirPods Pro: A Deep Dive for Audio Aficionados

Answering calls with your AirPods Pro is designed to be intuitive and seamless, integrating effortlessly into your daily life. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to answer calls using your AirPods Pro, followed by a curated list of frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding and mastery of this convenient feature.

The Quick Answer: Tapping Your Way to Connection

The primary way to answer a call on your AirPods Pro is through the force sensor located on the stem of either AirPod. A single press on the force sensor will answer an incoming call. Yes, it’s that simple! But read on, because there’s more to know and customize to your liking.

Diving Deeper: Beyond the Single Tap

While a single press is the standard method, the exact actions you can perform depend on the circumstances of the call and your iPhone’s settings. Let’s explore these nuances:

Answering a Call

• Single Press: As mentioned, a single press on either AirPod Pro’s force sensor answers the incoming call. No need to reach for your phone, just tap and talk.
• Automatic Switching (if enabled): If you are already listening to audio through your AirPods Pro when a call comes in, your audio will automatically pause and switch to the phone call. This seamless transition is a hallmark of the Apple ecosystem.

Ending a Call

• Double Press: To end the call, double-press the force sensor on either AirPod. This is a quick and easy way to hang up without needing to fumble for your phone.

Rejecting a Call

• Press and Hold: To reject an incoming call and send it to voicemail (if configured), press and hold the force sensor. This is particularly useful when you’re in a meeting or otherwise indisposed.

Using Siri

• “Hey Siri, answer the call”: If you have “Hey Siri” enabled, you can simply say, “Hey Siri, answer the call” or “Hey Siri, reject the call”. This hands-free option is perfect for situations where your hands are occupied.

Customizing Your AirPods Pro Controls

While the default settings are excellent, you can further customize your AirPods Pro controls to tailor them to your preferences. Here’s how:

1. Connect Your AirPods Pro: Make sure your AirPods Pro are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open Settings: Go to Settings on your iOS device.
3. Bluetooth: Tap on Bluetooth.
4. Find Your AirPods Pro: Locate your AirPods Pro in the list of connected devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
5. Customize Controls: Here, you can customize what each AirPod does when you press and hold the force sensor. By default, it might be set to Noise Control. However, you can choose to set it to Siri for either AirPod. While this won’t change the answer/hang-up functionality, which is fixed to the tap gestures, it gives you more control over other features.

Beyond the Basics: Call Audio Routing

You can also control where the audio from your phone calls is routed. By default, it will go to your AirPods Pro when they are connected. However, you can change this in the settings:

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings on your iOS device.
2. Bluetooth: Tap on Bluetooth.
3. Find Your AirPods Pro: Locate your AirPods Pro in the list of connected devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
4. Microphone: Scroll down to the Microphone section.
5. Automatic Switching: Change the setting from “Automatically Switch AirPods” to “Always [Left/Right] AirPod” to control which AirPod’s microphone is always active, or you can keep it on automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I answer a call on my AirPods Pro while connected to multiple devices?

Yes, your AirPods Pro can seamlessly switch between devices connected to the same iCloud account. If a call comes in on your iPhone while you’re listening to music on your iPad, your AirPods Pro will automatically switch to the phone call.

2. What if the force sensor on my AirPods Pro isn’t working?

First, ensure your AirPods Pro are properly connected and charged. Clean the force sensor with a soft, dry cloth. If the issue persists, try restarting your iPhone or iPad, or resetting your AirPods Pro by pressing and holding the setup button on the charging case until the status light flashes amber, then white.

3. Can I use Siri to answer a call if my iPhone is locked?

Yes, as long as you have “Hey Siri” enabled and your iPhone is within range, you can use Siri to answer or reject calls, even when your iPhone is locked.

4. How do I adjust the volume of a call while using AirPods Pro?

You can adjust the volume using the volume buttons on your iPhone or iPad, through Control Center, or by asking Siri to “Turn up the volume” or “Turn down the volume.” Some apps may also allow in-app volume adjustments.

5. Can I answer a call on my AirPods Pro while they are in transparency mode?

Yes, the transparency mode does not affect your ability to answer calls. You will still be able to hear the call clearly while also being aware of your surroundings.

6. What happens if I only have one AirPod Pro in my ear?

You can still answer calls with just one AirPod Pro in your ear. The force sensor on the AirPod in your ear will function as normal.

7. My AirPods Pro are connected but I can’t hear the caller. What’s wrong?

Check that the volume on your iPhone or iPad is turned up and that the audio is routed to your AirPods Pro. Go to Control Center and ensure that the audio output is set to your AirPods Pro. Also, ensure your AirPods Pro are clean and free of debris that could obstruct the speaker.

8. Can I put a call on hold using my AirPods Pro?

Unfortunately, there is no built-in gesture on the AirPods Pro to directly put a call on hold. You will need to use the controls on your iPhone or iPad to do so.

9. Can I answer a call on my AirPods Pro while using them with an Android device?

Yes, you can use your AirPods Pro with an Android device via Bluetooth. The single-press gesture to answer a call will generally work, but some features like Siri integration may not be available. The double-press to end call feature also typically works on Android.

10. How do I know if a call is coming through to my AirPods Pro and not just my phone’s speaker?

When a call is coming in, you should hear the ringtone in your AirPods Pro. Additionally, your iPhone’s screen will indicate that the call is being routed to your AirPods Pro.

11. Are there any accessibility features related to answering calls on AirPods Pro?

Yes, Apple offers various accessibility features, including audio routing options, to ensure that users with disabilities can easily answer and manage calls using AirPods Pro. You can customize settings like Mono Audio and Balance to improve audio clarity and comfort.

12. What if my AirPods Pro disconnect during a call?

If your AirPods Pro disconnect during a call, the audio will automatically switch back to your iPhone or iPad’s speaker. Ensure your AirPods Pro are fully charged and within Bluetooth range. If the issue persists, try resetting your AirPods Pro and re-pairing them with your device.

By mastering these simple gestures and understanding the available customization options, you can fully leverage the convenience and hands-free functionality of your AirPods Pro for seamless call management. Enjoy the clear audio and effortless control!