How to Answer Calls on an Apple Watch: Your Wrist-Worn Communication Hub

The Apple Watch has evolved from a simple notification device to a powerful extension of your iPhone, and one of its most practical features is the ability to answer calls directly from your wrist. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about managing calls on your Apple Watch, along with answers to frequently asked questions to elevate your Apple Watch experience.

Answering Calls: The Definitive Guide

When you receive a call on your iPhone, your Apple Watch will simultaneously alert you with a gentle tap or audible ringtone (depending on your settings). Here’s how to answer:

1. Look at your Apple Watch: The incoming call screen displays the caller’s name or number (if the number isn’t in your contacts).
2. Tap the Green Answer Button: This is the most straightforward way to take the call directly on your Apple Watch. Make sure your watch is close to your face so the microphone can clearly pick up your voice.
3. Tap the Red Decline Button: If you’re busy or don’t want to answer, tapping the red decline button sends the call to voicemail.

But there’s more! The Apple Watch offers options beyond just answering or declining:

• Answer on iPhone: If you want to take the call on your iPhone instead, scroll down on the call screen and tap the “Answer on iPhone” button. This seamlessly transfers the call to your phone.
• Silence the Ring: In some scenarios, you might not want to answer the call, but you also don’t want the ringing to continue. Scroll down and tap the mute button.
• Send to Voicemail: Tapping the decline button directly sends the call to voicemail without any further options on the watch.

Answering calls on your Apple Watch is simple once you understand the available options. Now, let’s dive into some common questions to further refine your Apple Watch calling skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why isn’t my Apple Watch ringing when I receive a call?

There are several reasons why your Apple Watch might not be ringing or vibrating. First, make sure that notifications are enabled for the Phone app on your Apple Watch. You can do this by going to the Watch app on your iPhone, tapping “Notifications,” and then ensuring that “Phone” is set to “Mirror my iPhone” or customized to your preference.

Secondly, check if Do Not Disturb is enabled on your Apple Watch or iPhone. Do Not Disturb silences all alerts and notifications. You can toggle it off in Control Center on both devices.

Thirdly, verify that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. If the connection is weak or disrupted, calls might not be routed to your watch. Finally, confirm that silent mode isn’t enabled.

2. How do I make a call from my Apple Watch?

Making calls from your Apple Watch is quite simple. You can do it in several ways:

• Siri: Activate Siri by raising your wrist and saying “Hey Siri, call [Contact Name]” or “Call [Phone Number].”
• Phone App: Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch, and you’ll see options for recent calls, contacts, and the dial pad. Tap “Contacts” to browse your address book or use the keypad to dial a number directly.
• Messages App: If you have a conversation history with someone, you can open the Messages app, select the contact, and tap the phone icon to initiate a call.
• Complications: Add a Phone app complication to your watch face for quick access to the dialer.

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

Absolutely! Using AirPods (or any Bluetooth headset) with your Apple Watch is a fantastic way to enhance your call experience. Simply ensure that your AirPods are paired with your Apple Watch. When a call comes in, answer it as usual on your watch, and the audio will automatically route to your AirPods.

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

Adjusting the volume during a call is easy. Simply rotate the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch. Rotating it upwards increases the volume, while rotating it downwards decreases it.

5. What does “Answer on iPhone” do?

The “Answer on iPhone” option on your Apple Watch allows you to seamlessly transfer an incoming call from your watch to your iPhone. Tapping this button automatically picks up the call on your iPhone, allowing you to continue the conversation on the larger device, perhaps using a headset or in speakerphone mode. It’s perfect when you need a more private or detailed conversation.

6. Can I use FaceTime audio calls on my Apple Watch?

Yes, you can both receive and initiate FaceTime audio calls on your Apple Watch. If someone calls you via FaceTime audio, you’ll receive a notification on your watch just like a regular phone call. You can answer or decline it. To initiate a FaceTime audio call, open the Phone app, find the contact, and tap the FaceTime audio icon.

7. How do I mute a call on my Apple Watch?

Muting a call on your Apple Watch is straightforward. During an active call, tap the mute button on the call screen (it looks like a microphone icon with a line through it). This will mute your microphone, preventing the other party from hearing you. Tap the button again to unmute.

8. Can I send a custom text message instead of answering a call?

While you can’t create fully custom responses on the fly, you can utilize a feature to send a pre-written text message when declining a call. After receiving a call, swipe up on the screen and you will find a ‘Reply with Text’ button. However, the available canned responses cannot be edited from the watch itself. You can customize these messages via the Watch app on your iPhone by going to Phone > Respond with Text.

9. My Apple Watch battery drains quickly when I make calls. Is this normal?

Making calls on your Apple Watch, especially long calls, can consume battery power more quickly than other activities. This is because the watch is actively using its microphone, speaker, and Bluetooth connection. To conserve battery life, try limiting the duration of calls on your watch or using a Bluetooth headset.

10. How do I disconnect a call on my Apple Watch?

Ending a call on your Apple Watch is simple. Just tap the red “End” button on the call screen. This will disconnect the call.

11. Can I use my Apple Watch to answer calls when my iPhone is far away?

This depends on your Apple Watch model and setup. If you have a cellular Apple Watch and an active cellular plan, you can answer calls even when your iPhone is not nearby. If you have a GPS-only Apple Watch, it needs to be connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth or on the same Wi-Fi network to answer calls.

12. How do I change the default speaker for calls on my Apple Watch?

By default, the Apple Watch uses its built-in speaker for calls. If you want to switch to a paired Bluetooth headset or your iPhone during a call, you can do so by tapping the audio source button (looks like a speaker icon) on the call screen. This will bring up a menu allowing you to select your preferred audio output.

Mastering call management on your Apple Watch enhances its functionality and keeps you connected with ease. By understanding the options and troubleshooting common issues, you can maximize your Apple Watch experience and enjoy the convenience of wrist-worn communication.