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Answering the Call of Duty: Mastering AirPods Call Handling

So, you’ve joined the AirPods revolution? Excellent choice! But beyond the sweet sounds of your favorite tunes, lies the power of seamless call management. The core question on many minds: How do you answer calls with AirPods? It’s simpler than you think. When a call comes in, simply double-tap either AirPod (the default setting, which we’ll delve into adjusting later). Presto! You’re connected. Now, let’s dive deeper into maximizing your AirPod call experience, covering everything from customization to troubleshooting.

Understanding the Basics: Answering and Ending Calls

The fundamental action is, as mentioned, the double-tap. This action, by default, answers an incoming call. The same double-tap also ends the call when you’re finished. This applies to all AirPod models – AirPods (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. The beauty lies in its simplicity. No fumbling for buttons or unlocking your phone required!

Customizing Your Call Controls: Tailoring the Experience

But what if you dislike the double-tap? Fear not, the audio gods at Apple have granted us customization! You can reconfigure the touch controls to better suit your needs. Here’s how:

Accessing Your AirPod Settings

Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad: Ensure your AirPods are in your ears and connected to your device via Bluetooth.
Open the Settings app: The ubiquitous gray cog icon.
Navigate to Bluetooth: Scroll down until you find “Bluetooth” and tap it.
Find your AirPods: Your AirPods will be listed under “My Devices.” Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods’ name. This opens your AirPod settings.

Modifying the Double-Tap Action

Once inside the AirPod settings, you’ll see options for “Left” and “Right.” These refer to the individual AirPods and allow you to assign different actions to each.

Tap on the AirPod you want to customize: Choose either “Left” or “Right” to configure the double-tap action for that specific AirPod.
Select your preferred action: You’ll see a list of options, including:
- Siri: Activate Apple’s digital assistant.
- Play/Pause: Control your audio playback.
- Next Track: Skip to the next song or podcast episode.
- Previous Track: Go back to the previous track.
- Off: Disable the double-tap function entirely.

Important Note: While you can customize the double-tap, you cannot assign separate actions for answering and ending calls. The assigned action (or double-tap if left on Siri, play/pause or off) will be used for both.

AirPods Max: The Digital Crown Difference

AirPods Max offers a slightly different experience. Instead of touch controls, you have the Digital Crown, reminiscent of the Apple Watch. To answer or end a call on AirPods Max, simply press the Digital Crown once. It’s a physical button that provides a satisfying tactile response. The volume can also be controlled using the Digital Crown by rotating it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Answering Calls with AirPods

Let’s address some common questions and concerns surrounding AirPod call management.

Can I answer calls with my AirPods on an Android phone?
Yes! While AirPods are designed primarily for Apple devices, they work with Android phones via Bluetooth. The double-tap functionality to answer calls generally works on Android devices as well. However, the level of customization and integration is limited compared to iPhones. You won’t have access to the same AirPod settings within the Android operating system.
My AirPods aren’t answering calls. What’s wrong?
Several factors could be at play:
- Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your AirPods are properly connected to your device. Go to your device’s Bluetooth settings and check if they are connected.
- Low Battery: Low battery can cause connectivity issues. Make sure your AirPods and the charging case have sufficient charge.
- Software Glitch: Restarting your device and resetting your AirPods can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Incorrect Settings: Double-check your AirPod settings to ensure the double-tap action is configured correctly.
- Dirt or Debris: Clean your AirPods, especially the sensors, as dirt or debris can interfere with their functionality.
How do I reject an incoming call with AirPods?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a dedicated gesture on AirPods to directly reject a call like there is to answer it. You’ll need to either reject the call from your phone or let it ring until it goes to voicemail.
Can I use Siri to answer calls with my AirPods?
Yes! If you have Siri enabled and configured on your iPhone, you can say “Hey Siri, answer the call” to answer an incoming call hands-free.
My call audio is only coming through one AirPod. Why?
This is often a Bluetooth connection issue. Try these steps:
- Disconnect and Reconnect: Disconnect your AirPods from your device and reconnect them.
- Restart Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and on again.
- Clean Your AirPods: Ensure there’s no debris blocking the speaker on either AirPod.
- Check Audio Balance Settings: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance and make sure the slider is centered.
How do I switch between AirPods and my iPhone speaker during a call?
During a call, you’ll see an audio source button on your iPhone’s call screen. Tap this button to choose between AirPods, iPhone speaker, or other connected audio devices.
Can I answer calls with AirPods while using other Bluetooth devices?
Yes, you can generally use AirPods alongside other Bluetooth devices. However, interference can sometimes occur. If you experience issues, try disconnecting other Bluetooth devices temporarily.
How do I answer a second incoming call while already on a call with my AirPods?
This depends on your carrier and iPhone settings. You likely have call waiting enabled. You will hear a beep in your AirPods indicating another incoming call. You will need to interact with your iPhone screen to either end the current call and answer the new one, or put the current call on hold and answer the new one.
Are AirPods good for phone calls in noisy environments?
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max offer active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode, which significantly improve call quality in noisy environments. Standard AirPods offer decent call quality, but they don’t have ANC.
How do I clean my AirPods to ensure good call quality?
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean your AirPods. For harder-to-reach areas, use a dry cotton swab. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners. Regularly clean the speaker mesh to remove any earwax buildup.
My AirPods keep disconnecting during calls. What should I do?
This can be frustrating. Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Update Your Device’s Software: Ensure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
- Reset Your AirPods: Put your AirPods in their charging case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes amber, then white.
- Check for Interference: Keep your device and AirPods away from other electronic devices that could cause Bluetooth interference.
Can I answer calls on my Apple Watch using my AirPods?
Yes! If your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone and your AirPods are paired with your iPhone, you can answer calls on your Apple Watch and the audio will route through your AirPods. Simply tap the answer button on your Apple Watch.

Conclusion: Embrace the Freedom of AirPod Calls

AirPods offer a convenient and seamless way to manage calls, whether you’re on the go, working from home, or simply want a hands-free experience. By understanding the basic controls, customizing your settings, and troubleshooting common issues, you can unlock the full potential of your AirPods for call management. So go ahead, answer that call with confidence!