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How to Answer Phone Calls With AirPods: A Comprehensive Guide

The seamless integration of AirPods with your digital life is undeniable. But one of their most compelling features is the ability to effortlessly manage phone calls. Let’s dive into how you can master answering calls with these tiny powerhouses of audio technology.

Answering Calls: The Core Functionality

Answering a phone call with your AirPods is surprisingly straightforward. When your iPhone rings and your AirPods are connected and in your ears, you have a couple of primary methods to choose from:

Double-Tap (Older AirPods): On older generations of AirPods (typically 1st and 2nd generation), a simple double-tap on either AirPod stem will answer an incoming call. This gesture can usually be customized within your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings (more on that later).
Press the Force Sensor/Touch Control (AirPods Pro/AirPods 3rd Generation): Newer AirPods, including the AirPods Pro and 3rd Generation AirPods, utilize a force sensor or touch control on the stem. Squeezing or pressing this sensor once will answer the call. This method is generally more reliable and less prone to accidental activation than the double-tap.
“Hey Siri” (All AirPods): Embrace the hands-free experience! Simply say “Hey Siri, answer the call,” and Siri will handle the rest. This is particularly useful when your hands are occupied.

Once you’ve answered the call, you can talk as you normally would. The built-in microphones in the AirPods will pick up your voice clearly. To end the call, simply repeat the same action you used to answer it – double-tap (older AirPods) or squeeze/press the force sensor/touch control (AirPods Pro/AirPods 3rd Generation). You can also end the call directly on your iPhone screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions users have about using AirPods for phone calls, along with detailed answers:

1. Can I use just one AirPod to answer calls?

Yes, absolutely! You can use either the left or the right AirPod individually to answer and conduct phone calls. The functionality is identical for both. If you remove one AirPod during a call, the audio will typically continue playing through the remaining AirPod.

2. How do I adjust the volume during a call?

There are several ways to adjust the volume during a call with your AirPods:

Using Siri: Say “Hey Siri, turn up the volume” or “Hey Siri, turn down the volume.” Siri will adjust the volume accordingly.
On Your iPhone: The volume buttons on the side of your iPhone will directly control the volume being output to your AirPods.
Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen (or up from the bottom on older models) to access the Control Center. The volume slider will control the audio output to your AirPods.

3. How do I switch between AirPods and my iPhone speaker during a call?

Sometimes you might want to switch from using your AirPods to using your iPhone’s built-in speaker or vice versa. Here’s how:

On your iPhone screen during the call: Look for the audio source option (usually represented by a speaker icon or the word “Audio”). Tap this, and you’ll see a list of available audio sources, including your AirPods and the iPhone speaker. Select your preferred source.

4. My AirPods aren’t answering calls. What should I do?

If your AirPods aren’t answering calls, try these troubleshooting steps:

Check Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your AirPods are properly connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and verify that your AirPods are listed as connected.
Restart Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and then back on again on your iPhone.
Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
Update iOS: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Reset Your AirPods: In some cases, you may need to reset your AirPods. To do this, place them 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.
Customize Double-Tap Action: Check that the double tap action is enabled for answering phone calls. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and then select the left or right AirPod to customize the double-tap action.

5. How do I customize the double-tap action on my AirPods (1st and 2nd Generation)?

To customize the double-tap action, follow these steps:

Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Bluetooth.
Locate your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the “i” icon next to them.
You’ll see options to customize the double-tap action for both the left and right AirPod.
Choose the action you want to assign to the double-tap (e.g., Siri, Play/Pause, Next Track, Previous Track, or Off). You can also set it to answer/end a call.

6. Can I use AirPods to answer calls on other devices, like an Android phone or a laptop?

Yes, you can use your AirPods with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Android phones, laptops (Windows or macOS), and tablets. The pairing process is similar to pairing with your iPhone:

Put your AirPods in their charging case and open the lid.
Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. This puts your AirPods in pairing mode.
On your Android phone or laptop, go to the Bluetooth settings and scan for available devices.
Select your AirPods from the list.

Once paired, you can answer calls on these devices using the same methods as on your iPhone (double-tap or press the force sensor/touch control, depending on your AirPods model).

7. How do I switch between calls while using AirPods?

If you receive a second call while already on a call with your AirPods, you have a few options:

Answer and End the Current Call: This will disconnect the first call and connect you to the second call. Typically, you would double-tap (older AirPods) or squeeze/press the force sensor/touch control (AirPods Pro/AirPods 3rd Generation) to achieve this.
Hold the Current Call and Answer the New Call: This puts the first call on hold while you answer the second call. Again, the action to achieve this is usually double-tapping or squeezing/pressing the force sensor/touch control, but the specific behavior may depend on your carrier and iPhone settings.
Decline the New Call: This sends the new call to voicemail.

Your carrier settings and iPhone settings will influence the exact options available to you.

8. Why does my audio sometimes sound bad during calls with my AirPods?

Several factors can contribute to poor audio quality during calls with your AirPods:

Bluetooth Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other electronic devices, walls, or distance. Try moving closer to your iPhone and away from potential sources of interference.
Low Battery: Low battery levels in your AirPods can sometimes affect audio quality. Make sure your AirPods are adequately charged.
Software Glitches: Restarting your iPhone and AirPods can often resolve temporary software glitches that may be affecting audio quality.
Dirty AirPods: Debris or earwax buildup on your AirPods can obstruct the microphones and affect audio quality. Clean your AirPods regularly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Network Issues: If you are using a cellular network or Wi-Fi for the call, network congestion or weak signal strength can also cause poor audio quality.

9. How do I use AirPods with FaceTime calls?

Using AirPods with FaceTime calls is seamless. As long as your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, FaceTime will automatically use them for audio input and output. Simply start or answer the FaceTime call as you normally would.

10. Can I use AirPods to answer calls while I’m listening to music?

Yes, you can. When a call comes in, your music will automatically pause, and you’ll hear the ringtone in your AirPods. After you answer the call, the music will remain paused until you end the call.

11. My microphone isn’t working properly during calls. What can I do?

If the microphone on your AirPods isn’t working properly, try these steps:

Clean the Microphones: Ensure the microphones on your AirPods are clean and free of debris.
Check Microphone Settings: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and ensure that the microphone is set to “Automatic” or to the AirPod you are using.
Reset Network Settings: Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can sometimes resolve microphone issues. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to re-enter them.
Test with Another Device: Try using your AirPods with another device to see if the microphone works correctly. This will help you determine if the issue is with your AirPods or your iPhone.

12. How do I update my AirPods’ firmware?

AirPods firmware updates are typically installed automatically in the background when your AirPods are in their charging case, connected to power, and within Bluetooth range of your iPhone. To ensure your AirPods are up to date:

Keep your iPhone up to date with the latest version of iOS.
Regularly charge your AirPods in their charging case.
Keep your AirPods near your iPhone when they are charging.

You can’t manually force a firmware update, but these steps will increase the likelihood of your AirPods receiving the latest updates. To check your AirPods’ firmware version, go to Settings > General > About > AirPods.

By understanding these functionalities and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience answering phone calls with your AirPods. Embrace the convenience and clarity these little devices offer!