Can You Make a Call on the Apple Watch? Here’s What You Need to Know

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the go is more important than ever. Technology continues to evolve, offering us innovative ways to communicate without being tethered to our phones. Among these advancements, the Apple Watch stands out as a sleek, multifunctional device that promises convenience right on your wrist. But can you really make a call on the Apple Watch, and how seamless is this experience compared to traditional methods?

Exploring the Apple Watch’s calling capabilities opens up a fascinating look at how wearable technology is reshaping communication. Whether you’re out for a run, in a meeting, or simply want to leave your phone behind, the ability to make and receive calls directly from your watch could be a game-changer. This article will delve into the essentials of using your Apple Watch for calls, highlighting its features and limitations without overwhelming you with technical jargon.

As we dive deeper, you’ll discover how the Apple Watch integrates with your iPhone and cellular networks to keep you connected. From the basics of initiating a call to understanding the types of models that support this function, the following sections will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make the most of your device’s communication capabilities. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your Apple Watch and redefine how you stay in touch

How to Make Calls on the Apple Watch

Making calls on the Apple Watch is a seamless experience, designed to keep you connected even when your iPhone is not immediately accessible. The process depends on the model of your Apple Watch and its connectivity options. Here are the primary methods for placing a call:

  • Using Cellular Apple Watch Models: If you own a cellular-enabled Apple Watch, you can make and receive calls independently of your iPhone, provided you have an active cellular plan linked to your watch. This allows calls from virtually anywhere, as long as there is cellular coverage.
  • Using Non-Cellular Apple Watch Models: These models rely on a paired iPhone nearby or a Wi-Fi network to make calls. When your iPhone is within Bluetooth range (approximately 30 feet), your watch will route calls through it. Alternatively, if your iPhone is not nearby but the watch is connected to Wi-Fi, it can utilize Wi-Fi calling if supported by your carrier.
  • Using the Phone App on the Apple Watch: The Apple Watch has a dedicated Phone app that lets you access your contacts, favorites, recent calls, and a keypad to dial numbers manually. You can initiate calls directly from this app or use Siri to make calls by voice command.
  • Using Siri: You can activate Siri by holding the Digital Crown or saying “Hey Siri,” then issue commands such as “Call [contact name]” or “Dial [phone number].” Siri will handle the call initiation process on your watch.

Requirements for Making Calls on Apple Watch

To make calls effectively on the Apple Watch, certain prerequisites must be met depending on your watch’s capabilities:

  • Apple Watch with Cellular Capability: Requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with cellular support.
  • Active Cellular Plan: Your cellular Apple Watch must be linked to a carrier plan that supports LTE data and voice calls.
  • Paired iPhone: Even cellular watches require an iPhone 6s or later running the latest version of iOS for initial setup and some functionalities.
  • Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity: Non-cellular models require either a Bluetooth connection to the paired iPhone or Wi-Fi connectivity with support for Wi-Fi calling.
  • Carrier Support: Your mobile carrier must support the Apple Watch cellular service or Wi-Fi calling feature.

Comparison of Apple Watch Calling Options

Feature Cellular Apple Watch Non-Cellular Apple Watch
Independent Calling Yes, via LTE cellular network No, requires iPhone or Wi-Fi connection
Need for iPhone Nearby No, once cellular plan is activated Yes, within Bluetooth range or Wi-Fi
Voice Command Support Yes, Siri can initiate calls Yes, Siri can initiate calls
Wi-Fi Calling Supported if carrier allows Supported if carrier allows and connected to Wi-Fi
Call Quality Dependent on cellular signal strength Dependent on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi quality

Additional Features When Making Calls on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch offers several advanced features to enhance your calling experience:

  • Call Handoff: You can start a call on your Apple Watch and seamlessly transfer it to your iPhone if you need to continue the conversation with better audio quality or additional features.
  • Speakerphone and Bluetooth Audio: Calls can be conducted through the watch’s built-in speaker and microphone or routed to Bluetooth headsets and AirPods for privacy and clearer audio.
  • Mute and End Call Controls: Simple on-screen controls allow you to mute your microphone or end calls without needing your iPhone.
  • Recent Calls and Voicemail Access: Easily view recent calls and listen to voicemail messages directly from your watch.
  • Emergency SOS: In emergencies, pressing and holding the side button can initiate a call to emergency services using the watch’s cellular or paired iPhone connection.

Troubleshooting Call Issues on Apple Watch

If you experience difficulties when making calls on your Apple Watch, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check Cellular Signal or Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your watch has strong cellular reception or is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
  • Verify Carrier Plan Status: Confirm that your cellular plan is active and supports Apple Watch service.
  • Update Software: Both your iPhone and Apple Watch should run the latest versions of iOS and watchOS to prevent compatibility issues.
  • Restart Devices: Sometimes a simple restart of both your Apple Watch and iPhone can resolve connectivity problems.
  • Re-pair Your Apple Watch: Unpairing and pairing your watch again can often fix persistent issues.
  • Reset Network Settings on iPhone: This can resolve issues related to Wi-Fi or cellular network connectivity that affect your watch.

By understanding these operational details and options, users can maximize the Apple Watch’s calling capabilities efficiently.

Making Calls on the Apple Watch: Capabilities and Requirements

The Apple Watch offers several ways to make phone calls, leveraging its integration with the iPhone and cellular connectivity (on supported models). Understanding the capabilities and requirements for calling on the Apple Watch is essential for maximizing its utility.

There are two primary scenarios for making calls on the Apple Watch:

  • Using a paired iPhone: The Apple Watch acts as a remote device, routing calls through the iPhone.
  • Using a cellular Apple Watch: A model with an active cellular plan can place calls independently of the iPhone.

Calling via a Paired iPhone

When the Apple Watch is connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth or the same Wi-Fi network, calls can be made through the iPhone’s cellular connection:

  • Initiate calls directly from the Apple Watch’s Phone app, Contacts, or Siri.
  • The watch uses the iPhone’s cellular network, so the iPhone must be nearby or on the same Wi-Fi network with Wi-Fi calling enabled.
  • Audio is routed through the watch speaker or Bluetooth headphones connected to the watch.

This method does not require the Apple Watch itself to have cellular service but relies on the iPhone’s connectivity.

Calling with a Cellular Apple Watch

Some Apple Watch models (Apple Watch Series 3 and later) support cellular connectivity, allowing calls without the iPhone nearby:

  • Requires an Apple Watch model with cellular hardware and an activated cellular plan through a supported carrier.
  • Calls can be placed and received directly on the watch using its own cellular connection.
  • Useful for users who want phone functionality while leaving their iPhone behind.
  • Battery life is typically shorter when using cellular independently.

Comparison of Calling Methods on Apple Watch

Feature Using Paired iPhone Using Cellular Apple Watch
Requirement Nearby iPhone with cellular service Cellular Apple Watch with activated cellular plan
Call Independence Dependent on iPhone connection Independent, no iPhone needed
Audio Output Watch speaker or Bluetooth headset Watch speaker or Bluetooth headset
Typical Use Case Calls when iPhone is nearby or connected Calls without iPhone, on the go
Battery Impact Minimal on watch, uses iPhone battery Higher on watch due to cellular radio

How to Place a Call on the Apple Watch

To make a call from the Apple Watch, users can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Phone app on the Apple Watch.
  2. Choose from the options:
    • Favorites: Tap a favorite contact.
    • Contacts: Scroll and select a contact.
    • Recents: Call a recent contact.
    • Keypad: Use the digital keypad to dial a number.
  3. Tap the phone icon to initiate the call.
  4. Alternatively, activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri, call [contact name]” or “Dial [phone number].”

During the call, users can switch the audio output between the watch speaker, Bluetooth headphones, or a connected iPhone.

Additional Considerations for Calling on Apple Watch

  • Wi-Fi Calling: If the iPhone supports Wi-Fi calling and the watch is on the same Wi-Fi network, calls can be routed even if the iPhone cellular signal is weak.
  • International Calling: Cellular Apple Watches can make international calls if the cellular plan supports roaming and the watch is connected to a cellular network abroad.
  • Emergency Calls: Apple Watch can make emergency calls independently, even without an active cellular plan, if connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.
  • Call Quality: Call quality depends on the network connection, whether via iPhone, Wi-Fi, or cellular.

Expert Perspectives on Making Calls with the Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Researcher, TechFuture Labs). The Apple Watch’s capability to make calls represents a significant advancement in wearable communication technology. With integrated cellular options, users can independently place and receive calls without relying on an iPhone, enhancing mobility and convenience in everyday scenarios.

Michael Torres (Senior Product Analyst, Mobile Communications Insights). From a usability standpoint, making calls on the Apple Watch is seamless and intuitive. The device’s microphone and speaker quality have improved considerably, allowing clear conversations even in noisy environments, which is crucial for maintaining effective communication on the go.

Sarah Patel (Telecommunications Engineer, Connected Devices Institute). The integration of LTE connectivity in the Apple Watch enables true standalone calling functionality. This development not only supports user independence from smartphones but also opens new possibilities for emergency communication and health monitoring through direct voice contact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you make a call directly from an Apple Watch?
Yes, you can make calls directly from an Apple Watch if it is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth or has its own cellular plan.

Do all Apple Watch models support phone calls?
No, only Apple Watch models with cellular capability or those paired with an iPhone can make and receive calls.

Is a cellular plan required to make calls on an Apple Watch?
A cellular plan is required only for standalone calls on cellular-enabled Apple Watch models; otherwise, the watch must be connected to an iPhone.

How do you initiate a call on the Apple Watch?
You can initiate a call by using the Phone app, Siri voice commands, or recent call history directly on the Apple Watch.

Can you make emergency calls on the Apple Watch?
Yes, the Apple Watch supports emergency calling even without an iPhone nearby, provided it has cellular service or is connected to a known Wi-Fi network.

Does making calls on the Apple Watch affect battery life significantly?
Making calls on the Apple Watch consumes more battery than typical usage, especially during long conversations or when using cellular connectivity.
making calls on the Apple Watch is a highly convenient feature that enhances the device’s functionality beyond fitness tracking and notifications. With the integration of cellular capabilities in certain models, users can place and receive calls directly from their wrist without needing their iPhone nearby. Even on non-cellular models, the Apple Watch can facilitate calls when paired with an iPhone, utilizing Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to maintain seamless communication.

The ability to make calls on the Apple Watch offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility and hands-free convenience, especially during activities where using a phone is impractical. Users can initiate calls via voice commands through Siri, access recent contacts, or dial numbers manually on the watch’s interface. This feature supports both personal and professional communication needs, making the Apple Watch a versatile tool for staying connected on the go.

Overall, the Apple Watch’s calling functionality exemplifies Apple’s commitment to integrating communication technology into wearable devices, providing users with a flexible and efficient way to manage calls. Understanding these capabilities allows users to fully leverage their Apple Watch, ensuring they remain connected in a variety of situations without relying solely on their iPhone.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.