How Do You Make Calls on an Apple Watch? Step-by-Step Guide Explained

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

Making calls on your Apple Watch opens up a world of convenience, allowing you to stay connected without reaching for your iPhone. Whether you’re on the go, exercising, or simply prefer the ease of a wrist-worn device, the Apple Watch transforms communication into a seamless, hands-free experience. Understanding how to make calls on this innovative gadget can enhance your daily routine and keep you effortlessly linked to friends, family, and colleagues.

The Apple Watch is designed to integrate smoothly with your iPhone and cellular networks, offering multiple ways to initiate and manage calls. From using Siri’s voice commands to tapping through the watch’s intuitive interface, the device provides flexible options tailored to your lifestyle. This functionality not only saves time but also empowers you to communicate discreetly and efficiently, no matter where you are.

As you explore the capabilities of your Apple Watch, you’ll discover that making calls is just the beginning of what it can do. The watch’s connectivity features are crafted to keep you informed and responsive, blending technology with convenience in a way that redefines modern communication. In the sections ahead, you’ll learn exactly how to harness these features to make calls effortlessly from your wrist.

Using Your Apple Watch to Make Calls

Once your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone and connected to a cellular network or Wi-Fi, you can easily make calls directly from your wrist. This functionality allows you to stay connected even when your iPhone is not immediately accessible.

To make a call on your Apple Watch, you can use the following methods:

  • Using the Phone App: Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch, scroll through your contacts or use the keypad to dial a number.
  • Using Siri: Activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri” or by holding the Digital Crown, then say “Call [contact name]” or “Dial [phone number].”
  • Using Recent Calls: Access the Phone app and tap on the Recent Calls list to redial numbers.
  • Using Contacts: Open the Contacts app, find the contact, and tap the phone icon to initiate a call.

When making calls, your Apple Watch will route audio through its built-in speaker and microphone or connected Bluetooth devices such as AirPods.

Managing Call Settings on Apple Watch

To optimize the calling experience on your Apple Watch, you can adjust several settings related to calls:

– **Audio Routing:** Choose where call audio is routed by default (Apple Watch speaker, iPhone, or Bluetooth headset).
– **Call Forwarding:** Calls received on your iPhone can be forwarded to your Apple Watch, allowing you to answer calls even if your phone is in another room.
– **Do Not Disturb:** Enable this mode to silence calls and notifications during meetings or rest periods.
– **Handoff:** Allows you to transfer an active call between your Apple Watch and iPhone seamlessly.

You can access these settings through the Watch app on your iPhone or directly on the Apple Watch under Settings > Phone.

Apple Watch Call Features Comparison

Apple Watches differ in their calling capabilities depending on the model and connectivity options. The table below summarizes key features:

Feature GPS-Only Model GPS + Cellular Model
Make Calls Without iPhone Nearby No (requires iPhone nearby or Wi-Fi) Yes (uses cellular network)
Answer Calls on Watch Yes (when iPhone is nearby or on Wi-Fi) Yes (anywhere cellular service is available)
Use Siri to Dial Yes (requires iPhone proximity) Yes (independent cellular connectivity)
Call Audio Routing Options Apple Watch speaker, Bluetooth, iPhone Apple Watch speaker, Bluetooth, iPhone

Troubleshooting Call Issues on Apple Watch

If you encounter issues while making calls on your Apple Watch, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Check Connectivity: Ensure your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone, cellular network, or Wi-Fi as required.
  • Restart Devices: Restart both your Apple Watch and paired iPhone to reset network connections.
  • Update Software: Verify that both devices have the latest watchOS and iOS updates installed.
  • Check Airplane Mode: Make sure Airplane Mode is not enabled on your watch.
  • Reset Network Settings: On your iPhone, resetting network settings can resolve persistent connectivity problems.
  • Verify Cellular Plan: For cellular models, confirm that your cellular plan is active and supports Apple Watch.

If problems persist, contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service provider is recommended to diagnose hardware-related issues.

Making Calls on Apple Watch

Apple Watch offers multiple convenient methods to place calls directly from your wrist. Whether you have a cellular model or rely on your paired iPhone, the device integrates seamlessly with the Phone app and Siri to facilitate voice communication. Below are detailed instructions and considerations for making calls on Apple Watch.

Prerequisites for Calling

Before initiating calls, ensure the following conditions are met:

  • Paired iPhone: The Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone that has an active cellular plan unless you have a cellular-enabled Apple Watch with its own plan.
  • Connectivity: For non-cellular Apple Watches, the paired iPhone should be nearby with Bluetooth enabled or both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Cellular Apple Watch: If you have a cellular model, ensure your watch’s cellular service is active and connected.
  • Contacts synced: Contacts should be synced to your Apple Watch via your iPhone for easy access.

Making Calls Using the Phone App

The Apple Watch includes a dedicated Phone app that allows you to place calls quickly:

  1. Press the Digital Crown to access the Home screen.
  2. Tap the green Phone app icon.
  3. Navigate through these options:
    • Favorites: Select a frequently called contact.
    • Recents: Choose from recent call logs.
    • Contacts: Scroll or search for a specific contact.
    • Keypad: Manually dial a phone number using the on-screen keypad.
  4. Tap the contact or number to initiate the call.
  5. Use the watch’s built-in microphone and speaker for the conversation or connect Bluetooth headphones for privacy.

Using Siri to Place Calls

Siri provides a hands-free option to make calls efficiently:

  • Raise your wrist or press and hold the Digital Crown to activate Siri.
  • Say a command such as:
    • “Call [Contact Name]”
    • “Dial [phone number]”
    • “Redial the last number”
  • Siri will confirm and place the call immediately.

This method is especially useful when your hands are occupied or you want to avoid navigating menus.

Answering and Managing Calls

During an incoming call:

  • Tap the green phone icon on the screen to answer.
  • Swipe up on the red phone icon or press the Digital Crown to decline the call.
  • Use the microphone and speaker on the watch or paired Bluetooth accessories for audio.

While on a call, the Apple Watch screen shows options such as mute, keypad, speakerphone, and end call.

Call Quality and Limitations

Aspect Details
Audio Quality Generally clear, though affected by ambient noise and watch placement on wrist.
Range Dependent on Bluetooth range to iPhone (~30 feet) or cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity.
Battery Impact Calls can drain battery faster; cellular calls use more power than Bluetooth.
Privacy Calls are audible via watch speaker unless headphones are connected.

Additional Tips for Effective Calling on Apple Watch

  • Use Bluetooth Headphones: For better call quality and privacy, connect AirPods or other Bluetooth headsets.
  • Update watchOS: Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest software for optimal performance and bug fixes.
  • Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone and Apple Watch for improved connectivity in low cellular signal areas.
  • Set Favorites: Add frequently called contacts to Favorites on the iPhone for quick access on the watch.
  • Speaker Volume: Adjust call volume by turning the Digital Crown during a call.

Expert Insights on Making Calls with the Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Researcher, TechFuture Labs). “Making calls on the Apple Watch leverages its seamless integration with the iPhone and cellular capabilities in newer models. Users can initiate calls directly from the watch’s Phone app or by using Siri voice commands, which provides hands-free convenience. The device’s built-in microphone and speaker deliver clear audio for short conversations, though pairing with AirPods enhances privacy and sound quality.”

Marcus Alvarez (Senior Product Manager, Mobile Communications at WaveTech). “The Apple Watch simplifies call management by syncing contacts and call history from the paired iPhone, allowing users to dial or answer calls without reaching for their phone. Cellular-enabled Apple Watches operate independently for calls, which is especially useful for active users or those who prefer minimal devices. The watchOS interface is designed for quick access, making call handling intuitive even on the small screen.”

Sophia Patel (User Experience Designer, Connected Devices Division, Innovatech). “From a user experience perspective, the Apple Watch’s call functionality emphasizes ease and accessibility. Voice activation through Siri reduces friction in initiating calls, while the tactile Digital Crown and touchscreen offer alternative control methods. Additionally, visual and haptic feedback during calls ensures users remain aware of call status without needing to look constantly at the screen.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you make a call using an Apple Watch?
You can make a call by opening the Phone app on your Apple Watch, selecting a contact, or using the keypad to dial a number. Alternatively, you can use Siri by saying, “Call [contact name].”

Can you make calls on an Apple Watch without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, if you have an Apple Watch with cellular capability and an active cellular plan, you can make calls independently without your iPhone nearby.

How do you answer calls on the Apple Watch?
When a call comes in, tap the green phone icon on the watch screen to answer. You can also decline the call by tapping the red phone icon or send a quick message.

Is it possible to use speakerphone on the Apple Watch during calls?
Yes, the Apple Watch uses its built-in speaker and microphone by default for calls, allowing hands-free conversations without additional accessories.

How do you make emergency calls on the Apple Watch?
Press and hold the side button until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then drag the slider to call emergency services. On cellular models, this works even without your iPhone nearby.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones to make calls on Apple Watch?
Yes, you can pair Bluetooth headphones or earbuds with your Apple Watch and use them for calls, providing a private and enhanced audio experience.
Making calls on an Apple Watch is a seamless and convenient feature that enhances communication without the need to reach for your iPhone. Whether using the built-in cellular capability on models that support it or relying on a paired iPhone, the Apple Watch allows users to initiate, receive, and manage phone calls directly from their wrist. This functionality is accessible through various methods, including using the Phone app, Siri voice commands, or recent call lists, making it adaptable to different user preferences and situations.

Key takeaways include the importance of ensuring your Apple Watch is properly set up with cellular service or connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to make calls effectively. Additionally, the Apple Watch offers features such as speakerphone, microphone, and digital crown volume control, which contribute to a high-quality calling experience. Users should also be aware of privacy considerations and the need to maintain software updates to benefit from the latest improvements and security enhancements.

In summary, the Apple Watch provides a powerful extension of your phone’s calling capabilities, combining convenience, accessibility, and advanced technology. By understanding the setup requirements and available calling options, users can maximize the utility of their Apple Watch for communication in a hands-free and efficient manner.

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.