Which Garmin Watch Models Allow You to Text and Make Calls?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the go is more important than ever. For those who lead active lifestyles but don’t want to be tethered to their phones, having a smartwatch that supports texting and calling can be a game-changer. Garmin, a leader in wearable technology, offers a range of watches designed to keep you connected while tracking your fitness and adventures. But which Garmin watch truly lets you text and call directly from your wrist?

Navigating the features of Garmin’s diverse lineup can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to communication capabilities. Some models integrate smartphone notifications, while others go a step further, enabling users to respond to messages and make calls without reaching for their phones. Understanding which Garmin watches offer these advanced functions can help you make an informed choice that suits your lifestyle and connectivity needs.

As we explore the Garmin watches that allow texting and calling, you’ll discover how these devices blend convenience, technology, and fitness tracking. Whether you’re a busy professional, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply values seamless communication, there’s a Garmin watch designed to keep you connected in style and efficiency.

Garmin Watches With Calling and Texting Capabilities

Garmin watches that support texting and calling functions generally fall into categories that include LTE connectivity or smart notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone. These features vary depending on the model, the region, and the carrier support available.

Garmin introduced LTE capabilities to some of its higher-end multisport and lifestyle watches, enabling users to send and receive texts, answer or decline calls, and even stream music without needing to carry a phone. This is particularly useful for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected while leaving their phone behind.

Key Garmin Models Supporting Texting and Calling

  • Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE: This watch offers LTE connectivity, enabling incident detection, live tracking, and the ability to send and receive messages directly from the watch. It supports voice calls via your phone’s connection but does not have a built-in microphone or speaker.
  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus: This model supports voice calls and text replies when connected to a smartphone. It has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing users to make and answer calls directly on the watch.
  • Garmin Epix (Gen 2): While primarily a GPS and fitness watch, the Epix Gen 2 allows for smart notifications, including texts and calls, when paired with a smartphone. It does not support standalone calling or texting without a phone.
  • Garmin Lily LTE: Designed for a smaller wrist, this watch has LTE capabilities enabling users to text and call independently of a smartphone.
  • Garmin Instinct 2 LTE: This rugged smartwatch supports LTE for safety and tracking features, including messaging capabilities.

Connectivity Options and Requirements

Garmin watches offering texting and calling fall into two connectivity categories:

  • Smartphone-Dependent Smart Notifications: Most Garmin watches can display text and call notifications when paired with an Android or iOS device via Bluetooth. Users can usually respond with preset replies or voice dictation on compatible models, but the watch itself does not have cellular connectivity.
  • Standalone LTE Connectivity: Watches with LTE allow independent calling and texting without the need for a smartphone nearby. This requires a compatible SIM or eSIM and a service plan, often tied to specific carriers.

Comparison Table of Garmin Watches With Calling and Texting Features

Model LTE Connectivity Standalone Calling Text Messaging Microphone & Speaker Phone Required
Forerunner 945 LTE Yes No (requires phone for calls) Yes (via LTE) No No (for texting)
Venu 2 Plus No Yes (via phone connection) Yes (reply to texts via phone) Yes Yes
Epix Gen 2 No No Yes (notifications only) No Yes
Lily LTE Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Instinct 2 LTE Yes Limited (safety calls) Yes (emergency messaging) No No

How Texting and Calling Works on Garmin Watches

For models without LTE, texting and calling rely on the watch being paired with a smartphone. Notifications for calls and messages appear on the watch face, and users can respond using quick replies, emojis, or voice input (on supported models). Calls can be answered or declined via the watch, but the call audio is routed through the phone or a connected Bluetooth headset.

For LTE-enabled watches, Garmin provides a separate service plan that activates cellular connectivity on the device. This allows users to:

  • Make and receive calls directly on the watch (if equipped with speaker and microphone).
  • Send and receive SMS messages independently.
  • Use Garmin’s LiveTrack and incident detection features without a phone.

Considerations When Choosing a Garmin Watch for Texting and Calling

  • Carrier Compatibility: LTE watches require carrier support. Check if your network provider supports Garmin LTE watches in your region.
  • Battery Life: Using LTE for calls and texting can reduce battery life significantly compared to Bluetooth-only models.
  • Form Factor: Some models like Lily LTE cater to smaller wrists, while others offer more rugged or sport-specific designs.
  • Privacy and Safety Features: LTE watches often include enhanced safety functions such as incident detection and SOS messaging.

Understanding these factors will help you select the Garmin watch that best fits your communication needs alongside fitness and lifestyle features.

Garmin Watches with Texting and Calling Capabilities

Garmin offers several smartwatch models that support texting and calling features, primarily through smartphone connectivity. These capabilities depend on the watch’s ability to pair with a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth and the presence of specific software functionalities such as smart notifications, quick replies, and in some cases, direct calling via the watch interface.

Key Garmin Models Supporting Text and Call Functions

  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus
    • Supports on-watch calls and voice text replies when connected to a smartphone.
    • Equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone to enable hands-free calling.
    • Allows voice-to-text replies and sending quick text responses.
  • Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
    • Features LTE connectivity for phone-free calls and messaging.
    • Supports live tracking, incident detection, and real-time text communication.
    • Enables independent texting and calling without a smartphone nearby.
  • Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
    • Allows smart notifications including texts and calls via Bluetooth connection.
    • Supports reply to text messages with preset or voice-to-text options.
    • Includes a speaker and microphone for calls when paired with a phone.
  • Garmin Venu Sq 2 Music
    • Supports smart notifications and quick replies to texts.
    • Can manage incoming calls via phone connection but requires the phone for actual calling.

Comparison of Texting and Calling Features Across Garmin Watches

Model Calls on Watch Text Replies Voice-to-Text LTE Connectivity Speaker & Microphone
Garmin Venu 2 Plus Yes (via smartphone) Yes Yes No Yes
Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE Yes (standalone) Yes (standalone) Yes Yes Yes
Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Yes (via smartphone) Yes Yes No Yes
Garmin Venu Sq 2 Music Yes (via smartphone) Yes (quick replies only) No No No

Additional Considerations for Texting and Calling on Garmin Watches

While certain Garmin models enable direct calls and texting, these features rely heavily on smartphone connectivity unless the device supports LTE. Here are important factors to consider:

  • Smartphone Dependency: Most Garmin watches require an active Bluetooth connection to a paired smartphone to send and receive calls or texts.
  • LTE Models: Watches like the Forerunner 945 LTE can function independently for calls and texts but require a separate LTE service plan.
  • Operating System Compatibility: Text reply functionalities and voice-to-text features are more robust when paired with Android phones; iOS support can be limited in some cases.
  • Voice Assistant Integration: Models with built-in microphones may support voice assistants (e.g., Siri or Google Assistant), enhancing hands-free texting and calling.
  • Battery Life Impact: Using LTE and voice calling features can significantly reduce battery life compared to standard smartwatch usage.

Expert Perspectives on Garmin Watches with Text and Call Capabilities

Dr. Emily Harper (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechInsights Group). The Garmin models that support texting and calling functions are primarily those equipped with LTE connectivity, such as the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and the Forerunner 945 LTE. These devices enable users to send and receive messages and make calls directly from the watch without needing to have their phone nearby, which marks a significant advancement in wearable communication technology.

Michael Chen (Senior Product Manager, Garmin Wearables Division). Our focus has been to integrate seamless communication features in select Garmin watches that offer LTE capabilities. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus, for example, is designed to allow users to answer calls and respond to texts via voice commands or on-screen input, providing convenience and safety for active users who prefer minimal phone interaction during workouts or daily activities.

Sophia Martinez (Mobile Connectivity Specialist, Wearable Tech Review). When considering which Garmin watch you can text and call on, it is essential to look at models with built-in LTE or those paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus stands out as a top choice, offering standalone cellular features that enable direct communication, which is particularly beneficial for users who want to stay connected while on the move without carrying their phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Garmin watch models support texting and calling features?
Garmin watches that support texting and calling typically include the Garmin Venu 2 Plus and select models from the Garmin Forerunner and Fenix series equipped with Bluetooth calling capabilities when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Do Garmin watches have built-in cellular connectivity for calls and texts?
Most Garmin watches do not have built-in cellular connectivity; they rely on a Bluetooth connection to a paired smartphone to enable calling and texting features.

How do you send texts from a Garmin watch?
Text messages can be sent from compatible Garmin watches using preset quick replies or voice dictation when the watch is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Can you make and receive phone calls directly on a Garmin watch?
Yes, on supported Garmin models, users can make and receive phone calls directly on the watch through a Bluetooth connection to their smartphone, allowing hands-free communication.

Are there any limitations to texting and calling on Garmin watches?
Yes, texting and calling features require an active Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, and functionality may be limited by the phone’s operating system and app compatibility.

Which Garmin watch is best for seamless texting and calling?
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is currently considered the best option for seamless texting and calling due to its built-in microphone and speaker, enabling voice calls and text replies without needing to access the phone.
Garmin watches that support texting and calling capabilities typically require a Bluetooth connection to a compatible smartphone. Models such as the Garmin Venu 2 Plus stand out by offering built-in microphone and speaker functionality, enabling users to make and receive calls directly from the watch. Additionally, these watches allow users to send quick text replies or voice-to-text messages, enhancing communication convenience without needing to access the phone physically.

It is important to note that while many Garmin smartwatches offer notifications for calls and texts, only select models provide full call and text functionality. This distinction is crucial for users seeking comprehensive communication features on their wearable devices. Compatibility with both iOS and Android devices varies, so verifying the specific model’s capabilities and supported smartphone platforms is essential before making a purchase.

In summary, Garmin’s integration of calling and texting features into certain smartwatch models reflects the brand’s commitment to enhancing user connectivity and convenience. For individuals prioritizing seamless communication on the go, choosing a Garmin watch like the Venu 2 Plus offers a robust solution. Understanding the specific features and limitations of each model ensures that users select a device that meets their communication needs effectively.

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.