Can I Make Calls on My Apple Watch? Everything You Need to Know

AvatarByArron Moss Smartwatches

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the go is more important than ever. If you own an Apple Watch, you might be wondering just how much this sleek device can do beyond telling time and tracking your fitness. One common question that arises is: can I make calls on my Apple Watch? The answer opens up a world of convenience, letting you stay in touch without reaching for your phone.

Apple Watch has evolved into a powerful communication tool, blending technology and style into a compact wearable. Whether you’re out for a run, in a meeting, or simply want to keep your phone tucked away, the ability to make calls directly from your wrist can be a game changer. This feature isn’t just about convenience; it’s about redefining how we interact with our devices throughout the day.

Understanding how calling works on the Apple Watch, including the different models and connectivity options, can help you make the most of this impressive gadget. As we explore this topic, you’ll discover the capabilities and limitations of making calls on your Apple Watch, empowering you to stay connected in smarter, more efficient ways.

Making Calls with an Apple Watch

Apple Watch offers the convenience of making and receiving phone calls directly from your wrist, but the capability depends on the model and connectivity options available.

For Apple Watch models with cellular capability, you can make calls independently without needing your iPhone nearby. These watches have a built-in eSIM that allows them to connect to cellular networks. However, for GPS-only models, the watch must be within Bluetooth range of a paired iPhone or connected to a known Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has accessed before.

When making calls on your Apple Watch, you can use the built-in microphone and speaker or connect Bluetooth headphones or AirPods for better audio quality and privacy. The watch uses the same phone number as your iPhone if it shares the cellular plan.

Requirements for Calling on Apple Watch

The following are essential requirements to make calls on your Apple Watch:

  • Paired iPhone: Your Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone using the same Apple ID.
  • Network connection: Cellular Apple Watches need an active cellular plan, while GPS-only watches rely on the iPhone’s connection or Wi-Fi.
  • Software: The Apple Watch and iPhone should be running compatible versions of watchOS and iOS.
  • Carrier support: Your wireless carrier must support Apple Watch cellular plans if you want to use cellular calling.
Apple Watch Model Calling Capability Connectivity Required Notes
Apple Watch with Cellular (Series 3 and later) Standalone calling without iPhone Cellular network Needs cellular plan activation
Apple Watch GPS-only models Calling via iPhone or Wi-Fi Bluetooth to iPhone or known Wi-Fi iPhone must be nearby or connected

How to Place a Call on Apple Watch

You can initiate calls on your Apple Watch through several methods:

  • Using the Phone app: Open the Phone app on the watch, scroll or use the Digital Crown to select a contact, and tap the call button.
  • Siri voice commands: Raise your wrist and say, “Hey Siri, call [contact name]” or “Call [phone number].”
  • Recents and favorites: Access recent calls or favorites directly from the Phone app for quick dialing.
  • Contacts app: Open the Contacts app on your watch, find the desired contact, and tap the phone icon.

During a call, you can switch audio output between the watch speaker, paired Bluetooth devices, or a connected iPhone.

Additional Features for Calling on Apple Watch

Apple Watch includes features to enhance the calling experience:

  • Call waiting and merging: Manage multiple calls by holding and merging calls into a conference call.
  • Mute and speakerphone: Easily mute your microphone or switch to speakerphone during a call.
  • Handoff calls: If you start a call on your Apple Watch, you can transfer it seamlessly to your iPhone.
  • Emergency SOS: Press and hold the side button to initiate an emergency call even if you don’t have cellular service, as long as the iPhone is nearby or Wi-Fi calling is enabled.

These features ensure that your Apple Watch can function as a versatile communication device in various situations.

Making Calls Directly from Your Apple Watch

Apple Watch offers the convenience of making and receiving phone calls directly from your wrist, providing seamless communication without needing to access your iPhone. However, the ability to make calls depends on the specific Apple Watch model and its connectivity options.

There are two main ways to make calls on your Apple Watch:

  • Using a Cellular-Enabled Apple Watch: Apple Watch models with cellular capability (GPS + Cellular) can make calls independently of your iPhone, as long as the watch is connected to a cellular network.
  • Using a Non-Cellular Apple Watch: Apple Watch models without cellular rely on a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone or a known Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls.

Requirements for Making Calls on Apple Watch

Requirement Details
Compatible Apple Watch Model Apple Watch Series 3 and later support calling features; cellular models enable independent calling.
Paired iPhone Necessary for non-cellular models to relay calls via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Cellular Plan (for Cellular Models) Must have an active cellular plan linked to your Apple Watch through your carrier.
Software Version Both Apple Watch and iPhone should be running the latest compatible versions of watchOS and iOS.
Network Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular network connectivity is essential depending on the model.

How to Make a Call on Your Apple Watch

Once your Apple Watch is set up with the necessary connectivity, you can initiate calls using various methods:

  • Using the Phone App: Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch, select a contact or use the keypad to dial a number, then tap the call button.
  • Using Siri: Raise your wrist and say, “Hey Siri, call [Contact Name],” or “Call [phone number].” Siri will initiate the call immediately.
  • From Messages or Contacts: When viewing a message or contact on your watch, tap the phone icon to start a call.

Managing Calls on Apple Watch

During an active call, Apple Watch provides the following controls:

  • Mute Microphone: Temporarily mute your voice input.
  • Speakerphone: Use the built-in speaker and microphone for hands-free calling.
  • End Call: Tap the red button to hang up.
  • Access Contacts or Keypad: Switch between the call screen and contacts or keypad if needed.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Call Quality: Cellular Apple Watches may experience variable call quality depending on network strength. Bluetooth calls rely on the iPhone’s connection, so proximity affects call stability.
  • Battery Life: Making or receiving calls can significantly impact battery life, especially on cellular models.
  • Emergency Calls: All Apple Watch models can place emergency calls (such as 911) even without a paired iPhone or cellular plan, provided they have some form of connectivity.
  • International Calling: Cellular plans must support international roaming for calls abroad; otherwise, functionality may be limited.

Expert Perspectives on Making Calls with Your Apple Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechInsights Group). The Apple Watch is fully capable of making and receiving calls, provided it is connected to an iPhone or has cellular capabilities enabled. This functionality enhances user convenience by allowing seamless communication directly from the wrist, especially when the paired iPhone is not immediately accessible.

Michael Huang (Senior Mobile Communications Engineer, NextGen Devices). With the of cellular models, Apple Watch users can independently make calls without relying on their iPhone. This advancement leverages integrated LTE technology, ensuring reliable voice communication and expanding the device’s utility beyond fitness and notifications.

Sophia Ramirez (User Experience Researcher, Connected Health Solutions). From a usability standpoint, making calls on the Apple Watch is designed to be intuitive and efficient. The interface supports voice commands via Siri and quick access to contacts, which facilitates hands-free communication and supports users in active or on-the-go scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make calls directly from my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can make calls directly from your Apple Watch if it is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth or if it has cellular capabilities with an active plan.

Do I need my iPhone nearby to make calls on my Apple Watch?
If your Apple Watch has cellular functionality and an active cellular plan, you can make calls without your iPhone nearby. Otherwise, your iPhone must be within Bluetooth range or connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

How do I make a call using my Apple Watch?
You can make a call by opening the Phone app on your Apple Watch, selecting a contact or dialing a number using the keypad, or by using Siri to initiate the call hands-free.

Can I receive calls on my Apple Watch?
Yes, your Apple Watch can receive calls when it is connected to your iPhone or has cellular service, allowing you to answer calls directly from the watch.

Does making calls on Apple Watch affect battery life significantly?
Making calls on your Apple Watch, especially over cellular, can consume more battery than typical use, so extended calling may reduce battery life noticeably.

Are calls on Apple Watch secure and private?
Calls made on Apple Watch use the same secure cellular or Bluetooth connections as your iPhone, ensuring privacy and security consistent with Apple’s standards.
making calls on your Apple Watch is a convenient and fully supported feature that enhances the device’s functionality beyond fitness tracking and notifications. Whether you have a cellular-enabled Apple Watch or rely on a paired iPhone, you can easily place and receive calls directly from your wrist. This capability allows for hands-free communication, making it ideal for situations where using a phone is impractical or inconvenient.

Key takeaways include understanding that cellular models provide greater independence by allowing calls without the iPhone nearby, while non-cellular models require the iPhone to be within Bluetooth range or connected to Wi-Fi. Additionally, the Apple Watch supports features such as call answering, declining, and voicemail access, ensuring a seamless communication experience. Users should also be aware of battery considerations and network coverage when making calls on the watch.

Overall, the ability to make calls on the Apple Watch significantly enhances user convenience and connectivity. By leveraging this feature, users can maintain communication effortlessly throughout their day, whether during workouts, meetings, or while on the move. Staying informed about the watch’s capabilities and limitations ensures an optimal and efficient use of this technology.

Author Profile

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.