The Apple Watch has evolved into much more than just a timepiece you wear on your wrist. All models from the Series 3 onward allow you to make and receive calls directly from your watch, no iPhone required in many cases.
But how exactly does calling work on an Apple Watch? And is call quality comparable to your iPhone? This guide provides a detailed look at using your Apple Watch as a phone.
Apple Watch Models and Cellular Connectivity
The first step to understanding Apple Watch calling capabilities is recognizing the difference between models. Here‘s a quick comparison:
Apple Watch Series 3 and later – Can make calls over Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Series 3 was first model with option for integrated cellular connectivity.
Cellular models – Don‘t require an iPhone to make calls. Have built-in eSIM that allows connectivity via cellular network. Require carrier activation and monthly fee.
Non-cellular models – Must be connected to iPhone via Bluetooth to make calls. Can also make Wi-Fi calls when connected to same network as iPhone. No monthly fee.
WatchOS 5 – Required software version to make calls without iPhone present. Supported on Apple Watch Series 1 and later.
So in short – all Apple Watch models from Series 3 onward can make calls, with cellular-enabled versions offering the most flexibility to call from anywhere.
Making Calls on Apple Watch
With the right model Apple Watch, making calls works seamlessly. There are a few different ways to dial phone numbers or contacts:
Via Siri – Press and hold Digital Crown button to activate Siri, then say "Call Mom" or "Call 555-1234".
Contacts app – Open Contacts app on Apple Watch, scroll to choose contact, tap number.
Phone app – Open Phone app, tap Keypad to dial number or Favorites/Recents to call again.
When call is answered, built-in microphone and speaker allow you to have natural phone conversation from wrist.
One tip for best call clarity is to raise your wrist near your mouth while talking. And if you have an iPhone nearby, you can automatically route the call audio through it for speakerphone mode.
Receiving Calls on Apple Watch
Incoming calls will cause your Apple Watch to tap your wrist and display caller ID info. You can choose to:
Accept call on Apple Watch by tapping green Accept button. Hold wrist near mouth to talk.
Reject call by tapping red Decline button. Callers will go to voicemail or get busy signal.
Ignore call by doing nothing. After several rings, call will also go to voicemail or get busy signal.
To receive Apple Watch calls when iPhone screen is locked or phone is in another room, you need to enable call forwarding:
On iPhone
- Open Settings > Phone
- Tap "Calls on Other Devices"
- Choose "Allow Calls on Other Devices"
- Select your Apple Watch phone number
Now all incoming iPhone calls will ring on both devices. Note if your Apple Watch lacks cellular plan, both devices must be on same Wi-Fi network.
Wi-Fi Calling vs Cellular Calling
Apple Watches connected to Wi-Fi networks can make calls through iPhone using number sharing. This works great at home and office when devices are nearby.
But cellular-enabled Apple Watch models allow true phone independence when out of iPhone Bluetooth range. By linking your Apple Watch to same carrier as iPhone plan, you get own phone number and network access even miles from iPhone.
Both calling methods work well. But serious road warriors may want freedom of leaving iPhone behind and still making calls from Apple Watch via cellular.
Call Quality and Volume Control
In terms of call quality for Apple Watch, tests show experience is on par with iPhone for Cellular Apple Watch models, slightly less for Wi-Fi calling. But volume levels may require adjusting:
To Increase Volume
- Swipe up from bottom of watch face for Control Center during call
- Rotate Digital Crown or tap volume buttons
For Best Clarity
- Raise and tip wrist towards mouth when talking
- Stand still in quiet environment
In some cases, you can also use iPhone or connected headphones as external speakerphone if desired.
FAQs – Calling from Apple Watch
Can I make emergency calls from my Apple Watch?
Yes, you can dial emergency services like 911 in the US or 112 in Europe even without iPhone connectivity or an active cellular plan. This allows anyone with an operable Apple Watch to request help in critical situations.
Do I need a SIM card for my Apple Watch to make calls?
No. Cellular-capable Apple Watch models include built-in electronic SIM (eSIM) that securely connects to carrier networks to enable calling, texts, and data. Physical SIM card is not required.
Can I receive calls on Apple Watch if my iPhone is turned off?
If your Apple Watch lacks cellular connectivity, it must use call forwarding from iPhone to get calls. So an inactive iPhone prevents ability for non-cellular watches to get calls. Cellular models can receive calls independently of iPhone state.
How much extra does it cost per month to add cellular plan to Apple Watch?
Cost varies by carrier, but expect around $10 monthly for Apple Watch cellular access when added to existing iPhone plan. Some carriers offer discounted or free add-on pricing. Shop carrier plans for best Apple Watch cellular deal.
The Bottom Line
While the Apple Watch will likely never fully replicate holding an iPhone to your ear, call capabilities have advanced enough over various generations to enable reliable voice conversations.
Both Wi-Fi and cellular models can meet basic phone needs from the wrist. So users no longer have to grab their iPhones every time an important call comes through.
Hopefully this guide gave you a better idea of how to make and receive calls from an Apple Watch. Let me know if you have any other questions!
