Do you find yourself answering the phone and quickly putting it in speakerphone mode so you can use your iPhone hands-free? Do you find it annoying to scroll through contacts, calls, and messages just to make a phone call? Well, there’s an easier way. You can set your iPhone settings to place and receive calls hands-free, automatically, within the Settings app. It’s part of Apple's accessibility and Hey Siri features. Here’s how to use Siri to make calls and have them automatically answer on speaker so you never have to use your hands.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

Answer calls hands-free and automatically on speaker, so you never have to touch your iPhone.
Make calls with Siri completely hands-free so you can stay busy while getting work done.

How to Use Siri to Make Hands-Free Calls

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later. Learn how to download the latest iOS.

As an artist, it's not unusual for my hands to be covered in paint or charcoal when I need to answer the phone. Additionally, I find I have the same problem when I want to make a call. If you want to be able to use your iPhone as a hands-free device, there are two different settings you need to enable. If you like learning cool tips and tricks about your iPhone, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day!

How to Use Siri to Make a Call:

You'll need to make sure Hey Siri is on to place calls hands-free on an iPhone.

Open the Settings app.
Tap Siri & Search.
Tap Listen for.
Enable either "Hey Siri" or "Siri" or "Hey Siri."
Then, under Siri & Search, tap Allow Siri When Locked.
To make an outgoing call, "Hey, Siri, call [name of contact]."

How to Enable iPhone Hands-Free Calls:

Now, you'll need to enable the auto speaker feature in Accessibility, so you don't have to tap the speaker button.

Open the Settings app.
Select Accessibility.
Select Touch.
Scroll down and tap on Call Audio Routing.
Select Speaker.

Your call audio will automatically be routed to speakerphone from now on. In the same settings, you can also choose Bluetooth Headset instead if you’d like your calls to be routed that way. You can also answer calls directly on your AirPods.