How to Switch a Call from Apple Watch to iPhone

If you answer a call on your Apple Watch but then decide you'd rather continue the call on your iPhone, you'll need to know how to transfer that call from your watch without hanging up.

By Conner Carey Updated 02/02/2023

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I love that I can receive calls on my Apple Watch. If I’m out and about, my iPhone is in my backpack. I never miss a call because my watch lets me know one is coming in. However talking to your wrist, especially in public, isn't ideal. No problem! Here are two different ways to transfer a call from your Apple Watch to your iPhone.

Switch a Call From Your Apple Watch to Your iPhone

If you need a little time to get to your iPhone prior to transferring the call but you're comfortable starting the conversation on your Apple Watch, you can answer it on your Apple Watch first and then transfer. When a call comes in on your Apple Watch:

Answer the call by tapping the green phone button on your watch face.
On your iPhone, tap the green phone button in the upper-left corner.
The call will now automatically transfer from your Apple Watch to the iPhone.

The transfer is almost instantaneous, so be prepared to immediately listen on your iPhone!

Answer an Incoming Apple Watch Call on Your iPhone

There's a menu on your Apple Watch incoming call screen that will allow you to transfer the call from your Apple Watch to your iPhone without ever having to answer on your Apple Watch. Follow these steps when your watch alerts you to an incoming call:

Tap the three dots button on the Apple Watch incoming call screen, without answering.
Tap Answer on iPhone.
That will place the call on hold on your iPhone.
Once you grab your phone, slide the green phone slider (or tap the green phone button if that's the option your phone gives you) to take the call off hold and start the conversation.

Once you take the call off of hold, you'll answer it as though you had answered as normal on your iPhone. These two methods should equip you to transfer a call from an Apple Watch to an iPhone without hanging up on anyone! Next, learn how to accept and mute calls on Apple Watch. If you'd like, you can even learn how to answer calls on your Apple Watch with gestures.

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Topics

How-To

Apple Watch

Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers

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Author Details

Conner Carey

Conner Carey's writing can be found at conpoet.com. She is currently writing a book, creating lots of content, and writing poetry via @conpoet on Instagram. She lives in an RV full-time with her mom, Jan and dog, Jodi as they slow-travel around the country.

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