watchOS: How to Use “Answer on iPhone”

Apple Watch apps at work
Your Apple Watch has many uses, even at work, so be sure to check out these useful (or fun) apps

If you’ve got an Apple Watch, then of course you know that you can answer calls on it. But did you know that you can place callers on hold until you can find your iPhone if you’d rather not talk into your wrist? Yup. How it works is this: When a call comes in on your Watch, you’ll see this familiar screen.

Incoming Call on Apple Watch

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If you then swipe up from the bottom of the Watch, you’ll see a couple of hidden options, one of which is “Answer on iPhone.”

"Answer on iPhone" Option on Apple Watch

Tap that, and it places the caller on hold until you grab your iPhone and answer it there. While he’s waiting, your caller will hear a digitized voice say, “Please hold for a moment,” followed by an odd series of boop-boop-boop sounds to indicate that the call is still active. It’s not the greatest thing to hear, but if you don’t want to be the dork talking on his wrist at the gym, then at least you have this as an alternative!

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  1. BlackCorvid Subscriber 8 years ago

    Nice, although when I test this it doesn’t give a message, just the beeps. Maybe this is a carrier thing. And, for those with fumble fingers (like mine), instead of swiping up from the bottom, use the digital crown to perform the swipe for you.

    Reply
    1. Melissa Holt 8 years ago

      Ooooo, excellent comment, BlackCorvid! I appreciate you adding that helpful info. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Melissa Holt 8 years ago

    You’re both most welcome! Thanks for reading. 🙂

    Reply
  3. MMatz Subscriber 8 years ago

    Had no idea. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Lee Dronick Subscriber 8 years ago

    Thanks!

    Reply