Calling with your Apple Watch: more convenient than expected
Making calls with your Apple Watch sounds convenient. No need to pull out your phone. But there are also concerns. Is the sound quality good enough for an important call? And what about that battery that drains quickly?
In practice, however, things turn out surprisingly differently. The Apple Watch makes calls perfectly fine without constantly being plugged in. In fact, with the right settings, you can easily get through a whole day. And the sound quality? It's better than you think , especially when paired with the right accessories . Or just use your AirPods for optimal convenience.
The secret lies in a few simple adjustments that no one tells you about. No technical gimmicks, just practical tips that work immediately.
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The basics: how calling with your Apple Watch works
Calls with an Apple Watch are made through the paired iPhone. The watch acts as an extension of your phone, transmitting the audio signal via Bluetooth. This connection is crucial for its operation. Without an iPhone nearby (within approximately 10 meters), only a cellular model will work independently.
The built-in microphone and speaker are strategically placed on the side of the case. Apple has refined these components over the years. The result: surprisingly clear calls for such a compact device. However, there are ways to further enhance the experience.
Optimizing sound quality: practical adjustments
Volume and positioning
The position of your wrist largely determines how well your conversation partner hears you. Hold the watch about six inches from your mouth while speaking. This prevents distortion and echo. Turn your wrist slightly inward for optimal microphone position.
You can adjust the volume during calls with the digital crown. Always start at 60% and adjust as needed. Too loud will distort the sound, especially in quiet rooms. The automatic volume control adjusts to ambient noise, but manual adjustment is often necessary.
Environmental factors
Wind is the Apple Watch microphone's biggest enemy. Outdoors, it helps to use your hand as a windbreak. Busy environments require a different approach: find a quieter spot or switch to AirPods.
Indoor spaces with hard surfaces (tiles, glass) create echo. Soft materials like curtains or carpet absorb sound better. Simply moving to the living room can make the difference between a cluttered and a clear conversation.
Extend battery life during calls
Smart settings
The screen brightness is set too high by default for most situations. Reduce it to 40% via Settings > Brightness. This saves up to 20% battery life without noticeably compromising comfort. Disabling automatic brightness prevents unnecessary peaks.
Background app refresh secretly uses a lot of energy. Turn it off for apps you don't need right away. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone > General > Background App Refresh. Keep only essential apps like Phone and Messages.
Maximize call time
A fully charged Apple Watch Series 8 lasts for about 1.5 hours of talk time. Older models like the Series 6 last about an hour. This may not seem like much, but for most users, it's more than enough for everyday use.
For longer conversations there are tricks:
- Start calls on your watch, transfer to iPhone after a few minutes
- Use power saving mode for 30% extra talk time
- Turn off always-on display during important calling days
- Limit heart rate measurements to manual during calls
Accessories that make a difference
AirPods completely transform the calling experience. The sound quality noticeably improves, and your battery lasts three times longer. The seamless integration means automatic switching without hassle. For business calls, they're truly indispensable.
A magnetic charger for on-the-go use prevents batteries from running out. These compact accessories fit in any pocket. A ten-minute charge provides enough power for an important call. Invest in a model with at least 1000mAh capacity.
When does it not work optimally?
Honesty about the limitations prevents disappointment. Video calling doesn't work on the Apple Watch. FaceTime audio works, but video is reserved for iPhone and iPad. For conference calls with multiple participants, the screen is too small to navigate effectively.
The speaker struggles with low frequencies. Male voices with a lot of bass don't come through as well. In noisy environments like train stations or shopping malls, normal conversation becomes difficult. Earplugs are absolutely essential in these situations.
Comparison between models
The newer models (Series 7, 8, and 9) have improved noise cancellation. This is especially important in busy environments. The Series 6 and older lack this technology but perform well in normal situations.
Cellular models offer freedom but consume 40% more battery when making independent calls. For athletes and outdoor workers, this investment can be well worth it. GPS-only models are perfect for those who always have their phone with them.
The SE models offer the same call quality as more expensive models. The main differences are the additional health sensors and screen technology. For pure calling, a refurbished Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice.
Practical scenarios
While exercising
Runners appreciate hands-free calling without a phone. The motion minimally impacts microphone quality. Important: slow down during important calls. Otherwise, breathing will drown out your voice.
In the car
The Apple Watch acts as a backup for CarPlay. If you have connection problems, you can answer calls directly on your wrist. Note: this is only permitted with the hands-free function. Keep both hands on the wheel.
Working from home
Short conversations while cooking or doing DIY projects are easily handled through the watch. Your iPhone can charge while you stay mobile. For video meetings, you can, of course, switch to a larger screen.
Apple Watch calling works better than expected
Making calls with your Apple Watch works surprisingly well in practice. With simple adjustments like lowering the screen brightness and positioning your wrist, you can achieve excellent sound quality and sufficient battery life for everyday use.
For important conversations, AirPods are worth considering, but for short calls in between, the watch is perfectly sufficient. There are limitations, but for those considering a refurbished Apple Watch : the calling function isn't a stumbling block. It simply works as it should .
