The entire world knows about the Apple AirPods. These wireless earpieces from Apple have revolutionized how people listen to music. Now that there are no wires to detangle, convenience becomes the primary feature. AirPods as well as the AirPods Pro include state-of-the-art integrated touch controls. Each earpiece features beamforming microphones which let you answer incoming and make calls while you have the earphones on. You can also disconnect the call once you’re done.
For this article, we are going to give you a thorough guide on how to answer calls with AirPods alongside making calls and hanging up. You will be able to continue your conversation hands-free once you get the hang of it.
How to Make, Answer, and End Calls with Apple AirPods

When Apple uses the term “true wireless” to define their AirPods, they mean it. Just by touching the buds sitting in your ear, you can start and stop music, adjust the volume, and answer calls too.
However, how to answer calls with AirPods will differ from one version to another. As of this writing, four unique variants of the AirPods are available on the market, and all come with their special set of capabilities. Disclaimer: For all of these methods to work, you will need to pair the AirPods with a functioning iPhone.
Make a Call and Answer with AirPods Max
- Place a call to a number: Say “Hey Siri,” and make sure Siri is activated. Now, say the name of the person you wish to make a call to: “Call Anna’s mobile.” Alternatively, press and old the Digital Crown. You should hear a chime; make the request after that.
- Answer or disconnect a call: Press the Digital Crown.
- Reject an incoming call and directly send it to voicemail: Double-press on Digital Crown.
- Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, press the Digital Crown. There are two routes you can take after this: 1. Press the Digital Crown to switch between calls, or, 2. Double-press the Digital Crown to disconnect the present call to revert to the one on hold.
Note: Volume can be adjusted while on call. Simply turn the Digital Crown.
Make and answer calls with Apple AirPods Pro
- Make a call: Summon Siri with a “Hey Siri,” and say the usual “Call [NAME]’s mobile.”
Note: Either of the AirPods can be configured to call Siri when you press down on the Force Sensor. The Force is located at the upper edge of the stem. It’s easy to find when you have the AirPods in your ear.
- Answer or disconnect a call: Press the Force Sensor. Either of the AirPods will work.
- Reject an incoming call and directly send it to voicemail: Double-press on the Force Sensor.
- Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, press the Force Sensor. After this, you can do any of the following: 1. Press the Force Sensor to switch between the calls, or, 2. To disconnect the present call and switch to the held one, double-press on the Force Sensor.
Make and answer calls with 2nd Generation AirPods
- Make a call: Summon Siri with a “Hey Siri,” and say the usual “Call [NAME]’s mobile.”
Note: Either of the AirPods can be configured to call Siri when with a double tap.
- Answer or disconnect a call: Double-tap any of the AirPods.
- Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, double-tap on either of the AirPods. Repeat the process if you want to switch between calls.
Make and answer calls with 1st Generation AirPods
- Make a call: Double-tap any one of the AirPods to call out to Siri, wait till you hear a chime and then make the request.
- Answer or disconnect a call: Double-tap any of the AirPods.
- Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, double-tap on either of the AirPods. Repeat the process if you want to switch between calls.
Customizing Your Apple AirPods
The AirPods aren’t any generic piece of earphones that do the job just for the sake of it. No, they offer you the entire experience. That starts from incredible audio quality to personalization and tweaked settings. Here’s how you can set the microphone to one earpiece at a time or both. This only works if you have a 1st, 2nd generation AirPods or the AirPods Pro.
First, go to Settings and then Bluetooth. Find the “i” beside the AirPods options and select that. Tap Microphone and now you can choose an option.
Keeping it on Automatic would mean that either of the AirPods will function as a mic. Or, you can choose a specific one, like the left or right and only that will act as the microphone. Remember that when you choose Always Right or Always Left, your preferred AirPods becomes the mic even after you remove it from your ears or place it in the case.
As mentioned earlier, the AirPods Max don’t come with this feature. Instead, it offers other exciting features like Automatic Head Detection.
How to Get Apple AirPods to Announce Caller ID
If you get a call on your iPhone and have your AirPods are connected, you would typically have to catch a glimpse of the iPhone or Apple Watch to know who’s calling. But did you know your AirPods can announce it for you? Here’s how to enable this feature:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select “Phone” on the list.
- Under the “Calls” heading, press Announce Calls.
- Select “Headphones Only.”
Conclusion
Now that you know how to answer calls with Apple AirPods, your user experience with the iPhone and AirPods should be even better. Enjoy hands-free, uninterrupted calls all the time.
You can also read: What to Do When Your AirPods Sound Muffled