How to Answer (or Reject) Phone Calls on AirPods

This article explains how to answer calls using your Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro. It also has instructions for having the AirPods announce incoming calls.

How to Answer Calls on AirPods

All the controls you need to answer and end calls are right on your AirPods, so you don't need to touch your phone at all while you're wearing them unless you want to reject an incoming call.

1. When a call comes in and you are already wearing AirPods, double tap anywhere on the outside of either AirPod. It doesn't matter whether you have  first- or second-generation AirPods.

2. If you don't want to accept the call, do nothing until it goes it voicemail, or reject it in the usual way using your iPhone, such as pressing the side button or rejecting the call using the on-screen controls.  You can also double-press the Force Sensor to decline and send it immediately to voicemail.

3. When the call is over, double tap the AirPod a second time to end the call. 

How to Answer Calls on AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro work a little differently than AirPods, but all the controls you need are still right there on the earbuds.

1. When you receive a call while wearing AirPods Pro, press or squeeze the force sensor. The force sensor is a flat, touch-sensitive area on the stem of both earbuds.

2. If you don't want to accept the call, do nothing until it goes it voicemail, or reject it in the usual way using your iPhone, such as pressing the side button or rejecting the call using the on-screen controls. 

3. When the call is over, repeat that process: Squeeze the force sensor a second time.

How to Make AirPods Announce Incoming Calls

Your AirPods can verbally announce incoming calls, making it easier to decide if you want to
accept the call.

1. On your iPhone, start the Settings app.

2. Tap Phone.

3. In the Allow Phone to Access section, tap Announce Calls.

4. Tap the option you prefer. You can choose to always announce calls, or only do it while wearing headphones such as AirPods.