How to Transfer Calls From Your Apple Watch to Your iPhone

You can start a call on your Apple Watch and finish it on your iPhone.

Apple Watch receiving a phone call
Apple
by Emily Price
Emily Price is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a freelance tech writer who focuses on emerging technology.
Updated December 10, 2019

The Apple Watch is great for taking and receiving hands-free calls, but sometimes it's better to talk on a handset. There are two ways to switch a call from your Apple Watch to your iPhone, depending on whether or not you have already accepted the call or how you feel about putting your caller on hold.

If you're having trouble finding your iPhone while on a call, select the ping button represented by an iPhone with vibrating lines. Your iPhone will emit a noise to help you locate it. This feature works even if your phone is set to silent.

How to Transfer a Call from Apple Watch to iPhone Before You've Answered the Call

You can transfer a phone call from your Apple Watch to your iPhone before you've answered it.

  1. When you have an incoming call, swipe up on the screen showing the caller's name or number.

  2. Select Answer on iPhone. This will put the caller on hold until your retrieve your iPhone.

  3. On your iPhone, accept the call as you would any other.

How to Transfer a Call from Apple Watch to iPhone After You've Answered the Call

You can also transfer a phone call after you've answered it. This method does not require putting your caller on hold. It is useful if you want to continue talking to your caller while you locate your iPhone.

  1. Answer an incoming call on your Apple Watch.

  2. On your iPhone, select the green bar on the top of the display indicating an ongoing phone call. The call will be transferred from your Apple Watch to your iPhone.

  3. Continue the conversation on your iPhone. There is no need to "hang up" the call on your Apple Watch.