Can my Apple Watch and phone both ring?

Answered by Willie Powers

It is indeed possible for both your Apple Watch and iPhone to ring when you receive an incoming call. This is a default behavior set by Apple to ensure that you don’t miss any calls and have the flexibility to answer them using either device.

When your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected and within range of each other, incoming calls will trigger a ringtone on both devices simultaneously. This means that if you have both devices with you, you will hear the ringtone on both your Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time.

However, it’s worth noting that the behavior of notifications can vary depending on the status of your devices and your specific settings. Let’s explore some scenarios:

1. Connected and unlocked devices: If both your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected and unlocked, you will receive the incoming call notification on both devices. You can answer the call using either device, and the call will be routed through the device you choose to answer it on.

2. Connected but locked iPhone: If your iPhone is locked but still connected to your Apple Watch, the incoming call notification will be displayed on your Apple Watch. You can answer the call directly from your Apple Watch by tapping the green answer button, or decline it by tapping the red decline button. If you choose to answer the call on your Apple Watch, it will automatically be routed to your Apple Watch for the duration of the call.

3. Disconnected devices: If your Apple Watch and iPhone are not connected, for example, if your iPhone is out of range or turned off, the incoming call will only ring on your iPhone. Your Apple Watch will not receive the notification in this case.

It’s important to note that these behaviors can be customized to some extent through your Apple Watch and iPhone settings. For example, you can enable or disable the “Cover to Mute” feature on your Apple Watch, which allows you to silence an incoming call by covering the watch face with your hand. Additionally, you can adjust the haptic settings on your Apple Watch to control the intensity of the vibrations when receiving notifications.

It is normal for both your Apple Watch and iPhone to ring for incoming calls. The behavior of notifications depends on the status of your devices and your specific settings. This allows you to have the flexibility to answer calls using either device, ensuring that you don’t miss any important calls.