Are you tired of constantly reaching for your iPhone to answer calls, only to find it slipping out of your grasp or getting lost in your pockets? Do you wish there was a way to answer your iPhone without having to physically touch the screen? You’re not alone! With the rise of hands-free technology and voice assistants, it’s now possible to answer your iPhone without touching the screen. But how does it work, and what are the benefits?
The Rise of Voice Assistants and Hands-Free Technology
The concept of voice assistants and hands-free technology has been around for a while, but it wasn’t until the introduction of Siri in 2011 that this technology started to gain mainstream popularity. Since then, we’ve seen a proliferation of voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, among others. These assistants use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to voice commands, making it possible to perform a wide range of tasks without ever having to touch your device.
But what about answering calls? Can you really answer your iPhone without touching the screen? The answer is yes, and it’s all thanks to the power of voice assistants and hands-free technology.
iPhone and Siri: A Match Made in Heaven
Apple’s Siri is one of the most popular voice assistants on the market, and it’s integrated seamlessly into the iPhone. With Siri, you can perform a wide range of tasks, from sending messages and making calls to setting reminders and getting directions. But can you answer calls with Siri?
The answer is yes. With iOS 11 and later, you can use Siri to answer calls hands-free. Here’s how:
When you receive a call, simply say “Hey Siri, answer call” or “Hey Siri, answer” to answer the call. You can also use Siri to decline calls by saying “Hey Siri, decline call” or “Hey Siri, decline”.
This feature is available on iPhone 6s and later, as well as on iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 4. However, it’s worth noting that this feature only works when your iPhone is unlocked and Siri is enabled.
Siri Shortcuts: Taking Hands-Free to the Next Level
But that’s not all. With Siri Shortcuts, you can take hands-free to the next level. Siri Shortcuts is a feature that allows you to create custom voice commands to perform multiple tasks with a single voice command. For example, you can create a shortcut to answer a call, turn on speakerphone, and adjust the volume all with a single voice command.
To create a Siri Shortcut, follow these steps:
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
- Tap the “+” icon in the top-right corner to create a new shortcut
- Add the “Answer Call” action to your shortcut
- Add any additional actions you want to perform, such as turning on speakerphone or adjusting the volume
- Tap “Done” to save your shortcut
- Assign a voice command to your shortcut, such as “Hey Siri, answer call hands-free”
Now, when you receive a call, simply say your voice command to answer the call hands-free.
Other Ways to Answer Your iPhone Without Touching the Screen
While Siri is a great way to answer your iPhone without touching the screen, it’s not the only way. Here are a few other options:
Wireless Headphones and Earbuds
If you have wireless headphones or earbuds, such as Apple AirPods, you can use them to answer calls hands-free. With wireless headphones or earbuds, you can use the microphone to accept or decline calls using voice commands. For example, with AirPods, you can say “Hey Siri, answer call” or “Hey Siri, decline call” to answer or decline a call.
CarPlay and Bluetooth Devices
If you have a car with CarPlay integration or a Bluetooth device connected to your iPhone, you can use voice commands to answer calls hands-free. With CarPlay, you can use Siri to answer calls, and with Bluetooth devices, you can use voice commands to answer or decline calls.
The Benefits of Answering Your iPhone Without Touching the Screen
So why is answering your iPhone without touching the screen such a big deal? Here are just a few benefits:
Convenience and Safety
Answering your iPhone without touching the screen is not only convenient, but it’s also safer. When you’re driving, cooking, or engaging in any other activity that requires your full attention, answering your iPhone without touching the screen can help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Answering your iPhone without touching the screen is also a game-changer for people with disabilities. For those who have limited mobility or dexterity, voice assistants and hands-free technology can provide a level of independence and accessibility that was previously unavailable.
Hands-Free in the Workplace
Answering your iPhone without touching the screen can also be a productivity booster in the workplace. With the rise of remote work and flexible work arrangements, being able to answer calls hands-free can help you stay connected and focused, even when you’re not at your desk.
Conclusion
Answering your iPhone without touching the screen is a convenient, safe, and accessible way to stay connected on-the-go. With Siri, voice assistants, and hands-free technology, you can answer calls, send messages, and perform a wide range of tasks without ever having to touch your screen. Whether you’re driving, cooking, or working, answering your iPhone without touching the screen can help you stay focused, productive, and connected. So next time you receive a call, try answering it hands-free – you might just find that it’s the best way to take a call!
Can I answer a call on my iPhone without touching the screen?
You can answer a call on your iPhone without touching the screen by using Siri or Voice Control. With Siri, you can say “Hey Siri, answer call” to pick up the call. With Voice Control, you can say “Answer call” to answer the call. Additionally, if you have AirPods or earbuds connected to your iPhone, you can also answer the call by clicking the play/pause button on your earbuds.
It’s worth noting that these methods only work if you have Siri or Voice Control enabled on your iPhone. To enable Siri, go to Settings > Siri & Search and toggle on “Listen for ‘Hey Siri'”. To enable Voice Control, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.
Can I make a call on my iPhone without touching the screen?
Yes, you can make a call on your iPhone without touching the screen by using Siri or Voice Control. With Siri, you can say “Hey Siri, call [name]” or “Hey Siri, dial [phone number]” to make a call. With Voice Control, you can say “Make call” followed by the name or phone number of the person you want to call.
You can also use AirPods or earbuds to make a call by clicking the play/pause button twice and saying the name or phone number of the person you want to call. This method only works if you have AirPods or earbuds connected to your iPhone.
Do I need to enable any features to use hands-free calling on my iPhone?
Yes, you need to enable Siri or Voice Control on your iPhone to use hands-free calling. To enable Siri, go to Settings > Siri & Search and toggle on “Listen for ‘Hey Siri'”. To enable Voice Control, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.
Make sure that you have the latest version of iOS installed on your iPhone, as hands-free calling features may not be available on older versions of iOS. Additionally, ensure that your iPhone is connected to a stable internet connection, as hands-free calling features may not work without an internet connection.
Can I use hands-free calling with any iPhone model?
Hands-free calling features are available on iPhone 6s and later models, as well as iPhone SE and later models. If you have an older iPhone model, you may not be able to use hands-free calling features.
However, if you have AirPods or earbuds connected to your iPhone, you can use them to make and answer calls on any iPhone model that supports Bluetooth connectivity.
Is hands-free calling available on other Apple devices?
Yes, hands-free calling is available on other Apple devices, including iPad and iPod touch models that support Siri and Voice Control. You can use Siri or Voice Control to make and answer calls on these devices, just like on your iPhone.
However, keep in mind that hands-free calling features may not be available on all Apple devices, especially older models. Make sure to check the device’s settings to see if hands-free calling is available.
Is hands-free calling secure?
Hands-free calling on your iPhone is secure, as it uses the same encryption and security protocols as traditional calling. When you make or answer a call using Siri or Voice Control, your iPhone uses end-to-end encryption to protect your call from unauthorized access.
However, as with any voice assistant or voice control feature, there is a risk of unauthorized access or misuse if someone gains access to your iPhone or Apple ID. Make sure to keep your iPhone and Apple ID secure by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Can I customize hands-free calling on my iPhone?
Yes, you can customize hands-free calling on your iPhone by adjusting the settings for Siri and Voice Control. For example, you can adjust the sensitivity of Siri’s voice recognition or choose a different voice for Voice Control.
You can also customize the experience of making and answering calls with AirPods or earbuds by adjusting the settings for Double Tap and Triple Tap in Settings > Bluetooth > [AirPods or earbuds name].