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In today’s fast-paced world, technological advancements have provided us with the luxury of answering phone calls without even touching our screens. This can be particularly useful in situations where you have dirty hands, are wearing gloves, or simply don’t want to be bothered with picking up your phone. In this blog post, we will explore different methods that allow you to answer an iPhone without touching the screen, highlighting their pros and cons, and providing alternative solutions in case these methods don’t work for you.
Why You Need to Answer an iPhone without Touching the Screen
- Convenience: Answering calls without touching the screen can save you time and effort, especially in situations where you might be occupied with other tasks or have limited mobility.
- Hygiene: Touchscreens can harbor bacteria and germs, so avoiding direct contact with your phone screen can help maintain better hygiene.
- Protection: Using alternative methods to answer calls can also prevent accidental drops or damage to your phone, especially when you’re in a rush or have slippery hands.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Answering with Voice Control
Using voice control is a popular method to answer calls without touching the screen. This feature is available on most iPhones and allows you to perform various actions on your device using only your voice. Here are the steps to answer an iPhone call using voice control:
1. Activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" or pressing and holding the home button (for older iPhone models).
2. Once Siri is activated, say "Answer the call" or simply "Answer."
3. Siri will then answer the call for you, and you can start the conversation using your voice.
Pros:
- Hands-free operation
- Convenient for people with limited mobility or disabilities
- Eliminates the need to touch your phone screen, promoting better hygiene
Cons:
- Requires a stable internet connection for Siri to function properly
- May not always accurately recognize voice commands
- Needs to be enabled and set up properly on your iPhone
Part 2. Using Headphones or AirPods
Another method to answer an iPhone without touching the screen is by using headphones or AirPods. This method is especially useful when your phone is out of reach, but you still want to answer the call. Here’s how you can answer a call using headphones or AirPods:
1. Connect your headphones or AirPods to your iPhone.
2. When a call comes in, you will hear a ringing sound in your headphones or AirPods.
3. Simply press the multi-function button on your headphones or double-tap your AirPods to answer the call.
Pros:
- Allows you to answer calls from a distance
- Hands-free operation
- Great for situations where your phone is not easily accessible
Cons:
- Requires the use of headphones or AirPods
- May not be convenient if you don’t have your headphones or AirPods with you
- The sound quality may vary depending on the headphones or AirPods you are using
Part 3. Using AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature available on iPhones that allows you to perform various actions on your device without touching the screen. This feature provides a virtual button overlay that can be customized to perform specific functions. Here are the steps to answer an iPhone call using AssistiveTouch:
1. Go to Settings on your iPhone and navigate to "Accessibility."
2. Tap on "Touch," then select "AssistiveTouch."
3. Enable the AssistiveTouch feature by toggling the switch to the On position.
4. Tap on "Customize Top Level Menu" and add the "Answering a Call" option to the menu.
5. Press the AssistiveTouch button on your screen to open the menu.
6. Tap on the "Answering a Call" option when a call comes in to answer it.
Pros:
- Provides a virtual button overlay for easy access to various functions
- Allows you to answer calls without physically touching the screen
- Customizable and can be tailored to your specific needs
Cons:
- Requires enabling and setting up the AssistiveTouch feature
- The virtual button overlay may obstruct certain parts of the screen
- May take some time to get used to the navigation and customization of AssistiveTouch
Part 4. Using a Bluetooth Hands-Free Device
If you’re driving or have a Bluetooth hands-free device, you can easily answer calls without touching your iPhone. Bluetooth devices such as car systems or wireless earpieces allow you to answer calls with a single press of a button. Follow these steps to answer an iPhone call using a Bluetooth hands-free device:
1. Ensure that your Bluetooth device is connected to your iPhone.
2. When a call comes in, press the answer/end call button on your Bluetooth device to answer the call.
3. The call will be routed to your connected Bluetooth device, allowing you to communicate hands-free.
Pros:
- Safe and convenient for answering calls while driving
- Hands-free operation
- Bluetooth hands-free devices generally have good sound quality
Cons:
- Requires the use of a Bluetooth hands-free device
- May not be accessible for individuals without a Bluetooth device
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or car systems
What to Do If You Can’t Answer An iPhone without Touching the Screen
If the above methods are not suitable for your situation or don’t work for you, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Enable Auto-Answer Calls: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and enable "Auto-Answer Calls." With this feature on, your iPhone will automatically answer incoming calls after a specific number of seconds, allowing you to answer without touching the screen.
2. Use a Smartwatch: If you own a smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, you can answer calls directly from your wrist without touching your iPhone. Simply tap the answer button on your smartwatch to answer the call.
3. Delegate Call Answering: If none of the above options are feasible for you, consider delegating call answering to someone nearby. This could be a family member, coworker, or friend who can answer your phone on your behalf.
Bonus Tips
1. Use voice commands to perform additional actions on your iPhone, such as placing a call on hold or switching to speakerphone.
2. Experiment with different voice control apps available on the App Store to expand the capabilities of voice control on your iPhone.
3. Invest in high-quality headphones or wireless earbuds with built-in voice control capabilities for seamless phone call management.
The Bottom Line
Answering an iPhone without touching the screen can be extremely convenient and beneficial in various situations. By utilizing voice control, headphones or AirPods, AssistiveTouch, or Bluetooth hands-free devices, you can answer calls efficiently and hands-free. If these methods don’t work for you, consider alternative solutions such as enabling auto-answer calls, using a smartwatch, or delegating call answering to someone nearby.
5 FAQs about Answering an iPhone without Touching the Screen
Q1: Can any iPhone model use voice control for answering calls?
A1: Yes, most iPhone models support voice control for answering calls, including the latest iPhone 12 series.
Q2: How do I set up Siri for voice control on my iPhone?
A2: To set up Siri for voice control, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for "Hey Siri" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Q3: Can I answer calls with AirPods on any iPhone?
A3: Yes, AirPods can be used to answer calls on any iPhone model with Bluetooth connectivity.
Q4: Can AssistiveTouch be customized for other functions besides answering calls?
A4: Yes, AssistiveTouch can be customized to perform various functions on your iPhone, such as taking screenshots, locking the screen, or adjusting volume.
Q5: Are there any Bluetooth hands-free devices that can be used with iPhones?
A5: Yes, there are numerous Bluetooth hands-free devices available in the market, including car systems, wireless earpieces, and Bluetooth headsets that can be used with iPhones.