Can an Apple Watch make phone calls?

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Can Apple Watches make Phone Calls?

Published on 10 Feb 2026
Many of us know about the in-depth health and fitness features of a smart watch like the Apple Watch, but when it comes to functions more typical of a phone, that’s where the confusion can arise. Because when it comes to making a phone call, surely a watch is too small, awkward, and reliant on your mobile’s internet cellular data… right?


Well, no, Apple Watches offer convenient ways to make and receive calls on the go and phone-free, you just need to know where to look!

Can only cellular Apple Watches make phone calls?

When it comes to making phone calls and texts, it’s important to first know which type of Apple Watch you’re working with – either a Cellular + GPS Apple Watch or a GPS-only Apple Watch.

GPS-only watches can technically make phone calls and texts; however they will need to be near your phone to make this happen. If you’re on a run with your watch on but no phone in your pocket, you won’t be able to text, call, or stream like you usually would when your phone is near.

Check out our comparison guide on cellular Apple Watches vs GPS Apple Watches to know which one is right for you.

How to make phone calls on a cellular Apple Watch.

Wherever you are, regardless of a phone, you can make calls with your cellular Apple Watch, just make sure you have an Apple Watch data plan and an eSIM for your cellular watch.
        1. Go to the Phone app on your Apple Watch.
        2. Tap ‘Contacts’ and scroll until you find the person you wish to call.
        3. Tap the contact you want to call, then tap the phone button.

Tip: To quickly call a recent contact, tap ‘Recents’.
Tip: For a hands-free calling experience, you can use Siri. Say ‘Hey Siri, Call [Contact’s Name] and the watch will begin calling them.

How to make phone calls on a GPS-only Apple Watch.

If your mobile plan provider allows for wifi-calling, you can make calls when your Apple Watch is in the same vicinity as your iPhone. To do this follow the below steps:
        1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone, tap Wi-Fi Calling, then turn on both Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone and Add Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices.
        2. Go to the Phone app on your Apple Watch.
        3. Choose a contact, then tap the Call button.
        4. Select the phone number or FaceTime address you want to call.
 

Can I make and receive calls with an Apple Watch without an iPhone nearby?

All Apple Watches, whether cellular or GPS-only can make and receive emergency calls wherever you are using the Emergency SOS feature.

Otherwise, if you wish to make or receive standard calls on a GPS-only Apple Watch, you will need to do this via wifi-calling using your iPhone’s wifi connection or a local wifi connection.

Cellular Apple Watches can make and receive calls wherever you are, assuming there is a cellular network connection (some regional areas may not have a strong cellular coverage for making and receiving calls, just as you may experience with your iPhone’s cellular connection).

To know if your area has a strong network coverage, view our 4G and 5G network coverage map.

Is an Apple Watch data plan worth it?

Knowing whether investing in a cellular watch and smart watch eSIM is dependent on your budget and lifestyle. Beyond calling and texting wherever you are, many people choose to own a cellular Apple Watch for the connected features that are enabled phone-free.

Some of the benefits of a cellular Apple Watch and eSIM include:
  • Tracking fitness achievements seamlessly without a phone needed nearby.
  • Staying better focussed at places of work or study whilst still be contactable.
  • Many families choose a kids smart watch with calling so they can keep in contact with their children without investing a phone at their young age.
If you’re still wondering whether a cellular or GPS-only smart watch is best for you, check out our guide comparing the two options for more guidance.

Keep your loved ones connected with an Apple Watch eSIM plan from Everyday Mobile.

If staying connected on the go via your Apple Watch is something that is important to you, finding the right Apple Watch eSIM plan is the next step.

By being on an Everyday Mobile 5G SIM Only plan, you can choose to have a Smart Watch eSIM Add-on for only $10 extra per month. That’s a little under the cost of two coffees for connectivity where you are.

Learn more about our Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Ultra Watch eSIM Add-ons.

FAQs about Apple Watch calling and texting.

Can all Apple Watches make calls?

Yes, all Apple Watches can make calls, assuming non-cellular watches use the wifi-calling feature and are connected to wifi (either via a nearby iPhone or through a local wifi network). Cellular Apple Watches can make and receive calls and texts wherever you are, assuming you have an Apple Watch eSIM.

Can you call SOS from Apple Watch GPS?

Yes. You don’t need a cellular Apple Watch to make emergency calls. To make emergency calls with your Apple Watch you need to:
        1.  Press and hold the side button until the ‘Emergency SOS’ slider appears.
        2.  Drag the slider to make emergency call (in Australia this will call 000).

Do all Apple Watches have emergency SOS?

Yes, all Apple Watches, whether cellular or GPS-only, have the emergency SOS feature automatically included as part of the watch.

Note: Only Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra have fall and crash detection emergency features.

Can I text on my Apple Watch?

Yes. Similar to calling, Apple Watches can send and receive texts. Cellular Apple Watches can send and receive texts wherever you are, where as GPS-only Apple Watches will rely on a wifi connection.

To send a text via your Apple Watch:
        1.  Go to the Messages app on your Apple Watch.
        2.  Tap the Compose icon at the top of the screen.
        3.  Tap Add Contact, then do one of the following:
            a. Choose a recent contact by browsing through ‘Recent Contacts’.
            b.  Say the name of a contact via the speaker input option.
            c. Choose from the full list of Contacts.
            d.  Manually enter a phone number.
            e. Tap ‘Create Message’ then enter your message via typing or dictating.

Can Apple Watches make video calls?

No. Because the Apple Watch doesn’t have a built in camera, you can’t technically make or receive video calls through the watch. However, you can make and answer Facetime calls from your watch, which will be carried out through your iPhone. This works well for when your hands are full and you want to answer a call quickly, however you will need to continue the call through your iPhone once your hands are free.

Can you use social media on an Apple Watch?

Yes, you can use social media on an Apple Watch. For apps like SnapChat, there is a native app pre-installed on the Apple Watch that can be used. For other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, can be accessed by the built-in web browser. Many people also prefer using third-party apps like Lens for Instagram and Wristweb for Facebook. Have a play around and see what works for you.

Note: The information presented in this article was accurate and applicable at the time of its publication.

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