With AirPods Max, you can make and answer calls, mute or unmute during a call, decline an incoming call, and answer a second call, all with the Digital Crown. It also changes the volume while you’re on a call. If you have AirPods Max 2, you can nod your head to answer a call.
Make and answer calls with AirPods Max
- Wear your AirPods Max, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
- Do one of the following:
- Make a call: On an iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular model), say “Hey Siri” and then say something like “Call Eliza’s mobile.” On an iPad without cellular, say something like “Make a FaceTime call,” or press and hold the Digital Crown, wait for a chime and then make your request.
You can also make a call on your device, such as in the FaceTime app or Phone app.
- Answer a call: Press the Digital Crown.
- End a call: Double-click the Digital Crown.
If you turn on Announce Calls, you can also answer or decline a call using your voice. If you have AirPods Max 2, you can nod your head up and down to answer a call, or shake your head side to side to decline a call. See Use controls and gestures with your AirPods.
- Make a call: On an iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular model), say “Hey Siri” and then say something like “Call Eliza’s mobile.” On an iPad without cellular, say something like “Make a FaceTime call,” or press and hold the Digital Crown, wait for a chime and then make your request.
Note: Turning the Digital Crown changes the volume while you’re on a call.
Mute or unmute during a call
During a call, press the Digital Crown.
In certain apps, like FaceTime, a sound and a message let you know if the microphone’s on or off.
Decline an incoming call
If your AirPods Max are connected to an iPhone, you’re able to decline an incoming phone call and send it directly to voicemail.
When you receive an incoming call, double-click the Digital Crown.
On AirPods Max 2, you can decline a call by shaking your head side to side. For more gestures, see our article, Use controls and gestures with your AirPods.
Answer a second call with AirPods Max
- When a second call comes in, press the Digital Crown to put the first call on hold and answer the new one.
- Do any of the following:
- Switch between calls: Press the Digital Crown.
- End the current call and switch to the one on hold: Double-click the Digital Crown.
If you’d like to switch the controls to end a call and mute or unmute, read our guide, Change how you end a call and mute yourself with AirPods Max.
This guide is for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, or later.
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