Tech Reference

How to make a FaceTime audio call on your Apple Watch using Siri or the Phone app

close-up of hands touching apple watch
Using FaceTime Audio on an Apple Watch can give you a better connection than a regular phone call. JUNG YEON-JE / Staff/Getty Images
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One of the best parts of having an Apple device is being able to connect with other Apple users via video and audio calls with just the tap of a button, thanks to Apple's FaceTime. 

Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, and Apple Watch have FaceTime capability built in. However, on an Apple Watch, you can only place FaceTime Audio calls. That's because Apple Watches do not have a built-in camera.  

FaceTime Audio on an Apple Watch does have certain perks though, especially when compared to a normal phone call. With FaceTime Audio, all you need is an internet connection – no cellular service required – and it won't use your cellular minutes. 

And using FaceTime Audio over Wi-Fi rather than your cellular network can improve the audio quality of your calls. It may, however, use data if you are not connected to Wi-Fi. 

If you'd like to make a FaceTime audio call on your Apple Watch, it's easy to do so using Siri or your watch's Phone app. 

Use Apple Watch FaceTime with Siri 

1. While pressing down on the Apple Watch's digital crown, say "Hey Siri." You can also tap the Siri widget if you have it activated on your Apple Watch.

2. Say "FaceTime [your contact's name here]." 

3. Siri will then initiate a FaceTime audio call to the contact you named. 

Try Apple Watch FaceTime with the Phone app

1. Open the Phone app on your watch and go to your contact list. 

2. Find the contact you want to call and tap on their name. 

3. Then, on the person's contact page, tap the phone icon.

Screenshot of Apple Watch contact page
Tap the phone icon.  William Antonelli/Insider

4. On the next page, select FaceTime Audio

Screenshot of FaceTime Audio button on Apple Watch
Select "FaceTime Audio."  William Antonelli/Insider

5. Your watch will then begin calling the selected contact.

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Jennifer is a writer and editor from Brooklyn, New York, who spends her time traveling, drinking iced coffee, and watching way too much TV. She has bylines in Vanity Fair, Glamour, Decider, Mic, and many more. You can find her on Twitter at @jenniferlstill.