8 Ways to Fix Call Failed Error on Apple Watch

Making calls directly from your Apple Watch is meant to be seamless, but you may encounter the dreaded “Call Failed” message when trying to place a call. This error typically pops up due to connectivity issues between your paired iPhone and Apple Watch that interfere with routing calls properly. While frustrating, there are several troubleshooting techniques you can try to get calls working again on your Apple Watch before needing to replace any hardware. Below are 8 methods to help resolve those pesky call failed errors.

1. Check Bluetooth Connection Between iPhone and Apple Watch

Since Bluetooth provides the critical communication between your iPhone and Apple Watch, first ensure Bluetooth is turned on and paired properly:

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth and verify Bluetooth is toggled on

• If off, toggle Bluetooth on

On Apple Watch

• Open Settings app and tap Bluetooth

• Confirm Bluetooth is enabled. Enable if disabled.

Next, try resetting the Bluetooth connection between devices:

On iPhone and Apple Watch

• Force restart both devices by holding down the side button and digital crown simultaneously until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen

• Once restarted, go into Bluetooth settings

• Make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch show as Connected

This restart refreshes the Bluetooth pairing to restore communication between devices.

2. Check iOS Software Updates

Having the latest operating software and firmware is key for ongoing iPhone and Apple Watch connectivity. Software updates include bug fixes and performance improvements.

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update

• Install any iOS updates available for your version of iPhone

On Apple Watch

• Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone

• Go to General > Software Update

• Install the latest watchOS update for your Apple Watch model

After updates are installed, check if the call failure error persists on your Apple Watch. Updates provide important fixes for connectivity issues.

3. Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off

As a connectivity reset, toggling Airplane mode off and on can restart connections and get calls working again:

On iPhone and Apple Watch

• Open Settings app and toggle Airplane mode on

• Wait 30 seconds with Airplane mode enabled

• Then open Settings and toggle Airplane mode off

On your Apple Watch, try to make a call after toggling Airplane mode back off to see if connectivity was restored.

4. Unpair and Repair Apple Watch

If simpler resets don’t work, try unpairing then repairing your Apple Watch:

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to your Apple Watch

• Tap Unpair Apple Watch to disassociate it from your iPhone

On Apple Watch

• Open the Settings app and tap Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to wipe your watch

Then you’ll have to set up your Apple Watch from scratch:

• Repair your watch with your iPhone like when you first set up your device This re-establishes connections which sometimes fixes issues.

5. Reset Network Settings on iPhone

Resetting all network settings wipes the slate clean which can solve persistently bad connections:

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset

• Tap Reset Network Settings

• Agree to reset settings when prompted

Note: This will sign you out of WiFi networks and delete VPN connections, so you’ll have to rejoin your WiFi and VPN afterward

But resetting networks helps eliminate odd bugs that device restores don’t always catch.

6. Update Carrier Settings

Updating your carrier settings ensures you have your cell provider’s latest configurations for optimal connectivity:

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > General > About

• Tap Carrier

• If an update is available, install it

• Restart your iPhone after updating carrier settings

Having the most up-to-date carrier settings helps maximize cellular call connectivity between your iPhone and Apple Watch.

7. Turn Off Wi-Fi Calling

If you have Wi-Fi Calling enabled, try turning it off to eliminate interference and use only cellular calling:

On iPhone

• Go to Settings > Phone

• Tap Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it off

• Make a test call from Apple Watch

With Wi-Fi Calling disabled, check if standard cellular calls now go through on your watch.

8. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above tips resolve recurring call failed errors on your Apple Watch, contact Apple support. Provide the details and history of issues, as you may need to send in your watch or iPhone for examination and possible replacement. For this, On your computer or device, go to https://support.apple.com & from here you can get in touch with the Apple Support team.

Conclusion

With an Apple Watch relying so heavily on iPhone connectivity, call errors can have various causes. But don’t panic—in many cases call failures can be fixed yourself without replacing your watch. Start with the Bluetooth reset while installing all the latest software updates. Toggle Airplane mode on and off as another shortcut to refreshing connections. Hopefully, with one of these 8 troubleshooting techniques, you can get calls working properly again on your Apple Watch. But if problems continue despite multiple efforts on your part, tap into Apple’s Support resources for warranty-covered repair options.

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