The basic way to answer a call
When someone calls your Samsung phone, a full-screen notification appears with the caller's name or number, a green answer button, and a red decline button. Tap the green button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to answer. On some Samsung models, you can also press the volume up button or the power button to answer without looking at the screen.
If your phone is locked when the call comes in, the answer and decline buttons still appear on the lock screen. You do not need to unlock your phone first. straightforward tap the green answer button or swipe up, and the call connects when ready.
Once you answer, the call screen shows the caller's information, a keypad for entering numbers during the call, a speaker button, a mute button, and an end-call button. The call timer appears at the top so you can see how long you have been talking.
Key Takeaways
- Tap the green answer button or swipe up from the bottom when a call arrives to connect when ready.
- You can answer calls from your lock screen without unlocking your phone first.
- On many Samsung models, pressing the volume up or power button also answers the call.
- During a call, use the speaker, mute, and keypad buttons to control your conversation.
- Declining a call sends it to voicemail, and you can call the person back later from your recent calls list.
Answering calls when your phone is in your pocket or bag
If your Samsung phone is in your pocket or bag when it rings, you can answer without taking it out. Press the volume up button or the power button on the side of the phone, and the call will connect. Your voice will come through the phone's speaker, and you can hear the caller through the same speaker.
This feature is useful when your hands are full or when you want to answer quickly without fumbling for the phone. Be aware that using the speaker means everyone nearby can hear both sides of the conversation. If you need privacy, take the phone out and hold it to your ear instead.
Answering calls when your screen is off
When your Samsung phone's screen is off and a call arrives, the answer and decline buttons appear on the dark lock screen. Tap the green answer button, and the call connects. The screen turns on automatically so you can see who is calling.
If you want to decline the call instead, tap the red button or swipe down from the top of the screen. The call goes to voicemail, and the caller can leave a message if your voicemail is set up. You can return the call later by opening the Phone app and tapping the recent calls list.
Using voice commands to answer
If your Samsung phone has Bixby or Google Assistant enabled, you can answer calls using your voice. When a call arrives, say "Answer" or "Accept," and the phone will connect the call. This works even if your hands are full or your phone is across the room.
To use voice commands, your phone must have a voice assistant turned on in Settings. Most Samsung phones come with Bixby, but you can also use Google Assistant if you prefer. Voice commands work best in quiet environments where the phone can hear you clearly.
What to do if you cannot answer right away
If a call arrives and you cannot answer when ready, let it go to voicemail. Tap the red decline button or ignore the notification, and the call will be sent to your voicemail system. The caller can leave a message, and you can listen to it later.
You can also send a text message to the caller instead of answering. Some Samsung phones show a "Send message" option on the incoming call screen. Tap it, choose a preset message or write your own, and the text will be sent while the call goes to voicemail.
Answering calls on speakerphone automatically
If you want all calls to answer on speakerphone automatically, you can change this setting in the Phone app. Open the Phone app, tap the three-line menu button, go to Settings, and look for "Call answering and release" or "Answer calls." Some Samsung models call this "Answer calls with speakerphone" or similar.
Turning on automatic speakerphone means every call will play through your phone's speaker instead of the earpiece. This is useful if you have hearing difficulties or if you are in a situation where you need both hands free. You can still switch to the earpiece during the call by tapping the speaker button.
Troubleshooting when you cannot answer calls
If the answer button does not appear or does not work when someone calls, check whether Do Not Disturb mode is on. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open Quick Settings, and look for "Do Not Disturb." If it is turned on, tap it to turn it off so calls can come through normally.
If calls are still not coming through, check that airplane mode is off. Airplane mode blocks all calls and messages. You can also restart your phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds, which fixes many call-related problems. If the issue continues, contact your carrier to make sure your account is active and your phone is properly connected to the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I answer a call without touching my phone?
Yes. Press the volume up button or power button on the side of your phone to answer without tapping the screen. You can also use voice commands like "Answer" if you have Bixby or Google Assistant turned on. The call will connect through your phone's speaker.
What happens if I swipe down instead of up when a call arrives?
Swiping down declines the call and sends it to voicemail. If you accidentally decline a call, you can call the person back from your recent calls list in the Phone app. There is no way to retrieve a call that has already gone to voicemail.
Why is my answer button not showing up?
Check whether Do Not Disturb mode is on by swiping down from the top of your screen twice. Also make sure airplane mode is off. If calls still do not come through, restart your phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds. Contact your carrier if the problem continues.
Can I answer calls from my smartwatch if I have one?
Yes, if your Samsung smartwatch is paired with your phone, you can answer calls directly from your wrist. The call will route through your phone, but you can control it from your watch. Check your watch settings to make sure call notifications are turned on.