Other reasons include FaceTime being turned off, the iPhone being out of reach, or problems with the network. Before trying the solutions below, restart both your Apple Watch and iPhone. Also note, most iPhones without FaceTime (especially those with models ending in EA) may display a call failed error on the Apple Watch. Additionally, when making a call from your Apple Watch, ensure you are within active Bluetooth range of your iPhone.
1. Re-Pair Your Earbuds with the Apple Watch
You may see this error if you’re trying to use earbuds with your Apple Watch but the connection is stuck or isn’t working properly. In this situation, unpairing and then re-pairing your earbuds can often fix the problem.
2. Re-Pair the Apple Watch and iPhone
The call failed error may be caused by a temporary glitch in the connection between your iPhone and Apple Watch. Re-pairing them can help.
3. Disable Optimized Battery Charging in iPhone Settings
Optimized Battery Charging is designed to slow battery aging by learning your charging habits, but sometimes it can interfere with how your Apple Watch communicates with your iPhone. Turning off this setting may help.
4. Disable Wi-Fi Calling and Handoff on Apple Watch and iPhone
Your Apple Watch can make calls using Wi-Fi (learn more). The Handoff feature lets you switch between Apple devices easily. Sometimes, if these features are stuck or not working properly, you may see the call failure. Turning them off and on again can help.
5. Unlock Your iPhone Before Calling Through the Apple Watch
Sometimes, there’s a bug that prevents you from making calls from your Apple Watch if your iPhone’s screen is locked. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked before trying to place a call from your Apple Watch.
6. Unlock the Apple Watch Using Your iPhone
A glitch between devices can occasionally cause call errors. Unlocking your Apple Watch via your iPhone rather than directly on the watch can clear up this problem. Many users have found this method helpful.
7. Toggle Bluetooth on Apple Watch and iPhone
Your Apple Watch uses Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi) to communicate with your iPhone. Sometimes, toggling Bluetooth off and on can reset the connection and solve the issue. Be sure to keep Wi-Fi enabled during this process if you aren’t using a mobile data plan.
8. Toggle Wi-Fi on Apple Watch and iPhone
The Apple Watch needs either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to your iPhone. Sometimes, toggling Wi-Fi can help resolve calling issues.
9. Update Your iPhone’s iOS to the Latest Version
Apple regularly releases iOS updates with bug fixes and improvements. Running outdated software might be causing your problem. Updating your iPhone’s iOS could resolve the issue.
10. Update Your Apple Watch to the Latest WatchOS
Keeping your Apple Watch’s operating system updated can solve bugs and glitches like the call failed error.
11. Reset Your Apple Watch to Factory Defaults
If re-pairing hasn’t worked, there’s a chance your Apple Watch’s system is corrupted. Resetting it to factory settings may resolve persistent issues.
