Remember those films where people talk to someone else using their wristwatches? That’s definitely one of the hottest fictional trends in the past. Today, that fiction has become a reality. With the recent advancements in the manufacturing of smartwatches, so many things have become possible. Some models can track your weight loss, while others let you monitor your emails. Can a smartwatch answer phone calls? I
Can You Answer Calls on Smartwatch?
Smartwatches can now monitor your heart rate, determine your location through GPS, play music, and even receive SMS. Yet, perhaps the latest improvement in these gadgets is voice communication.
Some smartwatch models come with a headphones jack to let you connect your headphones and hear what the person on the other side of the call is saying. On the other hand, more advanced models have Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones.
How to Answer Calls on a Smartwatch
If you can answer calls on a smartwatch, the next question is, how? How does a watch know who’s calling? How does it receive the call’s transmission? To answer these questions, let’s take a closer look into the two types of connectivity.
Bluetooth
Probably the easiest way to make and receive phone calls using your smartwatch is via Bluetooth. We’ve mentioned earlier that smartwatches have this, but it’s not solely for wireless headsets.
A smartwatch’s Bluetooth technology also allows you to connect the gadget to your smartphone. After doing so, you have the option to sync your contacts from the phone to the watch. The watch can then receive the calls coming through your phone.
The trick is making sure the watch is compatible with your phone in the first place. Otherwise, you’d have a hard time setting it up, or worse, you might need to purchase a new smartwatch.
SIM Card
If your smartwatch is incompatible with your phone, but you still want to receive and answer calls, you have another option. Some smartwatches can stand alone, which means they have their own SIM card slots. Through this, your watch can access calls via your network provider. However, this also means you need a new SIM card, different from the one you use on your phone.
How Many SIM Cards Can You Insert in a Smartwatch?
Standalone smartwatches often have just a single SIM card slot. You have to consider the size of the watch. As this is a pretty small device, every single millimeter is important for it to perform at its best.
Installing two SIM card slots into a smartwatch just doesn’t seem like a wise use of space. There are probably a few manufacturers that have tried this, but we’re sure that it compromises the overall quality of the watch.
What Kind of SIM Card Do You Need for a Smartwatch?
The most common type of SIM card slot you’ll see in a smartwatch is for the nano-SIM. As we’ve said, even the tiniest bit of space is important in a smartwatch. Hence, the smallest SIM card just seems like the best option. Some models might still use the micro-SIM, but they might be a bit difficult to find.
On the other hand, you will also find models that utilize eSIMs. These watches do not have a SIM card slot because it does not need a physical SIM. The mobile number or SIM of this smartwatch is embedded in the device. After purchasing the product, you simply need to get in touch with the network provider to activate the eSIM, and you’re good to go.
Can Smartwatches Receive Calls Without Bluetooth and SIM Card?
Smartwatches would pretty much still work and let you enjoy all the other features even if you don’t link it to your phone or insert a SIM card. However, is it possible to still receive calls without using the two methods?
That depends on your smartwatch. A few recent models allow you to use your old phone number, the one in your smartphone, through NumberShare or NumberSync. However, these two methods are only available via AT&T and Verizon.
What does this mean for you? With this tech, you can leave your phone at home and still receive calls through your smartwatch. That’s because this feature does not use Bluetooth but instead utilizes cellular network connectivity.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that these companies often charge their customers a few bucks per month for this type of data plan. If you think it’s worth it and you’ll be putting it to good use, try inquiring about this feature.
Conclusion
Can you answer calls on your smartwatch? Yes, of course! It’s just a matter of what type of connectivity do you prefer. Do you want to use your old phone number? Do you mind if you use your phone and smartwatch’s Bluetooth connectivity all the time? With answers to these questions, it would be easy to find a smartwatch that matches your needs.