Imagine you are in a crowded subway 🚇 with your headphones 🎧 on. Now, a phone rings, but you are unable to pick it up, holding onto a subway rail. During this time, you wish, “Phones should have a way to answer calls on their own.”

Well, they do! ✅

Auto-answer is an advanced feature that lets phones pick up calls 📞 on their own, making it easier when you’re busy, driving, or simply unable to tap the screen.

So, how to auto-answer calls on your phone? 🤔

In this article, we will discuss how to enable auto-answer calls on your iPhone and Android.

Let’s get into it,

🔑Key Highlights
  • Auto-answer is a helpful feature in your phone system that lets your phone pick up calls for you.
  • On your iPhone, to enable auto answer, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Call Audio Routing > Auto-Answer Calls and turn it on
  • On your Android, to enable auto-answer, Go to Phone app > tap three-dot menu > select Settings > Call Settings or Accessibility, turn auto Auto Answer Calls.
  • Whenever your phone is on, it automatically picks up the call after a specific period of time after ringing.
  • If you receive frequent work calls in your business, auto-answer ensures you don’t miss any important ones.

What does the Auto answer mean?

A Guy performing auto answer feature while driving.

Auto-answer is a helpful feature in your phone system that lets your phone pick up calls for you. You won’t have to touch or press the button on your device. Whenever your phone is on, it automatically picks up the call after a specific period of time after ringing.

For example, if you’re driving, you can take calls without looking at the phone. Your phone will announce the caller and receive it. If you’re working out, you can talk while still exercising. This feature is great for people who find it hard to press buttons or tap the screen while focusing on something.

Furthermore, In the settings app, you can choose how long your phone waits before answering and if you want it for all calls or just certain contacts.

Auto-answer can be managed through audio settings, some call options, and more. You can control the way auto-answer handles calls to help avoid missed calls and improve your experience overall.

Auto answer can be beneficial for you:

🚗 While Driving: You can take calls hands-free without touching your phone.

🏋️‍♂️ During Workouts: Answer calls without stopping your exercise.

♿ For Accessibility Needs: Helpful for people who find it difficult to tap the screen or press buttons.

🎧 When Using Bluetooth or Headphones: Calls can be picked up automatically while using wireless devices.

😵‍💫 In a No-Touch Environment: If your hands are dirty, wet, or busy, auto-answer helps.

💼 For Business Calls: If you receive frequent work calls, auto-answer ensures you don’t miss any important ones.

Is it possible to set up a Phone to Answer the calls automatically?

Yes, you can set up a phone to answer the calls automatically. Most smartphones have a setting for this feature. When your phone is turned on, it will automatically pick up calls after ringing for a few seconds.

This feature works for both iPhones and Android phones. You can find this option in the “Settings” app, usually under accessibility or call settings.

Also, some phones let you choose when and how the call is answered automatically. For example, you can set it to answer automatically after 4-5 rings.

Furthermore, you can choose:

  • How long should the phone wait before answering?
  • Whether to enable it for all calls or only specific contacts.
  • If It should work only when connected to Bluetooth devices or headphones.

How to enable auto-answer calls on iPhone?

If you want to turn on the auto answer feature on your iPhone, all you have to do is toggle a little button.

✔️ Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone from the home screen.

✔️ Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

✔️ Step 3: Under the Touch section, find Call Audio Routing.

✔️ Step 4: Tap on Auto-Answer Calls.

✔️ Step 5: Toggle the switch to turn it on.

✔️ Step 6: Set the duration of time before the call is answered automatically.

Here’s how you can enable auto-answer on iPhone:

After you have completed the process mentioned above, now all your calls will be picked up automatically. For better reliability, you can also enable the announce calls feature, which tells you who is calling before the call is picked up.

However, it waits 3 seconds to answer the call by default. During these 3 seconds, users will get time to reject a call or send it to Voicemail if they don’t want to answer a particular caller.

This feature also works for FaceTime calls, allowing you to answer video calls automatically when enabled.

How to enable auto-answer calls on an iPhone for specific numbers?

Now, you know how to enable auto-answer calls on an iPhone. But what if you just want to add a specific Caller ID or CNAM to answer the call automatically?

On iPhone, you cannot directly just add people from auto-answer as it does not have that feature on it.

Here’s what you need to do:

✔️ Step 1: Enable auto-answer call.

  • Follow the abovementioned steps to enable auto-answer calls.

✔️ Step 2: Create a Custom Focus Mode:

  • Go to Settings, select Focus, and tap the + icon in the top right corner.
  • Select Custom from the options.
  • Give your new Focus mode a name (e.g., “Auto-Answer Contact”).
  • Tap Next.

✔️ Step 3: Allow Calls From a Specific Person:

  • Under the “Allowed Notifications” section, tap on People.
  • Tap + Add and select the specific contact you want calls to be auto-answered from. You can add more than just 1 person.
  • Ensure the “Allow Calls From” is set to “Allowed People”

✔️ Step 4: Enable the Custom Focus Mode:

  • Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner of your home screen).
  • Tap on the Focus button.
  • Select the custom Focus mode you just created.

How to enable auto-answer calls in Android?

If you want to enable auto-answer calls on your Android phone. You can enable this feature in a few simple steps. Most of the android device offers this feature. However, the process can be different depending on the brand of your device.

Also, some device offers you the option to choose where you can route the call. This means your call can go through a phone speaker, Bluetooth headset, or wired headphones.

Most Android devices have the option to turn on auto-answer calls with just a few taps. But If your phone does not have this built-in, you can also use third-party apps to enable this feature.

Here’s how you can enable auto-answer calls in Android:

✔️ Step 1: Open the Phone app

✔️ Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu on the top right corner

✔️ Step 3: Select Settings. However, some Android phones might have:

  • Call Settings: This is a common name for the section containing call-related options.
  • Accessibility: On some Android phones, especially newer versions or certain manufacturers like Samsung.
  • You might also find it directly under Answering and Ending Calls.

✔️ Step 4: Find the Auto Answer Calls option. The name is usually something similar like:

  • Auto Answer
  • Answer automatically
  • Automatic Answering

✔️ Step 5: Turn it on and set the duration. You’ll typically find a toggle to turn the feature on or off and options to set the delay before the call is automatically answered.

💡Pro tip: If you don’t find the call settings options, look in the Accessibility.

After you have completed the mentioned steps, your Android phone will automatically pick up the call after ringing certain rings. But what if you want to enable auto-answer for one specific number only but not for all numbers in your contact list?

Auto answer calls for specific numbers on android

If you want your Android phone to answer all your calls automatically for specific numbers only, you can set it up. By this, you can select only specific numbers such as your friends, family, or colleagues.

However, you cannot find an in-build function call for a specific number on Android.

But there are alternative methods available. You can use third-party apps like Truecaller, Tasker, or Google Assistant routines to use this feature.

Using Truecaller for Auto-Answer

Truecaller is mainly used for caller ID and spam blocking, but it also has an auto-answer feature.

✔️ Step 1: Download Truecaller from the Google Play Store.

✔️ Step 2: Open the app and go to Settings, then find Calls.

✔️ Step 3: Find the Auto-Answer option.

✔️ Step 4: Choose specific contacts for auto-answering.

Using Tasker for Auto-Answer

Tasker is a powerful automation app that allows you to create custom auto-answer rules for specific contacts.

Steps to Enable Auto-Answer in Tasker:

✔️ Step 1: Download and install Tasker from the Google Play Store.

✔️ Step 2: Open the app and create a New Task.

✔️ Step 3: Set a condition to check if the incoming call is from a specific contact.

✔️ Step 4: Choose the action to automatically answer calls from that number.

✔️ Step 5: Save and activate the task.

This method requires some setup, but it gives you full control over which calls are answered automatically and which ones are not.

Using Google Assistant Routines for Auto-Answer

Google Assistant allows you to auto-answer calls from selected contacts using custom routines.

Steps to Enable Auto-Answer in Google Assistant:

✔️ Step 1: Open Google Assistant settings on your phone.

✔️ Step 2: Go to Routines and tap on Create New Routine.

✔️ Step 3: Set the trigger as “When a specific contact calls.”

✔️ Step 4: Choose the action “Answer the call.”

✔️ Step 5: Save and enable the routine.

How to auto-answer calls in the desktop and web app

Some communication apps on desktop and web applications also offer an auto-answer feature. This is especially useful for professionals who take calls through their PC or laptop and want calls to be answered automatically without manual input.

How to Enable Auto-Answer in Microsoft Teams

✔️ Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams on your desktop or web browser.

✔️ Step 2: Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and go to Settings.

✔️ Step 3: Navigate to Calls in the left sidebar.

✔️ Step 4: Look for the Auto-Answer Calls option.

✔️ Step 5: Toggle it on and choose where the audio should be routed (e.g., speaker, headset).

How to Enable Auto-Answer in Zoom (Desktop/Web)

✔️ Step 1: Open the Zoom app on your desktop or log in via a web browser.

✔️ Step 2: Click on your profile picture and go to Settings.

✔️ Step 3: Select the Audio tab.

✔️ Step 4: Scroll down to find Auto-Answer Group Calls.

✔️ Step 5: Turn on the setting and specify which contacts can auto-answer.

⚠️If you don’t set limits, auto-answer might pick up unwanted calls, including spam or unknown numbers.

How to Disable Auto-Answer Calls

If you don’t want any longer to answer your call automatically, you can turn the feature off easily. Whether you have enabled this feature from settings, from a third-party app, or set up google assistant routines. You can easily turn it off in similar steps to how you have enabled it.

Disable Auto Answer Calls in iPhone and Android.

Turn Off Auto-Answer Calls on iPhone

✔️ Step 1: Open the Settings app.

✔️ Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.

✔️ Step 3: Under the Touch section, tap Call Audio Routing.

✔️ Step 4: Tap on Auto-Answer Calls.

✔️ Step 5: Toggle the switch off to disable auto-answering.

Once turned off, your iPhone will no longer answer calls automatically. You will have to pick up calls manually when they come in.

Turn Off Auto-Answer Calls on Android

✔️ Step 1: Open the Phone app on your Android device.

✔️ Step 2: Tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

✔️ Step 3: Select Settings, then go to Call Settings or Accessibility (depending on your phone model).

✔️ Step 4: Find the Auto-Answer Calls option.

✔️ Step 5: Toggle the setting off to disable the feature.

After turning this off, your phone will stop answering incoming calls automatically, and you will need to answer them manually.

⚠️Be careful in meetings or private moments—your phone could answer a call without you realizing it, leading to awkward situations.

Additional tips and considerations while using auto-answer

Here are some additional tips and considerations while using auto-answer:

Use Only When Necessary: Having your phone automatically answer calls is handy when hands-free is required, but having it on ALL the time will increase the chances of unwanted or spam calls. We recommend having it on when you actually need to use it.

Protect Your Privacy: If your phone is auto-answering calls in a public place, there is a chance of someone hearing it. This may be risky or uncomfortable if it’s a personal, private, or confidential phone call, so just be sure you’re in a safe setting when you auto-answer.

Check Audio Routing Settings: Auto-answer utilizes audio routing to provide the call audio to a speakerphone, Bluetooth headsets, or hearing aids. Be sure to select the appropriate item for your needs.

Set a Delay Before Answering: You can set a delay to answer calls after a period of seconds. This allows you to decide if you want to answer the call or choose to decline it.

📝 Real Talk

Sometimes, we’re too lazy to pick up the phone. In that time, the auto-answer feature makes sure you stay connected without lifting a finger.

Conclusion

The auto-answer feature on the phone helps you answer calls without using your hands. You don’t have to touch or do anything with your phone, it automatically picks up the call after certain rings. You can customize and set it up to answer calls in a way that works best for you.

You can use this feature on both Android and iPhone, even on your desktop, while using a web app. Auto-answer is helpful, but it is important to use it carefully, especially in public, to protect your privacy and avoid unwanted calls. By adjusting your settings, you can use this feature effectively while staying in control of your calls.

FAQs

What is auto-answer, and how does it work?

Auto-answer is a feature that allows your phone to automatically pick up incoming calls after a specified delay. It is useful for hands-free calling while driving, exercising, or in situations where you cannot manually accept calls.

Can I set my phone to auto-answer only for specific contacts?

  • On iPhone, you can use the Focus mode to allow auto-answer for specific contacts.
  • On Android, you need third-party apps like Tasker, Truecaller, or Google Assistant Routines to enable auto-answer for specific contacts.

Where can I find the auto-answer option on my phone?

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Call Audio Routing > Auto-Answer Calls and turn it on.
  • Android: The option is usually in Phone app > Settings > Call Settings > Auto Answer Calls (may vary by brand). If not available, use third-party apps.

How long does the phone wait before answering a call automatically?

You can customize the delay (usually between 3 to 5 seconds by default) before the call is answered. The option is available in the auto-answer settings.

How do I turn off auto-answer calls?

  • On iPhone: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Call Audio Routing > Auto-Answer Calls and toggle it off.
  • On Android: Go to Phone app > Settings > Call Settings/Accessibility and turn off the auto-answer option.

Does auto-answer drain the battery faster?

Auto-answer itself does not consume much battery, but keeping Bluetooth, Google Assistant, or third-party apps running in the background may slightly increase battery usage.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.