How can I answer my Android phone hands free?
Answering calls hands free on Android devices provides several key benefits. According to Mitel, hands-free operation can enhance productivity by allowing users to multitask while on calls. Hands-free operation also enables mobility, allowing users to continue conversations while moving around. Additionally, hands-free calling promotes safety by enabling drivers to keep their hands on the wheel. According to Moneypenny, using hands-free features ensures users never miss important calls. With 24/7 availability, hands-free operation delivers superior customer service. Furthermore, hands-free Bluetooth headsets and car systems offer convenience and seamless call management. Overall, answering Android calls hands free boosts efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness.
Enable Call Answering on Android
To enable call answering on Android phones, you can turn on the auto answer function within your phone’s settings. Here’s how to do it:
Open your Settings app and go to Accessibility. Scroll down and select Auto answer. Toggle the switch for Auto answer to the “on” position. This will allow your Android phone to answer incoming calls automatically after a set number of seconds.
The default duration is 5 seconds, but you can customize this by tapping the gear icon next to Auto answer. Adjust the “Auto answer after” duration to your preferred time. Some Android phones may also have additional auto answer settings you can configure here.
With auto answer enabled, your Android phone will now pick up incoming calls automatically without you having to tap or swipe anything. This allows you to answer calls hands-free when you are driving, busy, or unable to interact with the touchscreen. Just keep in mind that calls will be answered on speakerphone after the set duration.
Use Google Assistant
One of the easiest ways to answer your Android phone hands-free is by using Google Assistant. To get started, make sure you have the latest version of the Google app installed on your Android phone and that you’ve completed the setup for Google Assistant.
Then, go into your Google Assistant settings and enable “Voice Match” and “Hey Google” detection. This allows your phone to recognize your voice when you say “Hey Google” to activate the assistant.
Once enabled, you can say “Hey Google, answer call” when your phone rings and Google Assistant will answer the call for you without you needing to touch the phone. According to Google’s support article, Google Assistant will greet the caller and allow you to start talking right away.
If you want an extra level of screening, you can enable the “Call Screening” feature in your Google Assistant settings. This will have Google Assistant ask the caller their name and reason for calling before putting the call through to you. You can then choose to accept the call or have the assistant respond with a reason why you can’t talk.
With Google Assistant, answering calls on your Android device hands-free is quick and easy. Just speak up and let Google Assistant take the call for you.
Use Bixby Voice
Bixby Voice is Samsung’s intelligent voice assistant that allows you to control your Galaxy device hands-free. To use Bixby Voice to answer calls on your Samsung phone:
First, make sure Bixby Voice is enabled on your device. Open the Bixby app, go to Settings > Voice wake-up and toggle on “Wake with Hi Bixby”.
Then go to Settings > Calls and toggle on “Answer calls with Bixby Voice”. This will allow Bixby to answer calls for you when your phone rings.
When you receive an incoming call, simply say “Hi Bixby, answer” and Bixby will answer the call. Bixby will read you the caller ID so you know who is calling. Say “Hi Bixby, speaker on” to turn on speakerphone and talk hands-free.
To end the call, say “Hi Bixby, hang up”. Bixby will end the call for you. You can carry on a full conversation using just your voice, without ever needing to touch your phone.
Bixby Voice makes answering calls completely hands-free. Just make sure to enable Voice wake-up and Answer calls in Bixby settings. Then Bixby can answer, speak on speakerphone, and hang up calls all with voice commands. It’s an easy way to stay focused on other tasks while still taking your calls.
Sources:
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00092302/
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-use-bixby-answer-calls-respond/
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Try AirDroid
AirDroid is an app that allows you to control your Android device from your computer, including answering calls hands-free [1]. With AirDroid, you can initiate or end calls directly from your computer’s browser without needing to touch your phone [2]. Once installed on both devices, AirDroid allows you to see incoming calls on your computer screen and answer them using your computer’s microphone and speakers.
To enable this feature, simply install the AirDroid app on your Android device and visit airdroid.com on your computer browser. You’ll need to sign in to the same AirDroid account on both devices. Then go to the Calling panel in AirDroid on your computer and toggle on “Answer calls via the computer.” When you get an incoming call, a pop-up will appear on your computer allowing you to answer or decline the call. You can then chat hands-free through your computer.
The main benefits of using AirDroid to answer calls are the convenience of responding from your computer without needing your phone nearby, as well as utilizing your computer’s potentially superior mic and speaker system.
Use Bluetooth Headsets and Speakers
One of the easiest ways to answer your Android phone hands-free is by using a Bluetooth headset or wireless earbuds. Most Android smartphones nowadays come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair with audio devices wirelessly.
Once paired, you can answer incoming calls by simply tapping a button on your Bluetooth headset or wireless earbuds. Many headsets have dedicated call answer/end buttons that make this process seamless. Popular models like the Jabra Talk 15[1] allow you to answer calls from up to 30 feet away.
Alternatively, you can invest in a wireless Bluetooth speaker with speakerphone capabilities. Brands like JBL and Anker sell affordable Bluetooth speakers with built-in microphones that can function as speakerphones. Just connect your phone via Bluetooth, and you’ll be able to accept incoming calls out loud on your speaker.
The key advantage of using Bluetooth audio devices is that you can keep your phone tucked away and have your hands completely free while taking calls. It’s safer for driving, and also convenient if you’re cooking, cleaning, or engaged in other activities.
Try a Third-Party App
One option for answering calls hands-free on your Android is to use a third-party app designed specifically for this purpose. Some popular options include:
MotoAnswer – This app allows you to say “answer” to take a call through your phone’s speakerphone. It works even when your screen is off or locked. MotoAnswer also offers customizable call filtering and auto-rejection.
EasyAnswer – With EasyAnswer, you can set keywords to answer, reject or mute calls. The app runs in the background and responds to your chosen keywords when you receive a call.
HandsFree Caller is another option with highly customizable settings like being able to answer calls when connected to certain Bluetooth devices. The app also has driving mode to auto answer calls.
These apps offer reliable hands-free answering using your Android’s built-in microphone and speakerphone. They provide more flexibility than the native calling options. Consider downloading a highly rated third-party app tailored to your specific needs.
Use Your Car System
Many modern cars come equipped with Android Auto, which allows you to connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system. Once connected, Android Auto can automatically answer incoming calls hands-free using your car’s microphone and speakers.
To enable this feature, simply connect your Android phone to your car via USB or wireless Android Auto, then go into the Android Auto settings on your car’s display. Under “Calls”, check the box for “Auto answer calls”. Now incoming calls will be automatically answered after a few rings so you can talk hands-free without having to touch your phone.
You can also adjust auto-answer settings like when to enable it and contacts to auto-answer from in the Android Auto app on your phone under Settings > Driving preferences.
Another option is to pair your Android phone to your car’s bluetooth system. Once paired, you can typically enable options on your car’s display to automatically answer calls after a set number of rings. This allows hands-free calling by relying on your car’s microphone and speakers.
Just make sure to check your owner’s manual for instructions on connecting your specific Android phone model and customizing auto-answer settings if available.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having issues with answering calls hands-free on your Android device, here are some troubleshooting tips:
First, make sure that Google Assistant or Bixby is enabled and set up properly. Open the Voice Assistant app and check that the activation phrase (“Ok Google” or “Hi Bixby”) is working as expected. If not, re-train the voice model or check app permissions. Source
Next, check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, which could block calls and voice commands. Go to Settings > Sound & Vibration and make sure DND is off. Source
It’s also worth restarting your Android device, as a simple reboot can fix glitches with call answering and voice control. Source
Additionally, inspect app permissions in Settings and make sure the Phone app, Assistant, and any Bluetooth apps have microphone access enabled. Microphone access is required for hands-free voice commands. Source
As a last resort, factory reset your device to eliminate any deeper software issues. Just be sure to backup data first.
Conclusion
There are several handy methods to answer your Android phone hands-free. The built-in options like Google Assistant or Bixby Voice allow you to control your phone and answer calls completely hands-free. Connecting a Bluetooth headset is another popular option that frees up your hands. Apps like AirDroid also let you answer calls through a computer or tablet. Whatever method you choose, going hands-free improves safety and convenience when taking calls on an Android device.
The key takeaways are:
- Enable call answering in your Android settings to allow hands-free calling
- Use your voice assistant like Google Assistant or Bixby to answer hands-free
- Connect Bluetooth headsets or speakers to answer calls through them
- Try apps like AirDroid to answer calls on other devices
- Use your car’s hands-free system if available
- Adjust settings or troubleshoot if needed to improve hands-free experience
With all these options, you can easily find a convenient way to answer calls on your Android phone hands-free.