Talking hands-free on your iPhone allows you to use your phone in more ways. You can easily set up your iPhone to speak hands-free through a variety of Bluetooth devices and accessories.
With iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, Siri can now end an incoming call on your behalf by saying “Hey Siri, hang up.” Of course, those on the other line will hear this command.
Bluetooth Devices
Modern smartphones come with Bluetooth, a wireless technology that allows for hands-free communication. This makes it possible to use the phone while driving or while doing chores without having to hold the device in your hand. The technology is useful for business owners and consumers, especially since handheld phone use while driving is illegal in nine states and the District of Columbia.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses ultra-high radio frequency (UHF) radio waves to communicate with devices. These waves have a range of up to 30 feet, and they can be used to connect headphones or stereo speakers. Bluetooth can also be used to control devices such as a TV or a tablet computer.
When you connect a hands-free device to your smartphone via Bluetooth, all sound from the phone—including music playback and call audio —will be routed through the hands-free device. The speaker on the device will also function as a microphone for phone calls, allowing you to answer and speak without having to touch the screen or hold the phone.
To pair a Bluetooth device with your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap the “Bluetooth” toggle button in the upper right corner of the screen. The device will begin a scan for nearby Bluetooth devices to connect with. The LED on the device will flash when it is ready to be paired with your iPhone. Once the connection is successful, the device will display a blue checkmark and appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your phone.
You can pair your phone with as many devices as you want, but the maximum number of paired Bluetooth devices is limited to eight. Once you’ve paired the phone with your Bluetooth device, the phone will automatically remember and connect to the device in the future.
If you have trouble connecting your iPhone to a Bluetooth device, try restarting the device and resetting the network settings. You may also want to update the phone’s software. If all else fails, try contacting the manufacturer of the Bluetooth device for additional troubleshooting steps.
Car Speakers
There are many ways to connect your mobile device to a car stereo to enable hands free calling. For newer vehicles, this may include built in Bluetooth systems that can be controlled by the infotainment system steering wheel controls. For older cars, a simple Bluetooth transmitter can be used to connect your phone to the stereo system. Another option is to use a USB cable that connects to your car’s charging port.
The first step is to ensure that your Bluetooth cell phone is turned on and that it is within range of your vehicle’s stereo system. Once you have the phone within range, the radio will display a Bluetooth connection icon, and the phone will begin searching for nearby devices. Once the phone finds the car stereo’s Bluetooth system, a pairing screen will appear on the phone, and a 4 digit passkey will be displayed. The car stereo’s Bluetooth system must have the same passkey in order to pair the devices. The passkey can usually be found in the owner’s manual or at your local dealer.
Once the Bluetooth devices are paired, your iPhone’s Call Audio Routing setting must be changed to automatically route phone calls through the factory radio speakers, regardless of whether or not the phone is in handsfree mode. This can be done by selecting the phone’s menu and choosing Settings & General & Hands Free & Routing.
For an even more seamless integration of Bluetooth technology into the car stereo, GROM offers a variety of Bluetooth car kits, or ‘integration adapters’. These are small, external bluetooth transmitters that plug into the existing factory stereo and use a microphone to transmit your voice and speakerphone call audio through the car’s speakers.
In addition, these Bluetooth adapters also provide an auxiliary input for music playback and the ability to control the phone’s media apps with the steering wheel buttons. For more information on GROM’s Bluetooth integration adapters, visit their website at http://gromaudio.com/products/bt-car-kits/.
Wireless Charging Docks
There are many Bluetooth hands-free docks available on the market, including those that also charge your iPhone. Most require you to pair the device with your iPhone, which is typically done by touching the Settings icon and moving the Bluetooth hands-free switch to the On position. Once paired, the Bluetooth hands-free device can play audio from any app on your iPhone and respond to Air Gestures(tm) commands.
Some of these docks, such as this one that simulates a real office phone complete with dial pad buttons and call transfer functionality, are even made from wood for a rustic aesthetic. Others, like this mock 90s-era receptionist phone, are more utilitarian.
Some of these wireless chargers support PowerShare, which allows you to wirelessly charge your iPhone while using it hands-free. To enable PowerShare, make sure your iPhone has at least 30% battery and swipe down on the screen with two fingers to open the Quick Settings panel and tap the PowerShare icon. To start charging, place your iPhone on the accessory and align it for best performance.
Other Devices
Hands-free mode can be used with a variety of Bluetooth devices. This includes headsets, car kits, and other wireless accessories. When paired, your iPhone automatically recognizes the device and hands-free mode is enabled. If you want to use Hands-free mode with an accessory that is not currently paired, first make sure that Bluetooth is turned on. Then, press and hold two fingers slightly apart on the screen to launch the Quick Panel and then touch Hands-free mode. You can also turn on the feature using Air Gestures(tm).
To place a call, tap the phone number or contact. Then, follow the prompts to finish the call.
If you’re wearing hearing aids, select the Hearing icon in the Control Center to open Mic Input options. When on, this setting allows you to adjust the volume of your iPhone and hands-free device together. It’s useful if you want to switch between the two devices during a call. If off, the audio for calls streams from your phone only. When you switch back to your hearing aids, their microphone will pick up the audio.
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