The basic steps for answering a call
When someone calls you, your phone or computer will ring or show a notification. To answer, look for a green button, a phone icon, or the word "Answer" on your screen and tap or click it. On most phones, you can also swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press a physical button on the side. The call connects when ready and you can start talking.
If you do not want to answer, tap "Decline" or the red button instead. The call goes to voicemail if you have it set up. You can also ignore the call entirely and it will stop ringing after a few seconds, then go to voicemail.
On a computer or tablet, the steps are the same: look for the answer button when the call comes in. Some apps like Zoom or Google Meet work slightly differently and may ask you to join a meeting instead of just answering, but the principle is identical.
Key Takeaways
- Tap or click the green answer button or phone icon when your device rings to connect the call when ready.
- Tap the red decline button to send the call to voicemail without answering.
- On phones, you can also swipe up from the bottom or press a side button to answer without looking at the screen.
- Calls that you ignore will ring for a few seconds, then stop and go to voicemail if you have it enabled.
- Video calls on apps like Zoom or Google Meet work the same way but may ask you to join a meeting instead of just answering.
Where the answer button appears on different devices
On an iPhone, the answer button is a large green circle with a phone icon in the middle. It appears at the bottom of the screen when someone calls. You can tap it directly, or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to answer without tapping the button.
On an Android phone, the answer button is usually a green phone icon or circle at the bottom of the screen. Some Android phones let you swipe up or down to answer, depending on the manufacturer. Check your phone's settings or manual if the standard tap does not work.
On a computer, the answer button appears in the app or browser window where the call is coming through. If someone calls you through your email, messaging app, or video conferencing software, the button will be in that same window. The button is usually green and clearly labeled "Answer" or shows a phone icon.
What happens after you answer
Once you tap answer, the call connects and you can hear the other person and they can hear you. Your screen may show the caller's name or number, how long the call has been going, and buttons to mute your microphone, turn on your speaker, or end the call.
If you need to put the call on speaker so others can hear, look for a speaker icon and tap it. To mute yourself so the other person cannot hear you, tap the microphone icon with a line through it. These buttons stay on your screen during the call so you can use them anytime.
To end the call, tap the red phone icon or the button that says "End Call." The call disconnects when ready and you return to your home screen or the app you were using before.
Answering calls when your screen is locked
If your phone is locked when someone calls, the call notification appears on top of your lock screen. You do not need to unlock your phone first. Tap the green answer button or swipe up to answer directly from the lock screen.
On some phones, you can also press the power button or volume button to answer without looking at the screen. Check your phone's settings under "Accessibility" or "Lock Screen" to see what options are available for your specific device.
Declining calls and sending them to voicemail
When a call comes in, tap the red decline button or the button labeled "Decline" to reject it. The call stops ringing and goes to voicemail. The caller will hear a message saying you are unavailable, and they can leave a voicemail if they want.
If you ignore a call by doing nothing, it will ring for about 20 to 30 seconds, then stop and go to voicemail automatically. Ignoring and declining have the same result — the caller goes to voicemail — but declining is faster.
Some phones let you send a text message to the caller instead of answering or declining. When the call comes in, look for a "Message" or "Reply with Text" button. Tap it and choose a preset message like "I will call you back later" or type your own.
Answering calls on apps and computers
If someone calls you through an app like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Google Duo, the call notification appears in that app. Tap the green answer button in the app window to connect. The call works the same way as a regular phone call, but it uses the internet instead of your phone's cellular network.
On a computer, calls through apps like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet work the same way. When someone calls, a window pops up with an answer button. Click the button to connect. You can use your computer's built-in microphone and camera, or plug in external ones for better quality.
Video calls are answered the same way as voice calls, but your camera turns on automatically so the other person can see you. If you do not want to be on camera, look for a camera icon with a line through it and click it to turn off your video before answering.
Troubleshooting when you cannot answer
If the answer button does not appear or is grayed out, your phone or app may not have permission to use your microphone. Go to your device's settings, find the app that is receiving the call, and make sure microphone permission is turned on. Then try answering again.
If calls are not coming through at all, check that your phone is not in airplane mode or do not disturb mode. Airplane mode turns off all wireless connections. Do not disturb silences notifications but may still let calls through depending on your settings. Turn off airplane mode in your quick settings menu.
If you are using a computer and calls are not working, make sure your browser or app has permission to use your microphone and camera. Most apps ask for permission the first time you try to answer a call. If you accidentally denied permission, go to your browser or app settings and turn it back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I answer a call without unlocking my phone?
Yes. When a call comes in on your lock screen, tap the green answer button or swipe up to answer without unlocking. Your phone connects the call when ready. You can talk to the caller while your phone remains locked.
What is the difference between declining and ignoring a call?
Declining sends the call to voicemail when ready when you tap the red button. Ignoring means you do nothing and the call rings for 20 to 30 seconds before going to voicemail automatically. Both end the same way, but declining is faster.
Why does my answer button look different on my phone than my friend's?
Different phones and apps design their buttons differently. iPhones use a large green circle, Android phones may use a green phone icon, and apps like Zoom or WhatsApp have their own designs. The function is the same — tap the button to connect the call.
Can I answer a call if my phone is in do not disturb mode?
Yes. Do not disturb silences the ringing and notifications, but the call still comes through. You will see the notification on your screen and can tap answer to connect. The caller will not hear a busy signal.
What should I do if the answer button is grayed out or will not work?
Check that your app or phone has permission to use your microphone in your device settings. Also make sure airplane mode is off. If the problem continues, try closing the app and opening it again, or restart your phone.