The basic way to answer a Samsung call
When someone calls your Samsung phone, a full-screen notification appears with the caller's name or number, a green answer button, and a red decline button. Swipe the green button to the right, or tap it directly, and the call connects. The screen then shows the active call with options to mute, speaker, keypad, and end the call.
If your phone is locked when the call comes in, the same answer and decline buttons appear on the lock screen. You do not need to unlock your phone first — just swipe or tap to answer directly from there.
Key Takeaways
- Swipe the green answer button to the right or tap it to connect an incoming call on any Samsung phone.
- You can answer calls from the lock screen without unlocking your phone first.
- If you miss a call, check the Phone app's recent calls list or your notification history to call back.
- Samsung phones let you answer with voice commands or headphone buttons if you set those up in settings.
- Calls that go to voicemail can be retrieved from the Phone app under the Voicemail tab.
Answering with your phone locked
Your Samsung phone displays incoming calls on the lock screen even when it is powered off or locked. The answer and decline buttons are always visible and always work. This means you never have to fumble with unlocking before you can pick up.
After you answer, your phone automatically unlocks so you can access the call controls and keypad. If you decline the call from the lock screen, it goes to voicemail and your phone stays locked.
What to do if you miss a call
Missed calls appear in your notification panel at the top of the screen. Swipe down from the top to see them, then tap the notification to open the Phone app and call the person back. The notification stays there until you dismiss it or answer the call.
You can also open the Phone app directly and tap the Recent tab to see all incoming calls, including ones you missed. Long-press any number in the recent list to see options like calling back, messaging, or blocking that caller.
Answering with voice commands or headphones
If you have Samsung's voice assistant Bixby set up, you can say "Answer" or "Accept call" to pick up without touching your phone. This works when your phone is in your pocket or on a table. To enable this, open Settings, search for "voice commands," and turn on the option for incoming calls.
If you are wearing headphones with a built-in button or microphone, you can usually answer by pressing the center button once. This works with most wired and wireless headphones. Some third-party headphones may require their own app to enable this feature.
Answering calls when you are already on another call
If someone calls while you are already talking to someone else, your Samsung phone shows a notification for the new incoming call. You can tap "Answer" to switch to the new caller, which puts your first call on hold. The first caller remains connected but cannot hear you while you are talking to the second person.
You can switch back and forth between the two calls by tapping the name or number of the person you want to talk to. To merge both calls into one conversation, look for a "Merge calls" option in the call screen — this is available on most Samsung phones and depends on your carrier.
Answering calls in specific situations
If your phone is set to Do Not Disturb mode, calls from your contacts still come through, but calls from unknown numbers may be silenced. The call notification still appears on your screen, and you can answer it normally. To change which calls get through in Do Not Disturb, open Settings, search for "Do Not Disturb," and adjust the exceptions.
When your phone is in a car dock or connected to a car's Bluetooth system, incoming calls play through the car's speakers. Answer using the car's controls, your phone's screen, or voice commands — whichever your car supports. After the call ends, audio returns to whatever was playing before.
Troubleshooting when you cannot answer calls
If the answer button does not appear or is grayed out, your phone may be in Airplane Mode. Swipe down from the top twice to open Quick Settings and turn off Airplane Mode. If calls still do not come through, check that your phone has an active cellular connection — look for signal bars in the top-left corner.
If you see incoming calls but the answer button does not respond when you tap it, restart your phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds and selecting "Restart." If the problem continues, open the Phone app, go to Settings, and tap "Reset settings" to restore the default call behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I answer a call without swiping?
Yes. You can tap the green answer button directly instead of swiping. You can also answer with voice commands if Bixby is enabled, or by pressing the button on your headphones. Some Samsung phones also let you answer by raising the phone to your ear, if that setting is turned on in the Phone app settings.
What happens if I accidentally decline a call?
The call goes to voicemail and the caller hears your voicemail greeting. You can call them back from your recent calls list in the Phone app. If you want to call them back immediately, open the Phone app, find their number in the Recent tab, and tap it.
Can I answer calls from my smartwatch?
If your Samsung phone is paired with a Samsung smartwatch, incoming calls appear on the watch screen. You can answer or decline from the watch, and the call audio routes through your phone's speaker or connected headphones. Check your watch's settings to confirm call notifications are turned on.
Why do some calls go straight to voicemail?
Calls may bypass the ring if your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode, if the caller is blocked, or if your phone has no signal. Check your Do Not Disturb settings and your blocked contacts list in the Phone app. If you have no signal, move to an area with better reception and ask the person to call back.
Can I answer a call while using another app?
Yes. A notification banner appears at the top of your screen, and you can tap it to answer without leaving your current app. The call screen then opens, and you can switch between the call and your other app by swiping up or using the app switcher.