How to use the Walkie-Talkie feature on Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is definitely the best smartwatch anyone with an iPhone can own. Out of all the great features that it has, Walkie-Talkie is one of the best. The feature allows Apple Watch users to engage in instant conversations. Its reach is unlimited, so you connect to your contacts in countries all over the planet. The only requirement is an Internet connection, either via Wi-Fi or mobile data. All Apple Watches support Walkie-Talkie as all Apple Watches can be upgraded to WatchOS 5.

Unlike regular calls, you don’t have to answer them for the conversation to take place. If you weren’t already aware of this super useful feature, don’t worry as this guide will help you set up and use the built-in Walkie-Talkie app.

What is the Walkie-Talkie feature on the Apple Watch?

According to Apple, Walkie-Talkie is an easy method to connect with a compatible Apple Watch. It works like any other walkie-talkie device, so you press a button to talk and release it when the message is set to be delivered. The feature has several requirements: your watch must be running WatchOS 5.3 or later, while your iPhone must be running iOS 12.4 or later. Make sure the FaceTime app is set up on your iPhone and that you’re located in a region where Walkie-Talkie is enabled.

How to set up and use the Walkie-Talkie feature

Step 1: Open the Walkie-Talkie app from the app menu.

Step 2: tap on the add friends option. Once done, your contact list will appear.

Step 3: Select a contact to send an invitation. The contact appears gray until the invitation is accepted. Once accepted, the contact turns yellow and will start appearing in your friends list.

Step 4: Now select the contact you want to send a message to. The app checks the contact’s availability and a big yellow button appears that says “tap and hold to talk.”

Step 5: hold the Button to record your message and release it for sending.

Step 6: If you want to increase or decrease the volume, move the digital crown clockwise or counterclockwise.

How to activate Walkie-Talkie with a touch

Touch and hold to speak can be problematic for some people in some circumstances. If holding down the button becomes difficult, the Apple Watch lets you use Walkie-Talkie with a single tap. To do so, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.

Step 2: Play Accessibility.

Step 3: Find the Walkie-Talkie tab and turn on tap to talk.

Step 4: When it’s on, you can tap once to speak, then tap again when you’re done speaking.

The feature can also be activated through your iPhone. On your iPhone, go to the Apple Watch app, tap My watch > Accessibilitythen under the walkie talkie category, turn on tap to talk.

How to disable the app or make it unavailable

Don’t want to use the Walkie-Talkie app or just want to take a break? There are several methods to disable the Walkie-Talkie app or make it unavailable.

Method 1: Open the Walkie-Talkie app. toggle the walkie talkie button to turn it off. Once disabled, the indicator will change from yellow to gray.

Method 2: Swipe up from the bottom of your Apple Watch to open the Control center. Look for the walkie talkie icon here (if enabled, it will appear yellow). Select it to disable the app.

Method 3: Activating Theater mode automatically deactivates Walkie-Talkie. To enable it, open the Control center on your Apple Watch and tap on the tragedy and comedy icon (looks like two masks) to activate Theater Mode.

How to remove friends from Walkie-Talkie app

To remove unwanted contacts, follow these steps.

Step 1: Open the Walkie-Talkie app to see your friends list.

Step 2: Slide your finger from right to left to delete the desired contact.

Step 3: A red X will appear on the screen. Tap it to remove the contact from the app.

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