A Walkie-Talkie on a Smartwatch can seem to you like a novelty, but it is very useful. When it comes to coordinating with friends on ski slopes or finding your family members in a crowded mall — quick communication is required. In these cases, the Walkie-Talkie on your smartwatch can come to your help. Is your Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie not working? Then, go through this article as here we have mentioned several methods to solve this problem.
What is a Walkie-Talkie App in Apple Watch?
The Walkie-Talkie app refers to a feature to which a lot of Apple Watch users now have access, and this feature is very useful if you are willing to find a person in a crowded area. However, according to a few users, the tool does not work as it should.
Common Problems with Walkie-Talkie App in iWatch:
The most common problem is that you cannot initiate a chat with a friend on the service. It may happen randomly. Besides, it will not affect the ability of the other party to initiate contact with you.
If one party turns off the Walkie-Talkie availability on purpose or by accident, it can cause this problem. In addition, you can face problems while adding contacts to Walkie-Talkie.
The service may act erratically from time to time. You may hear the Walkie-Talkie “squelch” sound glitch. It indicates that a person is going to send you a message. It may need a full power cycle in order to restore normality.
In order to fix such issues, you first need to know why Walkie-talkie is not working on your Apple Watch.
Why is Walkie-talkie Not Working On Apple Watch:
These are a few reasons Walkie-Talkie may not work on the Apple Watch:
- The person whom you want to add to Walkie-Talkie does not have an Apple Watch.
- The feature is still disabled on your Apple Watch.
- The contact whom you have invited to Walkie-Talkie has not saved your FaceTime information or vice-versa.
- FaceTime is not enabled on your iPhone.
- You use an Apple Watch that runs watchOS 5.3 or below.
- You might not have connected to the web.
- Some bugs may not allow you to use the feature on your Apple Watch.
Walkie-Talkie Requirements:
You just meet the minimum needs of Apple for Walkie-Talkie to work. The feature is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 1 or newer versions, and these should have a minimum software version of watchOS 5.3. Also, you require an iPhone 5S or newer that runs iOS 12.4 or higher.
You have to set FaceTime up on your device. In order to make sure that you have enabled FaceTime, you first have to navigate to Settings. Then, you should move to FaceTime. After that, your task is to toggle on the feature.
If you are willing to use a Walkie-Talkie, your device has to be within the range of your GPS-only Apple Watch. The range is about 10 meters or 35 feet. Do you have a GPS+Cellular model? If so, the feature will be able to work even out of the range when you have reception.
You should know that Walkie-Talkie supports approved contacts. So, you need to launch the app first. Then, you need to click on “Add Friends.” After that, you have to send your friends an invite by choosing a contact. As soon as they accept your request, you can see them in the Walkie-Talkie app. In order to initiate a chat, you need to click on them.
Quick Tips on Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Not Working:
These are a few quick tips you can follow to troubleshoot the Walkie-Talkie not working issue on the Apple Watch.
- Ensure that FaceTime is on on your device. You need to confirm that you are signed in with the Apple ID.
- Devices that need to be connected via Walkie-Talkie should keep FaceTime enabled on the connected iPhones.
- You need to verify that FaceTime has your phone number along with your Apple ID email(s).
- You can attempt to make a FaceTime Audio Call from your watch.
- You should not share an Apple ID.
- It is important to verify that a checkmark exists by your phone number AND your Apple ID email in FaceTime.
- Walkie-Talkie never supports the shared Apple IDs.
- If you see the Contacts Not Found to Invite option, you should reset the network settings on your iPhone. And it has to be followed by a hard reset on the Apple Watch.
- You can remove Walkie-Talkie contacts. Then, you need to restart the watch. After that, try to invite them again.
- You are able to ask Siri to FaceTime Audio Call someone you are willing to walkie-talkie with.
Is Your Apple Watch Compatible With The Walkie-Talkie Feature?
If you are willing to use the Walkie-Talkie feature, the Watch needs to support this. Hence, it is essential to install at least watchOS 5 that will cover every Apple Watch from 2018 onwards. As of December 2023, watchOS 10 is the most recent Apple Watch update.
Keep in mind that the watchOS 5 or above is unavailable on the original Series 0 Apple Watch. If the person whom you want to connect to using Walkie-Talkie is on an older device, you cannot find them in the app.
Walkie-Talkie-compatible Apple Watch Models:
These are the compatible Apple Watch Models:
- Apple Watch Series 1-9
- Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd generation)
- Wi-Fi and Cellular LTE both support the Walkie-Talkie feature.
At present, the Walkie-Talkie app will not work with devices which are using the same Apple ID.
Once you open the Walkie-Talkie app, you will see a list that contains names of people with an Apple Watch whom you often text, call, or email. You need to choose a contact on the screen and invite them to join you.
Walkie-Talkie: Which Countries Is the App Available In?
This feature is not available in all areas, including the United Arab Emirates and China. So, you have to ensure that your current region or country is compatible with Walkie-Talkie, even when you are traveling.
If you wish to view the latest list, you can check out the Apple support document with the list containing nations where walkie-talkies and other Apple Watch features are available.
Do You Share An Apple ID?
When you share an Apple ID, Walkie-Talkie is not going to work with whom you share your Apple ID. Each person should have a unique Apple ID to use the Walkie-Talkie. Most people share their Apple IDs with their kids, husbands, wives, or friends. It enables them to buy and share images and other services. As Walkie-Talkie uses FaceTime Audio, you need separate Apple IDs.
You have to generate a new Apple ID, even if just for FaceTime, and it needs to work for Walkie-Talkie. In that case, you have to navigate to appleid.apple.com so that you can set up a new Apple ID. You can do this completely for free.
How To Fix Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Not Working Problem:
Check out these below-mentioned tricks to fix the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie Not Working issue.
Check Your Internet Connection:
The range of the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie is unlimited. But keep in mind that the Apple Watch should be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular to use this.
Update Your Apple Watch Software:
You need to update watchOS to fix the problem. Apple patches glitches that prevent programs from functioning properly. Here, we are going to mention the process that you need to follow to update watchOS if you use Apple Watch for the first time:
- Your first job is to navigate to your Apple Watch. Then, you have to turn on Wi-Fi through the Control Center.
- Then, you have to navigate to Settings on your iPhone. Then, you need to go to General, and then you need to move to Software Update.
- Next, you have to download the most recent version of watchOS if any update is available.
- Finally, your job is to wait until the software is downloaded on your Apple Watch. You can plug in your device during this period.
Make Sure Walkie-Talkie Is Enabled:
You are able to use the app or a Control Center shortcut to toggle Walkie-Talkie on or off. In order to use the app, your task is to press the Digital Crown on your Watch’s side to reveal installed apps. After that, your job is to launch Walkie-Talkie to tap on this. A toggle will be seen at the top of the screen, which lets you toggle the service on (green) and off (gray).
If you are willing to access the Control Center shortcut, you have to ensure that your Apple Watch is able to display your watch face. You need to swipe up in order to reveal the Control Center. Then, you have to find the Walkie-Talkie button. When the service will be active, you get to see the yellow button highlighted. If this one is greyed out, you need to turn on the service by clicking on it.
Remove And Add Contacts That Are Not Working Properly:
You definitely do not want random contacts to begin squawking away on your wrist. It is the reason Apple has put the invitation process in place. However, problems may arise during the procedure.
Are your problems limited to a specific contact? If this is the case, you need to try to remove them from the contact list you have. Then, you need to add them again. To do so, your first task is to open up the Walkie-Talkie app. Next, your job is to look for the contact in question. Then, you can swipe left on these. After that, your job is to remove them from the contacts list by tapping on the “X” button. You can use the “Add Friends” button to add the contact again. Finally, the contact has to accept your invitation.
Ensure The Contact Has FaceTime Information Saved:
In order to facilitate two-way communication, the Walkie-Talkie feature uses FaceTime. So, both contact cards need to have the registered phone number or Apple ID so that FaceTime can be activated and they reach each other. The process you need to follow to find the FaceTime information is:
- Your first task is to open the Settings app on the iPhone.
- Next, your job is to scroll down the page, and then you have to click on FaceTime.
- In order to activate FaceTime, you should see the Apple ID and the phone number. Make sure that you can see the information under ‘YOU CAN BE REACHED BY FACETIME AT’ on the contact card.
Consider Resetting iPhone Network Settings:
You should know that Apple Watch apps depend a lot on your iPhone for network access. No option exists to reset your Apple Watch network settings directly. So, you should try to reset the network settings of your iPhone to see if it can fix the problem.
- In order to do so, your job is to head toward Settings.
- Then, you need to go to the General.
- Next, you should move to Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Then, go to Reset and Reset Network Settings. We can’t give any guarantee that the process will work. However, if you don’t want to use Walkie-Talkie in that way, like you want to retain all the saved wireless networks and settings, you can avoid the app. Several other cool Apple Watch features are available that you can enjoy.
Delete & Reinstall The Walkie-Talkie App:
Can you not find the Walkie-Talkie app on your Watch? In such cases, it might happen that you have deleted this accidentally. If you can find this, you are able to delete and reinstall the app and then check if it resolves minor glitches like Walkie-Talkie saying it is not available. In order to do this task, your first job is to long press the app icon on the Apple Watch Home Screen to delete the app from the Watch until it starts jiggling. Next, your task is to tap on the X to delete. Now, you should follow these steps in order to reinstall the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch.
- You can bring up your Home Screen by pressing the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch.
- Now, your job is to click on the App Store.
- Next, you have to click on the Search field. Then, you need to type in Walkie-Talkie.
- After that, your task is to click on the Search Bar.
- In order to reinstall this, you have to click on the cloud icon next to the Walkie-Talkie app.
- As soon as you have reinstalled the app, you should try to use this to see if it is able to fix the problem. If the problem is not resolved, you can try the next solution.
Ensure The System Servers Are Running:
FaceTime servers or Walkie-Talkie services can be down. If this is the case, you need to check whether the servers are up and running or not.
- Your first task is to open the Apple Supports System Status page in the browser that you are using.
- Now, you have to move to FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie.
- After that, you have to check the service’s status.
- When the sign is Green, you can get the service. But in case, the sign is Red, you will find the servers down. In that case, you need to wait until the problem is resolved.
Update iOS And watchOS:
Apple offers software updates consistently, and these can resolve bugs in its devices. It is important to update iOS to the latest stable software version. Therefore, your device can have the latest security patches.
Check FaceTime:
According to many users, when they hide or delete the FaceTime app on the connected iPhone, the Walkie-Talkie app will disappear. You may not see any FaceTime app for the Apple Watch. However, you are able to receive and make FaceTime Audio calls on the Watch. So, it seems like Walkie-Talkie depends on FaceTime Audio to work.
If FaceTime is uninstalled on your iPhone, it can remove Walkie-Talkie from your Apple Watch. Have you reinstalled this from the app store on the iPhone? If this is the case, then you can see a Walkie-Talkie appearing on your watch. Once you delete FaceTime on your iPhone, you have to follow the instructions to get back this.
- Your first task is to open the App Store on the iPhone you have connected.
- Then, you need to click on Search. After that, you have to type in FaceTime.
- In order to download FaceTime again, your task is to click on the Cloud icon.
- As soon as FaceTime downloads completely, you have to open Settings. Then, your task is to go to FaceTime.
- You have to choose the contact number or Apple ID via which people are able to contact you on FaceTime. Checking Blocked Contacts at the bottom of the page is a good idea. It helps to make sure that the person you wanna talk to is not available on the blocked list.
Once you reinstall FaceTime on your iPhone, you need to head toward your Apple Watch. Then, you need to look for the Walkie-Talkie app. Now, you have to go to the app after pressing the Digital Crown.
As soon as you reinstall FaceTime, if you can’t locate the Walkie-Talkie, your task is to unpair and re-pair the Watch. It helps to bring up the Walkie-Talkie feature.
In order to unpair and repair Apple Watch with your iPhone, you should do the following:
- Your first job is to open your Watch app, which you can see on your iPhone.
- After that, you have to select Watches, which are located in the top left-hand corner.
- Next, your task is to click on the information icon adjacent to the Apple Watch, which you are willing to use for the Walkie-Talkie. Then, you have to select Unpair Apple Watch.
- You have to head toward Add Watch in order to start the pairing process again in the All Watches section of the Watch app.
- Now, your job is to select Set Up for Myself.
- In order to detect the Apple Watch, your job is to wait for the device. Then, you need to complete the connecting procedure.
Contact Apple Support:
After following these steps, the connectivity problem you face with the Walkie-Talkie app on your Watch can easily be solved. When any of these steps do not work, it is recommended to contact Apple Support.
Walkie-Talkie Invitations Not Sending or Being Received?
Do you face issues in getting the app to send, receive, or accept invitations? In such cases, you should follow the steps that are mentioned below:
- Your first task is to open the Walkie-Talkie app on the Apple Watch you have connected.
- Then, you need to navigate to the Watch app on iOS. Now, go to Walkie-Talkie.
- Afterward, you should swipe left in order to remove anyone who is listed under contacts. Removing contacts is also possible through the Watch app.
- Now, your task is to head toward your Apple Watch. Then, you should click on Walkie-Talkie.
- Then, you have to resend the invitation.
- Hence, your task is to click on the plus sign. After that, you have to choose a contact. Now, you should repeat the process for every contact.
- In order to accept the invite, you have to wait for your friend. Once it is accepted, you should try out this.
- If you see that the names are greyed out with the text “Invited”, it means that your friends still have not accepted your invitations.
Restart Both Apple Watches:
Turning Apple Watches off and on again is possible. In this case, your task is to hold the button below the Digital Crown until you see the power off option, before you hold this again when your device switches off to turn on this.
It is not recommended by Apple to perform a force restart of your Apple Watch in most circumstances. However, you have to hold the Digital Crown and button beneath this until the reset is performed by your device.
You are able to try the following:
- You can close this app on both of your Apple Watches.
- You are able to delete all invitations. In that case, you have to open the Walkie-Talkie app. Then, you have to remove them. Or you are able to navigate to the iPhone’s Watch app. Now, you should complete the process.
- Your task is to ping the iPhone you have connected to your Watch. Then, you can ask a person with whom you are willing to Walkie-Talkie to do the same.
- You can also ask Siri to FaceTime Audio Call someone with whom you want to use a Walkie-Talkie.
- If it is not enabled, Siri allows you to make a few changes to your settings to set up this.
- After completing a FaceTime Audio Call on the watch, you are able to resend your invites.
Update Apple Watch:
In case, a lot of users face issues with the Walkie-Talkie app on their Apple Watches, in order to resolve the issue, Apple will surely release an update. So you should ensure that you run the latest version of watchOS on the Apple Watch.
These are the steps you need to follow to update your Apple Watch.
- Your first task is to open the Watch app on the iPhone you are using.
- Next, your job is to click on General.
- Then, you have to click on Software Update.
- After that, you should download a new update and install it thereafter.
Ensure that your Apple Watch has at least 50% of battery level. Also, it has to be charging when you install the update.
Reset Apple Watch:
You can try to reset the Apple Watch when nothing works. It can resolve software-related problems. If you do this, it allows you to erase all the data, even your workout data, on your Apple Watch. You are unable to restore them, if you don’t have a backup.
If you are still willing to go ahead, you should follow these steps.
- Your first task is to open the home screen by pressing the Digital Crown once. Then, you need to head toward Settings.
- Now, your job is to click on General.
- After that, you have to click on Reset.
- Now, your job is to click on ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ to proceed. Once you are promoted, your job is to confirm the deletion.
Walkie-Talkie Trying to Connect On Apple Watch? Or Showing Could Not Connect?
A common problem users face is that they see messages like Trying to Connect, Connecting to…, etc, when they try to launch the Walkie-Talkie. Hence, they are unable to connect to Walkie-Talkie.
If you experience problems with your Watch while using the walkie-talkie feature, you need to ensure that you have a strong Wi-fi or cellular connection. Opening your Apple Watch Control Center is possible also. Then, you are able to make sure that you have a Wi-Fi connection. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi Connections on your Apple Watch need an 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz. It is not going to work if you want to connect to a public 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
Turn Off Airplane Mode:
Do you not have any connection to the Apple Watch? If not, then you will not be capable of using the Walkie-Talkie app. Hence, switching off Airplane Mode is a good idea. You need to open the Control Center icon. When you see that the Airplane Mode icon is orange, you need to click on this to turn it off.
Sound Issues On The Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie App
Have you noticed sound issues while using the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch? You should open the Watch app on the iPhone to begin the process in order to check for these issues.
- Your first job is to navigate to My Watch in the Watch app. Then, you need to select the watch that you will use.
- After that, your task is to select Accessibility. Then, you need to locate Tap to Talk under Walkie-Talkie by scrolling down the page.
- Ensure that you have enabled this.
- Once you enable this, it lets you click once in order to begin talking. It needs another tap to pause talking.
- Finally, your job is to toggle the Tap to Talk setting a few times.
Check Your Apple Watch’s Do Not Disturb Settings:
This setting is useful on Apple Watch in many cases. However, it doesn’t help you when you try to use the Walkie-Talkie app. You should try to open the Control Center to check to see if you have enabled the Do Not Disturb mode. Once you see that the feature is turned on, your task is to click on the crescent icon to turn it off again.
Missing Contact Names On Apple Watch:
When you face issues in viewing your contact names on your Apple Watch, a data sync problem can be there.
Why Is Walkie-Talkie Icon Flashing On Your Watch Face?
If you see a small yellow icon that is located on the top-middle of the screen on your Apple Watch, it refers to the active status icon of your Walkie-Talkie.
If you are willing to begin a Walkie-Talkie session, your task is to click on the small icon. Then, you need to begin talking with family members or friends. Suppose you have locked your Apple Watch with a passcode. If this is the case, you have to first enter this to proceed.
You get to see the active features available on the Apple Watch at the top of the screen, like Airplane Mode. So, you should know that it’s not a sign that the Walkie-Talkie app isn’t working on the Apple Watch.
Essential Tips:
We have given here a few solutions that you can try when you encounter issues with the app.
- Ensure that you have paired your Apple ID with the FaceTime app on the iOS device you are using. Your first job is to open Settings. Then, go to FaceTime. Now, you should sign in with an Apple ID. A message appears that says your Apple ID has a connection to your Apple Watch. When the problems still exist, your job is to delete the contact with which you wish to walkie-talkie. Thereafter, your task is to enter the necessary information again. Now, you have to invite the same contact to Walkie-Talkie.
- If anyone else faces the problem, resetting the Apple Watch can be a way to get rid of the issue, and then the person needs to set this up as new. After resetting this, it is required to relaunch the app on the Apple Watch. Then, it is needed to send out invitations to see if it can work.
- Next, your task is to touch and hold the Apple Watch face’s top portion. Then, you have to swipe down to open the Notification Center. After that, you have to search for ANY notification from Walkie-Talkie. Now, your task is to click on it. Then, click on Always Allow.
- If you are unable to find walkie-talkie notifications, ensure that the Do Not Disturb feature is off. After that, your job is to ask someone to send you an invite to Walkie-Talkie.
Why Are Your Walkie-talkie Invitations Not Working?
Suppose your Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie invite is not working or the Watch is unable to pair with someone you wish to talk to. In such cases, your job is to delete them from the friends list. Next, your take is to re-add them. When you delete them, you can add them to your friend’s list by sending another invitation. As soon as the invitation is accepted, you are able to try to talk again. The steps you have to follow to delete and add a friend to the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie are as follows.
- Your first task is to bring up the Home screen by pressing the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch.
- After that, you have to click on the Walkie-Talkie app.
- After swiping left on your friend, your take is to click on the red X icon.
- Now, your job is to scroll through the contacts. Then, you need to tap the friend whom you wish to re-add.
- Your friend can now get an invitation from you. As soon as they accept your invitation, the contact cards will turn yellow. It means that they are available to chat.
Walkie-Talkie Is Still Not Working. What Should You Do?
Ensure that you have not kept the Theater Mode enabled. If this mode is on, the Walkie-Talkie will get automatically disabled. As a result, you are unable to talk to your friends. You can open the Control Center by tapping on the side button. When you see the Theater Mode icon orange, you have to turn off this by clicking on it.
You should check the Apple System Status page. The error may be sometimes on Apple’s end instead of with you. Hence, you have to go to www.apple.com/support/systemstatus to know whether any problem exists with FaceTime or Walkie-Talkie services.
Updating the software can be a solution. It may happen that the recent software update includes a fix for the bug that causes your iPhone or Apple Watch to malfunction. Updating the iPhone is possible in the iPhone Settings app, whereas you can update the Apple Watch in the Apple Watch Settings app or Watch app on the iPhone.
The Bottom Line:
When your Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie is not working, it may cause several disruptions. However, in this article, we have mentioned several ways to solve the problem. Try the above-mentioned processes one by one and check which one works for you. When any of the mentioned methods do not work, you have to contact Apple Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far away does the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie work?
Keep in mind that the range of Apple’s apps does not have any limit. Wi-Fi or cellular networks let you use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie as far as you desire.
- Does the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie work without a phone?
Yes, it is possible to use the Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie with cellular data or over Wi-Fi even when you do not have your phone nearby.
- How do you accept an Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie invite?
If you see an invitation notification arriving, you have to click on Always Allow or Allow. It may happen that you have missed the notification. If it happens, then you get to see this in the device’s Notification Center. And to do so, you have to swipe down from your watch face.
