With a Garmin Fenix 7, you can accept or reject calls. But you need a connected smartphone to talk to whoever’s on the other side. I’ve explained the reason for that in detail below.
When it comes to smartwatches, Garmin Fenix 7 was my first love. That doesn’t mean it was my first smartwatch. I bought my first gadget years ago and was among the 93 million+ smartwatch users recorded as early as 2017. But I’d never fallen for any other gadget like I did for this one, and with good reasons. From what I could tell, besides having excellent battery life, the smartwatch allowed users to answer calls and respond to texts.
But after using it for a few days, I discovered I’d made a few wrong assumptions, like assuming I could use the gadget to answer a call WITHOUT MY SMARTPHONE. I was crushed.
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Does Garmin Fenix 7 Have a Microphone to Answer Calls?
Unfortunately, although you can accept a call from your Garmin Fenix 7, you can’t communicate with the caller using the gadget. That is because this smartwatch doesn’t have a microphone or speaker. I didn’t know that the first time I used my Fenix 7. As a result, I put myself through a few frustrating, sometimes embarrassing, ordeals.
But you can answer a call from your Garmin Fenix 7. To do that, select “Accept” when the call notification appears on your smartwatch’s display screen. Then, use a connected smartphone to talk to the caller. If you don’t want to answer a specific call, hit “Decline” when the smartwatch vibrates or alerts you in any other way.
Can You Text On Garmin Fenix 7?
I use my Garmin Fenix 7 to text all the time. So yes, you can text on the smartwatch. Here’s how that works.
If someone texts you, your Garmin gadget will receive a notification. To view it, press “Start” on the watch face and select the notification. You can also reply by pressing “Start” after viewing the message. Then, select “Reply”. Note that the smartwatch allows you to send quick replies to messages. So, after selecting “Reply”, you must pick a message from the list that will pop up. You can add any message to the list from your Garmin Connect app. To do that:
- Open your Garmin Connect app using a connected smartphone(Google Android or Apple iOS)
- Tap “More” to access the menu
- Click “Garmin Devices”
- Pick your gadget
- Click “Text Responses”
- Find Respond to Messages/ Text Response and select it
- Navigate to the top right corner and tap the “+” symbol
- Type a new message
- Click “Save”
- Sync your smartwatch
Please note that your Fenix 7 smartwatch uses a connected smartphone to send a text. So, expect regular charges and limits from your phone plan and carrier to apply.
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Can I Use a Smartwatch to Make Calls If I Don’t Have a Smartphone?
Yes, you can use a smartwatch to make calls without a smartphone. But sadly, that doesn’t apply to many Garmin devices, including Garmin Fenix 7.
Presently, the only Garmin smartwatch that can make a call from the wrist is the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, which comes with a built-in speaker and microphone. But even the Venu 2 Plus requires a phone in range to make a call. So, if you’ve been wondering, can Garmin watch call without a phone, Don’t get your hopes up. The answer is no, they can’t.
Garmin products might not be for you if you prefer having a smartwatch that can make a call even without a phone. Consider getting cellular smartwatches like Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, Google Pixel Watch LTE, or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 LTE.
Final Thoughts
I love my Garmin Fenix because it has an extra-tough design and a fantastic battery life. Plus, it displays smart notifications, lets me send quick replies to text messages, and supports answering calls. The only notable downside I’ve experienced since acquiring my gadget is its lack of a microphone or speaker for making and answering calls from the wrist.
Read Also: Should You Wear a Garmin All the Time?
Common Questions
Can I answer phone calls directly on my Garmin Fenix 7?
Yes, the Fenix 7 allows you to answer calls directly on the watch when paired to an Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth.
How do I answer calls on my Fenix 7?
When a call comes in, a notification will appear on the screen. You can answer by pressing the upper right button. A Bluetooth headset is required to take the call through the watch.
Can I speak through the Fenix 7 to answer calls?
No, the Fenix 7 does not have a microphone or speaker. You need to pair a headset to the watch via Bluetooth to answer calls with audio.
Do I need to install an app on my phone to use call answering?
The Garmin Connect app must be installed on your paired smartphone for full call-answering functionality. The watch mirrors notifications from your phone.
Can I reject incoming calls from my Fenix 7?
Yes, incoming calls can be rejected by pressing the lower left button on the Fenix 7 when a call comes in. This sends the call to voicemail.
Will call answering work on my Fenix 7 with an iPhone?
Call answering is fully supported on iOS devices. Just make sure the Garmin Connect app is installed and you are paired via Bluetooth.
What Bluetooth headsets work best for calling on the Fenix 7?
Any Bluetooth headset with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) will work. For exercise, consider a headset with an ear-hook design that stays put during movement.
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