How to Fix Walkie-Talkie Not Working on Apple Watch 

The Walkie-Talkie on the Apple Watch is a fun and interesting way of talking to your friends. The app behaves and works almost like a real walkie-talkie where you press and hold to talk and release to stop. It is truly one of the fun apps on the Apple Watch.

The Walkie-Talkie feature works seamlessly between two compatible Apple Watches, where you simply tap and hold to speak and release to stop. However, if the Walkie-Talkie feature has suddenly stopped working on your Apple Watch, then it must be disappointing.

But don’t fret; we are here to help. In this article, we will share 16 unique solutions that will help fix the issue. We will also take a brief look at the probable reasons behind the issue. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

Reasons Why Walkie-Talkie Is Not Working on Apple Watch

Before moving ahead, let’s take a quick look at the reasons why the Walkie-Talkie feature might stop working on your Apple Watch. The issue can be connected to several reasons, as the Walkie-Talkie relies on or is connected to several software features. Here are the most common reasons behind the Walkie-Talkie not working issue:

1. Poor Network Connection: You have a poor network connection, whether it is Wi-Fi or cellular/mobile data.
2. Server Issues: FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie system servers are down.
3. Walkie-Talkie Disabled: You have the Walkie-Talkie feature disabled on your Apple Watch or your friend’s.
4. Theater Mode Active: You have turned on theater mode, which has disabled the Walkie-Talkie feature by default.
5. Contact Not in List: The person you are trying to connect to isn’t in your contacts list.
6. Low Volume or AirPods Issue: The volume on your Apple Watch is too low or you are connected to AirPods but you are not wearing them.
7. Outdated Software: You are running an outdated version of watchOS and/or iOS.
8. FaceTime Disabled: FaceTime has been disabled.
9. Incorrect Date and Time: You have the incorrect date and time on your iPhone and Apple Watch.
10. Bluetooth Connection Issue: Your Apple Watch isn’t properly connected to your iPhone.

Is Your iPhone and Apple Watch Compatible With Walkie-Talkie?

For the Walkie-Talkie feature to work properly, all of your devices must be compatible with one another. Both your iPhone and Apple Watch must be running compatible versions of Apple’s software for Walkie-Talkie to function properly.

The Walkie-Talkie app requires watchOS 5.3 or a later version to function properly on the Apple Watch. As for the minimum requirements for the iPhone, it is iOS 12.4 or later. 

Walkie-Talkie uses Apple’s FaceTime audio to provide real-time speech conversation. Maintaining an up-to-date version of FaceTime is crucial for a problem-free Walkie-Talkie experience. Double-check that FaceTime was properly downloaded and installed on your iPhone.

The compatibility goes beyond the devices you use. To use a Walkie-Talkie with a friend, both of you must meet these requirements. Both your iPhone and your friend’s iPhone must be running iOS 12.4 or a compatible later version and have FaceTime installed in order to start a FaceTime call.

16 Ways to Fix Walkie-Talkie Not Working on Apple Watch

Now that we have understood the probable reasons behind the Walkie-Talkie not working issue and made sure of compatibility, we can get into troubleshooting. If you have been able to spot the exact reason behind the issue, you can surely jump to the specific fix for that.

However, if you have been unable to figure it out, simply try out all the solutions mentioned below. Make sure that you try the solutions in the given order if possible. We will start with the basics first and then move on to the more technical solutions.

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

A steady internet connection is required for Apple Watch functionality. Walkie-Talkie requires an active internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular data, in order to send and receive voice messages. This is because the Walkie-Talkie app uses FaceTime audio to function.

First, let’s troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection. Your Wi-Fi may have a slow network connection causing the Walkie-Talkie feature to not work as expected. What you can do is try restarting your router by simply turning it off and turning it back on.

If restarting the router doesn’t work, you should try and reset your router if possible. But before that, make sure that your router is placed in a location where there are no obstructions around it. Also check your internet speed and ensure that there aren’t too many devices connected to the same network.

You also want to check if the router’s MAC address filtering has blocked your device or not. If none of these solutions help, you should contact your ISP for further assistance.

As for those using a cellular connection, first make sure that you have enough signal bars. If the bars are low, that means there might be an issue with your internet connection. Contact your carrier if the issue persists after a long time.

Once the network issues have been resolved, simply try using the Walkie-Talkie app again and see if the issue has been resolved. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.

Fix 2: Check FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie Server Status

The Apple Watch’s Walkie-Talkie feature requires an internet connection and a valid Apple ID. The feature also relies on Apple’s FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie servers.

Server issues might result in temporary service outages. If the Walkie-Talkie function has problems for many users, you can see if the issue is at the server level. For this, you can simply visit Apple’s system status website and look for server issues.

Make sure that FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie are marked as “Available.” If that is not the case, all you can do is wait for Apple to fix the issue. If you know this in advance, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.

Fix 3: Enable Walkie-Talkie

To begin using Walkie-Talkie on your Apple Watch, you must first enable it. Turning on the Walkie-Talkie via the app or Control Centre is the easiest way to do this. You can’t talk to others using Walkie-Talkie unless you enable the feature. Make sure that Walkie-Talkie is enabled on your Apple Watch. You can do this through the Walkie-Talkie app or by going to the Control Center. Follow the steps below:

1. If you are on watchOS 9, swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Control Center. If you are using watchOS 10, press the Side button once to do the same.
2. Please tap on the Walkie-Talkie icon and make sure it’s orange.

Fix 4: Turn Off Theater Mode

When you turn on the Theatre Mode on your Apple Watch, notifications are muted, and the display does not turn on when you raise your wrist. However, this mode also turns off the Walkie-Talkie feature. So, if you want to use the Walkie-Talkie feature in Theater Mode, that is impossible.

That being said, if you want your watch to be able to receive and send Walkie-Talkie messages, you need to turn off Theatre Mode. Follow the steps below to turn off the Theater Mode:

1. If you are on watchOS 9, swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Control Center. If you are using watchOS 10, press the Side button once to do the same.
2. Tap on the “two masks” icon in the Control Center and make sure it turns gray.
3. You can also see if it’s enabled on the status bar icons.

Fix 5: Check Contacts

You need to have the people you want to talk to already saved as contacts on your Apple Watch before you can use the Walkie-Talkie app. In addition, these individuals must also have Walkie-Talkie enabled on their Apple Watch.

You must verify that you are both in your contacts list and using Walkie-Talkie. You can’t use Walkie-Talkie unless both parties have this feature enabled. If they are not in your contacts or have not enabled Walkie-Talkie, you will not be able to talk with them.

Fix 6: Update watchOS and iOS

Make sure you have the latest versions of watchOS and iOS installed on your devices to ensure compatibility and reliability. Software updates usually include bug fixes, additional security enhancements, and improved functionality for existing apps like Walkie-Talkie. Here’s how to update both the devices:

iOS:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. Your iPhone will now check for updates. Tap on Download and Install if one is available.
5. Restart your iPhone once the update is installed.

watchOS:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the My Watch tab from the bottom.
3. Tap on General.
4. Then, tap on Software Update.
5. It will now check for updates. Tap on Download and Install if one is available.
6. Restart your Apple Watch once the update is installed.

Fix 7: Check Your Bluetooth Connection

The Walkie-Talkie feature requires close contact between your Apple Watch and iPhone, especially when you are using a GPS Apple Watch. Check if your Apple Watch is properly connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Walkie-Talkie relies on this connection to work.

Fix 8: Adjust Volume

Sometimes, it’s just that the volume on your Apple Watch is set to mute or very low to the point that you can’t even hear anything. Adjusting the volume is a simple but essential step in making sure the Walkie-Talkie app on your Apple Watch works as intended.

Make sure you can hear incoming messages on your Watch’s Walkie-Talkie feature by adjusting the volume. If the volume is too low or muted, simply turn it up and see the magic! Here’s how:

1. Unlock your Apple Watch.
2. Press the Digital Crown to see the list of your apps.
3. Tap on the Settings app.
4. Scroll down and tap on Sound & Haptics.
5. Please tap on the Volume Up icon on the right and rotate the Digital Crown to turn it up.

Fix 9: Enable FaceTime

All of your devices must have FaceTime enabled for Walkie-Talkie to function. Walkie-Talkie uses FaceTime audio as its base for voice communication. You also need to make sure that each of the email addresses and phone numbers associated with your Apple ID has a blue checkmark. This verifies the user’s identity, which is necessary for services like FaceTime and Walkie-Talkie to work. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on FaceTime.
3. Turn on the toggle next to FaceTime. 
4. Once done, select Use your Apple ID for FaceTime.
5. Under YOU CAN BE REACHED BY FACETIME AT, ensure all the phone numbers and email addresses are selected and have a blue tick next to them.

Fix 10: Reinstall the FaceTime App

If you’re having issues with Walkie-Talkie, uninstalling and reinstalling the FaceTime app may help. Having problems with the Walkie-Talkie app could be due to corrupted app data or settings.

You can give Walkie-Talkie a clean installation by uninstalling it and then reinstalling it if you’re having difficulties getting it to work. When you reinstall the FaceTime app, you are essentially also reinstalling the Walkie-Talkie app. Follow the steps below:

1. Unlock your Apple Watch.
2. Press the Digital Crown to see all your apps.
3. If you are using Grid View, tap and hold anywhere and select Edit Apps.
4. Tap on the “x” on top of the FaceTime app icon.
5. Tap on Delete App.
6. If you are using List View, simply swipe left on the FaceTime app and tap on the Trash icon.
7. Then, tap on Delete App.
8. Now, open the App Store.
9. Search for FaceTime using scribble, dictation, or keyboard.
10. Tap on the Cloud icon to download and install the app.
11. Once the app has been installed, check to see if Walkie-Talkie is now working.

Fix 11: Delete Contact and Resend the Invitation

If someone on your Walkie-Talkie contact list is unable to talk to you using Walkie-Talkie, try removing them and resending your invitation. The contact’s settings or a declined invitation could be to blame for the problem. When you delete a contact and then re-invite them, you’re essentially resetting the connection between your devices. Follow the steps below:

1. Unlock your Apple Watch.
2. Press the Digital Crown to see all your apps.
3. Open the Walkie-Talkie app.
4. Swipe left on the contact you want to delete and tap the Trash icon.
5. Tap on Delete and then send the invitation again.

Fix 12: Check iPhone Date and Time

Your iPhone’s date and time settings affect how well Walkie-Talkie works. Setting the correct date and time on your iPhone is essential. Incorrect date and time settings can disrupt walkie-talkie synchronization, which is essential for smooth communication. The proper date and time settings on your iPhone are crucial to its proper functioning. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on Date & Time. 
4. Turn on the toggle next to Set Automatically.
5. This time will also sync to your Apple Watch as well.

Fix 13: Restart Devices

Restarting your Apple Watch and iPhone is a simple but effective solution to many problems. This deletes temporary files and restarts services fixing any issues that have been plaguing Walkie-Talkie. Follow the steps below to restart your devices:

iPhone:

1. Press and hold the Side button and the Volume Up button simultaneously for a few seconds to bring up the “Slide to Power Off” menu.
2. Drag the slider to the right to power off your iPhone.
3. Alternatively, open the Settings app and tap on General > Shut Down.
4. Press and hold the Side button for a few seconds to turn it on.

Apple Watch:

1. Press and hold the Digital Crown and the Side button simultaneously for a few seconds to bring up the Power Off menu.
2. Tap on the Power icon on the top right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on Power Off.
4. Alternatively, open the Settings app and tap on General > Shut Down.
5. Press and hold the Side button for a few seconds to turn it on.

Fix 14: Reset iPhone Settings

Resetting your iPhone’s settings is a more advanced troubleshooting step that may be necessary. This resets your various settings to their factory defaults, which can fix problems caused by incorrect configuration.

This will reset all of your iPhone’s settings, not just the Walkie-Talkie ones, so proceed with caution. If the above-mentioned solutions have failed, this one is the next best thing. Follow the steps below:

Note: Resetting all settings will delete your iPhone configurations, Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, VPNs and other items.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Then, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap on Reset.
5. Tap on Reset All Settings.
6. Enter your iPhone’s passcode to continue.
7. Finally, tap on Reset All Settings again.

Fix 15: Reset Walkie-Talkie

You can also try and reset the Walkie-Talkie feature to see if that helps resolve the issue. Resetting the Walkie-Talkie service in this way can sometimes fix problems that have developed over time. Specifically, it addresses issues with the Walkie-Talkie app. Follow the steps below:

1. If you are on watchOS 9, swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Control Center. If you are using watchOS 10, press the Side button once to do the same.
2. Please tap on the Walkie-Talkie icon and make sure it’s gray.
3. Restart your Apple Watch (refer to the steps in Fix 13).
4. Unlock your Apple Watch.
5. Swipe up from the bottom or press the Side button to reveal the Control Center.
6. Please tap on the Walkie-Talkie icon and make sure it’s orange.

Fix 16: Reset Your Apple Watch (Optional)

You can also try resetting your Apple Watch to its original settings. If you’ve tried everything else and Walkie-Talkie still isn’t working, this is your last resort. This will give your watch a clean slate, erasing all of its previous data and settings.

It should be noted that resetting your watch to factory settings will delete all of your data and force you to set it up as a new device. So, be sure to take a backup of your Apple Watch so that you can restore it when you set it up later. Follow the steps below to reset your Apple Watch:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your name at the top of the Settings page.
3. Then, tap on iCloud.
4. Tap on iCloud Backup.
5. Make sure to turn on the toggle next to Back Up This iPhone.
6. Finally, tap on Back Up Now. You can now reset your Apple Watch.
7. Open the Watch app.
8. Make sure you are in the My Watch tab.
9. Tap on General.
10. Tap on Reset.
11. Finally, tap on Erase All Content and Settings and follow the on-screen instructions.
12. After the reset is complete, set up your Apple Watch again and see if the issue has been resolved.

Contact Apple Support

If all of the above solutions fail to help fix the issue, then there might be an isolated issue with your Apple Watch. Make sure you get your Apple Watch diagnosed at Apple Genius Bar or an authorized partner. You can also contact the support team via the Apple Support website, by calling, or by installing the Apple Support app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walkie-Talkie available on all Apple Watch models?

Although Apple Watch Series 1 and later support Walkie-Talkie, only those running on watchOS 5.3 are compatible. The availability also depends on the country or region that you are in.

Can I use Walkie-Talkie with other devices besides Apple Watch?

No, you cannot use Walkie-Talkie with other devices besides the Apple Watch. The feature is not available on the likes of the Pixel Watch or the Galaxy Watch.

Is Walkie-Talkie the same as FaceTime Audio?

No, Walkie-Talkie and FaceTime Audio are different features. Walkie-Talkie allows for instant voice communication with your contacts, while FaceTime Audio is a voice call over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

What is the range of Walkie-Talkie on Apple Watch?

The range of Walkie-Talkie on the Apple Watch is typically 5 to 20 miles. However, this range is highly dependent on the strength of your Wi-Fi or cellular connection as Walkie-Talkie relies on these to work.

Can I use Walkie-Talkie if I don’t have cellular service on my Apple Watch?

Yes. Walkie-Talkie needs an active internet connection to work properly. If you don’t have a cellular Apple Watch or a cellular connection, you can use Walkie-Talkie over the Wi-Fi.

Can I send text messages through Walkie-Talkie?

No. It is not possible to send text messages through the Walkie-Talkie app. As the name suggests, it is a voice-only messaging app.

Final Words

The Walkie-Talkie feature on the Apple Watch is surely fun to use. However, it can get frustrating when this cool feature randomly stops working. Thankfully, the solutions provided in this article should help you fix the issue. Ensure you have an active internet connection and FaceTime enabled on your iPhone and Apple Watch.

If the issue persists after trying all the solutions, you should contact Apple Support for further assistance. They should personally guide you on how to fix the issue. Which one of these solutions worked for you? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading till the end!