How do I answer calls without unlocking my iPhone 13 running iOS 26?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I answer calls without unlocking my iPhone 13 running iOS 26?

I have got an iPhone 13 which I updated to iOS 26. When I receive a call I cannot answer it without unlocking my phone which means I miss the call. I don’t get a slider come up or accept or decline buttons. Is there any other way of answering it. Please don’t suggest a restart or anything too technical as I am not able to do that. I really want to know if there is another button I can press. Thanks for your help.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Can’t answer calls

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 6:56 AM

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Answer 1

LD150

Level 10

103,602 points

Nov 19, 2025 10:09 AM in response to anniebee27

anniebee27 wrote:

Thank you so much for your help, but I can turn my iPhone on and off and everything works it’s just that I can’t answer calls without unlocking it, by which time the call has ended and I have to ring them back. I was wondering if I could answer calls by pressing the side button or something like that. Thanks anyway, I do appreciate your help.

No the side button will cancel ringing on one press or cancel the call on double press.

There is no setting that I can find to prevent answering in the lock screen.

Are these whatsapp or other third party calls, or normal phone calls to your SIM?

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Answer 2

Katana-San

Level 10

83,335 points

Nov 19, 2025 7:04 AM in response to anniebee27

Hello~ It may take a bit of work to resolve. First the forced restart may be helpful even if difficult for you…

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

Also, click on below for some suggestions…

If your call fails or you can’t receive calls on your iPhone - Apple Support

You may want to make an appointment with Apple for assistance…

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Find Locations

~Katana-San~

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Answer 3

anniebee27 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 19, 2025 8:32 AM in response to Katana-San

Thank you so much for your help, but I can turn my iPhone on and off and everything works it’s just that I can’t answer calls without unlocking it, by which time the call has ended and I have to ring them back. I was wondering if I could answer calls by pressing the side button or something like that. Thanks anyway, I do appreciate your help.

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Answer 4

Nov 19, 2025 9:56 AM in response to anniebee27

Are these all calls? Or only unknown calls?

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How do I answer calls without unlocking my iPhone 13 running iOS 26?

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