Apple Watch Series 8 calls to voicemail when iPhone off

When my iPhone 14 is on, my Series 8 watch will ring. I can also make calls from my watch. But when my iPhone 14 is off, and you call the number, it goes to voicemail, and not to my watch. What can I do?

iPhone 14

Posted on Feb 15, 2026 9:13 AM

Reply
4 replies

Feb 15, 2026 1:01 PM in response to Jberry2324

Jberry2324 wrote:

What can I do?

Your Apple Watch relies on its paired iPhone to haandle cellular calls - unless you happen to have a cellular Apple Watch connected to your carrier with your cellular plan.


So what you can do is either keep your iPhone paired and connected to your Apple Watch or use a cellular Apple Watch.

Use Apple Watch without its paired iPhone - Apple Support


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Apple Watch Series 8 calls to voicemail when iPhone off

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