Speakerphone Default: Set Incoming Calls

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To set speakerphone as the default for answering incoming calls, you need to change a call setting in your phone’s dialer app—there isn’t a single universal toggle, but the option exists on both iPhone and Android. This article walks you through the exact steps for each platform, explains why the setting works the way it does, and covers common issues you might run into.

Why There Is No One Universal Setting

Speakerphone behavior is controlled by the operating system and the phone’s dialer app, not by the hardware. Apple and Google each implement call audio routing differently, and carriers can also influence which options appear. On most phones, you can set the default audio route for calls, but the exact menu name and location vary by Android manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, etc.). On iPhone, the setting is simpler but less flexible.

How to Set Speakerphone Default on iPhone

iPhones do not have a direct “always answer on speaker” toggle. However, you can use a workaround: enable Call Audio Routing in Accessibility settings. This forces all calls to route to the speaker (or to a Bluetooth device) automatically. Here’s how:

Open Settings > Accessibility.
Tap Touch (or Call Audio Routing on older iOS versions).
Tap Call Audio Routing.
Select Speaker (or Bluetooth Headset if you prefer).

Once set, every incoming call will automatically use the speaker. Note that this also affects outgoing calls, and you can still manually switch to the earpiece during a call by tapping the speaker icon.

How to Set Speakerphone Default on Android

Android phones offer more flexibility, but the exact steps vary by manufacturer. Most stock Android (Pixel) phones have a setting called Call audio routing under the Phone app’s settings. For Samsung phones, it’s under Call settings > Answering and ending calls.

Here’s a general guide that works on most Android devices:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the three-dot menu (or Settings gear icon).
Select Settings or Call settings.
Look for Call audio routing or Speakerphone.
Choose Speaker as the default.

On Samsung phones specifically:

Open Phone > More options (three dots) > Settings.
Tap Answering and ending calls.
Enable Answer calls with speakerphone.

If you don’t see these options, your phone may not support it natively. In that case, you can use a third-party app (like Auto Speaker) that automatically turns on the speaker when a call connects, but these apps may not be as reliable.

Using Bluetooth as a Default

Many people want speakerphone because they use a Bluetooth headset. If that’s your goal, you can set your phone to automatically route calls to a paired Bluetooth device. On both iPhone and Android, the phone will usually remember the last audio device used. To force it, you can:

On iPhone: In Settings > Accessibility > Call Audio Routing, select Bluetooth Headset.
On Android: In the Phone app settings, look for Bluetooth audio routing or Use Bluetooth.

Note that if no Bluetooth device is connected, the phone will fall back to the earpiece or speaker depending on your settings.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes the setting doesn’t work as expected. Here are the most common issues:

Setting not available: Some carriers disable the call audio routing option on certain phones. Try searching your phone’s settings for “speaker” or “audio routing.” If it’s not there, check for a software update.
Speaker turns off automatically: Some phones (especially with proximity sensors) may switch to the earpiece when you hold the phone to your ear. This is normal behavior to prevent accidental touches. You can disable it by turning off “proximity sensor” in call settings, but that may cause other issues.
Third-party apps not working: Apps that force speakerphone often require accessibility permissions. Make sure you grant them, and check battery optimization settings that might kill the app in the background.
Bluetooth not connecting: If you set Bluetooth as default but the device doesn’t connect, unpair and re-pair the device, and ensure it’s charged and within range.

Alternatives to a Permanent Default

If you don’t want every call on speaker, you can use a few tricks:

Quick toggle: On most phones, you can swipe down from the top during a call to access the speaker icon. Some phones let you press the volume button and then tap the speaker icon.
Answer with speaker using a gesture: On some Android phones, you can enable “answer with speaker” by pressing the volume up button when the call comes in. Check your call settings for this option.
Use a smartwatch: If you have a smartwatch, you can answer calls from the watch and then route audio to the watch’s speaker or a connected earbud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my iPhone have a speakerphone default toggle?

Apple intentionally keeps the call interface simple. The Accessibility “Call Audio Routing” setting is the only way to force speakerphone. It works, but it also affects outgoing calls, so you may want to change it back if you prefer the earpiece for most calls.

Will this drain my battery faster?

Speakerphone uses more power than the earpiece because it drives a larger speaker and may keep the screen on. However, the difference is small for typical call lengths. If you’re concerned, you can manually toggle speakerphone only when needed.

Can I set speakerphone for specific contacts only?

No, the default setting applies to all calls. You cannot set per-contact audio routing without using a third-party automation app like Tasker (Android) or Shortcuts (iPhone), which can be complex to set up.

Does speakerphone default affect video calls (FaceTime, WhatsApp)?

No, the setting only affects cellular calls. Video call apps have their own audio routing settings, usually controlled by the app’s speaker button.

What if I use a hearing aid?

If you use a hearing aid with Bluetooth, you may want to route calls to the hearing aid instead of the speaker. On iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices and adjust the audio routing there. On Android, look for “Hearing aids” in Accessibility settings.

Is there a way to make it temporary?

Yes, you can simply tap the speaker icon on the call screen when a call comes in. Most phones also let you press the volume up button to enable speakerphone while the call is ringing, if you enable that in call settings.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.