The Fitbit Charge 5 is a very capable fitness tracker, with many features that are similar to those of a smart watch. Many users of the Fitbit Charge 5 wonder if you can answer calls on the device.

It turns out that you can answer calls on a Fitbit Charge 5, but unlike with watches that have a built-in microphone, you’ll have to than take out your phone in order to actually have a phone conversations. 

Here are all the details on answering calls on your Fitbit Charge 5.

Call notifications on a Fitbit Charge 5

If you connect your Fitbit Charge 5 to your phone and your phone is nearby, you can receive notifications on the device when your phone gets a text message or call. When you get a call, your Fitbit Charge 5 will vibrate to indicate that a call is coming in.

Looking at the screen, you can see the number that is calling you. You can then swipe up, and select to either answer the call or reject it.

Can you speak into the Fitbit Charge 5 for a phone call?

Although you can choose to answer a call using a Fitbit Charge 5, you can’t actually speak into the watch. That’s because the device does not have a microphone built-in. It allows you to except or reject calls, but if you accept one, you’ll have to take out your phone in order to actually speak.

That can be a little confusing to people. They might accept a call on the watch, and then not realize they have to take a phone out of their pocket to actually speak. The person on the other end of the line might not hear anything, and might think they’ve been butt dialed!

Remember: if you answer a call on the Fitbit Charge 5, you need to immediately take out your phone in order to keep speaking. That’s different from some other wearables like the Apple Watch, that allow you to carry on a whole conversation using only the watch.

Because the Fitbit Charge 5 does not have cellular connection, you’ll also only be able to accept calls if you have your phone with you and it’s connected to the device. If you leave your phone at home, the watch will not be able to receive calls on the Charge 5.

What is the benefit of call notifications on the Fitbit Charge 5?

If you can’t actually speak into the Fitbit Charge 5, what is the benefit of getting call notifications on it? To me, the biggest benefit is being able to quickly reject calls but you don’t want to take.

I get a lot of spam calls on my cell phone. When one comes in, I can see the number that’s calling me by quickly glancing at the screen on my Charge 5. Without having to take my phone out of my pocket or interrupt what I’m doing, I can quickly see if the call is from a spam number. If it is, I can reject it right on the watch and go about my day.

If the call is from a legitimate source, like a friend or family member, I can also quickly accept the call.

Accepting calls on the watch is helpful because it buys you a little bit more time. Instead of scrambling to get your phone to ensure you don’t miss an important call, you can accept it on the watch as soon as the call comes in, and then have a couple extra seconds to get your phone out.

Again, that’s helpful both for rejecting spam calls and for accepting important ones that you don’t want to miss.