[Updated] Apple Watch Walkie Talkie invites not working for some users (Checking availability or Connecting), potential workarounds inside

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on June 01, 2022) follows:

In the last few years, Apple Watch has completely revolutionized the smartwatch industry with its visually pleasing design and fitness tracking capabilities.

One of the most unique features Apple Watch has to offer is Walkie Talkie. Device owners can talk to their friends with just a tap on the watch. Since it works using either cellular data or Wi-Fi, the range is practically unlimited.

It is pretty simple to set up and use. Users need to open the Walkie Talkie app on their devices and send an invite to the friend they want to talk to.

After they accept your invite, just touch and hold the talk button and you can instantly send voice messages.

But for the past few months, some Apple Watch users have been reporting that Walkie Talkie invites are not working as intended (1,2,3,4,5). Reports suggest that users are stuck on checking availability or connecting.

Many were frustrated and wondering if it was an issue on their end but soon found out it wasn’t the case. Some have already tried resetting their Apple Watch and re-pairing the device but to no avail.

Anyone use the walkie-talkie on the watch? If so, Anyone have issues using it? Me and my husband use it all the time for work, it’s so convenient instead of calling or texting all the time when we’re in the same building. I asked 2 of my sons to invite each other and it’s not working for them either, so before I dig into it more, just wondering if it’s a known issue etc. Ty in advance.
(Source)

I just got the Apple Watch SE and I’ve been trying to add some of my friends on Walkie Talkie, but for some reason it won’t work. I’ve done the Apple ID for FaceTime and all that but it still is being weird. Also the Walkie-talkie invitation I sent to my friend doesn’t show up on his phone and his invitation for me doesn’t show up on mine. Any ideas on how I could fix this!? Thanks!!!
(Source)

Unfortunately, we are yet to come across any official statement from Apple on the matter.

However, we did come across some workarounds that might help fix the issue where Walkie Talkie invites are not working for some Apple Watch users.

The first one requires users to remove the invite to their friends and have them do the same. After this is done, restart both watches and reinvite them.

The second workaround is from Apple itself. It involves making sure you are signed in to your Apple ID in Facetime, restarting the Apple Watch, and restarting the iPhone itself. When done, try reinviting your friend.

On your iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap FaceTime. Make sure that you’re signed in with your Apple ID. Under You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At, make sure that your email address is selected. Restart your Apple Watch. Restart your iPhone. Try to send the invitation again. On your Apple Watch, open the Walkie-Talkie app, swipe left on the contact, then tap the delete button . Tap the plus button , then choose the same contact.
(Source)

Last but not the least, make sure you have updated your Apple Watch to the latest version since this seems to be fixing the problem for some.

We hope Apple soon takes a look at the issue where Walkie Talkie invites are not working for some and fixes the problem. If and when they do, we will be updating this space to let you know.

05:36 pm (IST): Some Apple Watch users are again reporting (1, 2, 3) that Wakie-talkie invites are not working for them which indicate that the issue hasn’t been addressed yet.

04:37 pm (IST): Some users are still reporting (1, 2) issues with the Walkie Talkie app, which indicates that this problem hasn’t been addressed by the latest watchOS update.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple Section so be sure to follow them as well.

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