There are 3 different ways to decline an incoming call on an Apple iPhone 7. Declining a call will send it directly to voice mail. We’ll show you how it’s done with this detailed tutorial.
Option 1 – Sleep/Wake/Power Button
If your screen is locked when receiving a call, the screen only provides the option to answer the call. If you want to decline the call from the Lock screen, simply press the Sleep/Wake/Power button on the top of the phone 2 times in rapid succession. If performed correctly, the screen should fade off and send the call to voice mail.
Option 2 – Decline Button
If the phone is unlocked, you will have an option to decline the call on the left and an option to accept the call on the right. Simply tap the red “Decline” option.
Option 3 – Using Headphones
If you’re wearing your iPhone headset or any other supported headphones, you can simply press and hold the Microphone button for about 2 seconds. You should hear two beeps to let you know you have successfully declined the call.
MaurS says
I am in the same situation as STEVEP above. Is there a way to have a “decline” outgoing message so that when I choose decline the call is not cut off but the caller instead receives a message from me indicating I can’t take the call and will get to them later?
Thanks.
SteveP says
Any other ways? Declining the call like that cuts off the call immediately. I want the call to take place and finish naturally, eventually going to voicemail, but I don’t want to have to sit there and wait for it to finish. A call interrupts what I’m doing, and if I don’t want to end it immediately using the Decline button then I have to sit and wait because the call takes over the phone and the Home button no longer seems to work for me to get back to the app i was using.