I recently started using Bluetooth headphones. Today I received my first phone call since I started using the Bluetooth headphones, and to my surprise my iPhone rang out loud instead of playing the ringtone into the headphones I had connected.
I'd like my iPhone to be silent for the people around me, and only ring into my headphones. How can I do that? I'm using an iPhone XR with iOS 13.3.1 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
I'm puzzled that this was my experience, because somebody else said their experience was that incoming calls ring on the Bluetooth headphones.
Best Answer
When a pair of headphones are connected to an iPhone (whether wired or wireless), it's normal for the ring to be played both on the iPhone, as well as in the connected headphones. This is by design.
If you are not hearing the ringtone play via your Bluetooth headphones, make sure they are connected (not just paired) to your iPhone when you receive the call.
If you wish your iPhone to not ring when around people, and want the ringtone to play just via the Bluetooth headphones:
Make sure your iPhone is set to silent mode by using the Ring/Silent switch on the left side of your iPhone.
Make sure your Bluetooth headphones are connected to your iPhone. To ensure if the headphones are indeed connected, go to Settings app → Bluetooth, and check if your headphone listed under My Devices shows Connected in front of it. If it shows Not Connected instead, turn on your Bluetooth headphones and tap on it's entry here on your iPhone.
From the Apple Support document: