A method and apparatus for controlling a bar-type mobile terminal are provided. The method for controlling a bar-type mobile terminal having a first speaker and a first input unit on one side and a second speaker and a second input unit on the other side of the mobile terminal includes receiving a call in a waiting mode; sensing whether a call accept key is input through the first input unit or through the second input unit; activating the speaker located on the same side of the mobile terminal as the call accept key according to the sensing result; and generating a received sound through the activated speaker, thereby enabling a call to be received using both sides of the mobile terminal.