How to make and take phone calls in OS X Yosemite

Call relay, part of Apple's Continuity features, lets you answer and place calls from your iPhone using your Mac without having to scramble to find your phone. Because call relay uses the same phone number, carrier, and plan as your iPhone, the person on the other end can't tell the difference. It also shows you the caller's number, contact picture, and more, so you don't lose out on any features. Best of all, it's really easy to use — here's how!

Continuity call relay requirements

In order for call relay to work, both your iPhone and Mac need to be:

  • Running iOS 8.1 or later on iPhone, OS X Yosemite or later on Mac.
  • Connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Logged into the same Apple ID (iCloud account).

How to enable or disable call relay on the Mac

  1. Launch FaceTime from the Dock or Finder.
  2. Click on FaceTime in the top menu.
  3. Click on Preferences.

  4. Click the checkbox next to Calls from iPhone.

    Click FaceTime, click Preferences, click the checkbox next to Calls from iPhone

To disable Call Relay, just repeat the same steps and uncheck the box.

Bear in mind that neither the FaceTime app on the phone nor the one on the Mac actually needs to be active or running to enable your Mac to make and take calls. It's just that the preferences to manage this feature are kept within FaceTime settings. You can safely exit out of FaceTime on the Mac and still expect it to work.

VPN Deals: Lifetime license for $16, monthly plans at $1 & more

How to enable call relay on your iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Phone.
  3. Tap Calls on Other Devices.
  4. Tap the switch next to Allow Calls on Other Devices.

  5. Tap the switch next to each device on which you want to allow calls.

    call on other devices

How to answer a phone call on your Mac

Answering a call is one simple step:

  1. Click on Accept to answer when the notification pops up on the top right of your screen.

    Click Accept

How to decline a call on your Mac

  1. Click Decline when the notification pops up on the top right of your screen. Alternatively, you can click the dropdown arrow and choose to be reminded of the call in 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or an hour.

    Click Decline or click the dropdown

How to place a phone call on your Mac

  1. Launch FaceTime from the Dock or Finder.
  2. Enter someone's name or phone number where it says Enter a name, email, or number.
  3. Click the phone button.

  4. Click the number under Call using iPhone.

    Enter a name or phone number, click the phone button, click the number under Call using iPhone

How to transfer a call from Mac to iPhone mid-call

If you'd like to continue your call that started on your Mac on your iPhone, you can easily transfer mid-call:

  1. Unlock your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Touch to return to call banner at the top of your screen.
  3. Tap the audio button.

  4. Tap iPhone.

    Tap the Touch to return to call banner, tap audio, tap iPhone

Enhance your Mac with these solutions

Your Mac could be even more useful with one of our favorite accessories.

Das Keyboard 4 Professional ($169 at Amazon)

If you're more into mechanical keyboards, the Das Keyboard 4 should be what you're looking for, with options available for Cherry MX Blue or Brown switches. There's even an option for RGB backlighting, as well as media keys with a built-in volume knob.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones ($350 at Amazon)

These over-ear headphones provide a significant sound alternative to AirPods while being just about as easy to use. Like the AirPods, connect easily to your Apple devices thanks to the built-in W1 chip, which allows the pairing to sync across devices logged into iCloud.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments below!

Updated July 2019: Made sure everything is up to date for iOS 13.

macOS Big Sur

Main

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.