You can make and receive regular cellular phone calls on a Mac by connecting it to an iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account. After you enable Calls on Other Devices on the iPhone and Calls from iPhone on the Mac, you can start calls from FaceTime, Contacts, Safari, Mail, Maps, and other apps that recognize phone numbers. Incoming iPhone calls can also appear on your Mac, where you can answer them using the Mac’s microphone and speakers or a connected headset.
Quick Answer
To make and receive iPhone calls on a Mac:
- Connect the iPhone and Mac to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Sign in to both devices with the same Apple Account.
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
- On the Mac, open FaceTime, choose FaceTime > Settings, select General, and turn on Calls from iPhone.
- Start calls from FaceTime, Contacts, or another app containing a phone number.
- When your iPhone rings, click Accept on the Mac to answer.
Menu names may vary slightly depending on your macOS or iOS version. If you do not see one of these options, update both devices and check the troubleshooting steps below.
What You Need Before You Start
The Mac does not need its own cellular phone plan to handle iPhone calls. Instead, it uses the iPhone as the cellular connection. Make sure the following requirements are met:
- An iPhone with an active cellular plan and the ability to make calls
- A Mac with FaceTime installed
- The iPhone and Mac signed in to the same Apple Account
- FaceTime signed in to that same Apple Account on both devices
- Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network
- Bluetooth turned on, if prompted or required for continuity features
- The devices located reasonably close to one another
- A working microphone and speakers, or a compatible headset
Your iPhone must generally be powered on and connected to the cellular network. It does not need to be unlocked for every call, but it should be nearby and connected to Wi-Fi.
Calls are not the same as FaceTime calls
This feature lets your Mac handle ordinary phone calls that use your iPhone’s cellular service. It is different from making an audio or video call through FaceTime.
Regular calls may use your carrier’s minutes and calling plan. FaceTime audio calls use an internet connection instead. The call type is determined by how you start it and which option you choose.
Set Up Phone Calls on Your Mac
You must enable the feature on both the iPhone and the Mac.
Turn on calls on other devices on the iPhone
- Open Settings on the iPhone.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Phone.
- Tap Calls on Other Devices.
- Turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
- In the list of devices, turn on the switch next to your Mac.
On some iOS versions, the Phone settings may appear directly under Settings > Phone rather than under Settings > Apps > Phone.
If you do not see your Mac listed, verify that the Mac and iPhone use the same Apple Account and that FaceTime is signed in on the Mac.
Turn on calls from iPhone on the Mac
- Open FaceTime on the Mac.
- In the menu bar, choose FaceTime > Settings.
- Click General.
- Select Calls from iPhone.
If FaceTime asks you to sign in, use the same Apple Account that is signed in on your iPhone. You may also need to verify a phone number or email address.
Allow microphone access
The first time you make or answer a call, macOS may ask whether FaceTime can access your microphone.
Click Allow. Without microphone access, the other person will not be able to hear you.
If you previously denied access:
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click Privacy & Security.
- Click Microphone.
- Turn on access for FaceTime.
- Quit and reopen FaceTime if necessary.
Warning: Closing FaceTime can end an active call. Finish or place the call on hold before quitting the app.
How to Make Phone Calls on a Mac
There are several convenient ways to place a call. The available options can depend on the app, the type of number, and whether the iPhone connection is working.
Make a call from FaceTime
FaceTime is the main built-in app for starting an iPhone cellular call from a Mac.
- Open FaceTime.
- Click New FaceTime.
- Enter a contact’s name, phone number, or email address.
- Click the arrow next to the call button, if available.
- Choose the phone number you want to use.
- Select the option for a phone call, such as Call Using iPhone.
If the contact has multiple phone numbers, select the correct one before starting the call. FaceTime may also offer FaceTime audio or video calling; choose the regular phone option when you want to use your iPhone’s cellular service.
Call someone from Contacts
You can call a saved contact without manually typing the number.
- Open Contacts.
- Select a contact.
- Move the pointer over the phone number.
- Click the phone icon or call button.
- Choose the option to call using your iPhone, if macOS presents more than one choice.
If the contact has several numbers, verify that you are calling the intended mobile, home, or work number.
Call a number from another Mac app
macOS can recognize phone numbers in many apps. Depending on the app, you may be able to Control-click or right-click a number and choose a calling option.
For example:
- Select or Control-click a phone number in Safari, Mail, Messages, Notes, or Maps.
- Choose Call or a similar phone option.
- Select your iPhone or Call Using iPhone, if prompted.
The exact menu depends on the app and the way the number is formatted. If no call option appears, copy the number into FaceTime or Contacts.
Use Siri
You can also ask Siri to call a contact or phone number. For example, say:
“Call Alex.”
Siri may ask which number to use if the contact has multiple phone numbers. Review the result before confirming the call, especially when several contacts have similar names.
Use the Call Window During a Call
When a call is active, the call controls appear in FaceTime or in a call window associated with FaceTime. Common controls include:
- Mute: Turns off your microphone so the other person cannot hear you.
- Video: Regular cellular calls do not become video calls, but FaceTime may display related controls for other call types.
- End Call: Hangs up.
- Audio options: Selects the Mac’s speakers, a headset, or another available audio device.
- Keypad: Opens a dial pad for entering extensions, account numbers, or menu choices.
Use the keypad when an automated phone system asks you to press a number. If you need to enter a sensitive number, such as an account PIN, be aware that people nearby may be able to see the digits on your screen.
Choose the Microphone and Speakers
If the other person cannot hear you, or you cannot hear them, check the selected audio device.
Choose audio devices from the call window
During a call, click the audio or speaker control and select the microphone, speakers, or headset you want to use.
A wired headset, Bluetooth headset, USB microphone, or external display may appear as an available option.
Choose the Mac’s input and output devices
You can also check the system-wide audio settings:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Settings.
- Click Sound.
- Under Input, select the microphone you want to use.
- Under Output, select the speakers or headphones you want to use.
- Adjust the input level or output volume as needed.
Make sure a headset is not muted and that its microphone is positioned correctly. If you use a display with built-in speakers, macOS may switch audio output to the display automatically.
How to Answer iPhone Calls on a Mac
After setup, incoming iPhone calls can appear as notifications on the Mac.
When the call arrives:
- Look for the incoming-call notification or call window.
- Click Accept to answer on the Mac.
- Speak through the Mac’s microphone or your connected headset.
- Click End Call when you are finished.
You can also click Decline to reject the call. Depending on your settings and carrier, you may be able to choose an option to respond with a message or create a reminder instead.
Answering on the Mac does not move your cellular service to the Mac. The iPhone remains the device connected to the carrier, while the Mac acts as the audio and control interface.
Answer calls while the Mac is locked
Whether an incoming call appears while the Mac is locked depends on your notification and security settings. If you cannot answer from the lock screen, unlock the Mac and check FaceTime or your notifications.
Do not change security settings just to answer calls unless you understand the privacy consequences. A more permissive notification setting can reveal caller information when other people can see your screen.
Manage Call Notifications
If calls reach the iPhone but do not appear on the Mac, check notification settings.
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Click Notifications.
- Select FaceTime.
- Turn on Allow notifications.
- Choose an alert style and notification behavior that works for you.
Also check whether Focus is enabled:
- Open System Settings.
- Click Focus.
- Select the active Focus mode.
- Review whether FaceTime notifications or calls are being silenced.
If you do not want calls appearing at a particular time, use Focus settings rather than disabling the entire calling feature. Remember that silencing notifications may prevent you from noticing an incoming call on the Mac, although the iPhone can still ring.
Use Contacts to Keep Calling Simple
Contacts is useful when you frequently call the same people. Add or verify phone numbers so FaceTime can identify them correctly.
To edit a contact:
- Open Contacts.
- Select the person.
- Click Edit.
- Add or correct the phone number.
- Label the number as mobile, home, or work when appropriate.
- Click Done.
If you use iCloud Contacts, changes may appear on your other Apple devices. Review the contact carefully before saving, particularly if the information is shared with multiple devices.
Voicemail and Missed Calls
Voicemail is handled primarily by the iPhone and your cellular carrier, not by a separate Mac Phone app.
If you miss a call:
- Check the iPhone’s Phone app for missed calls and voicemail.
- Review the Mac’s FaceTime or notification history if available.
- Return the call from FaceTime, Contacts, or the original notification when the option is offered.
The Mac may show call notifications, but voicemail features and visual voicemail availability depend on your iPhone, carrier, and region. If you do not see voicemail on the Mac, use the iPhone to listen to or manage messages.
Troubleshooting Mac Phone Calls
“Calls from iPhone” is missing in FaceTime
Check these items:
- Confirm that FaceTime is signed in on the Mac.
- Confirm that the iPhone and Mac use the same Apple Account.
- Make sure the iPhone has an active cellular connection.
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On the iPhone, return to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and verify that calls are allowed.
- Quit and reopen FaceTime.
Warning: Quitting FaceTime can end any active call. Do not do this during an important conversation.
The Mac does not ring
Check:
- FaceTime > Settings > General > Calls from iPhone
- System Settings > Notifications > FaceTime
- Whether Focus or Do Not Disturb is silencing alerts
- Whether the Mac is connected to Wi-Fi
- Whether the iPhone is powered on and connected to the cellular network
- Whether the iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same Apple Account
Restarting both devices can also refresh the connection. Save your work before restarting, because unsaved changes in open apps could be lost.
The call connects, but there is no sound
- Check the call’s audio output and microphone selection.
- Open System Settings > Sound and verify the input and output devices.
- Increase the volume.
- Make sure your headset is connected and not muted.
- Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and confirm that FaceTime has access.
- Disconnect external audio devices temporarily to test the Mac’s built-in microphone and speakers.
The other person cannot hear you
The microphone may be muted, blocked, or aimed away from you. Click the mute control to verify that it is off, then check microphone permissions and the selected input device.
If you are using a Bluetooth headset, confirm that its microphone is selected. Bluetooth audio can also introduce quality problems when the headset is connected to several devices at once.
Calls disconnect or have poor quality
The Mac relies on the iPhone and Wi-Fi connection for this feature. Try moving closer to the Wi-Fi router, disconnecting from a congested network, or placing the iPhone closer to the Mac.
If calls consistently fail, make a test call directly from the iPhone. If the iPhone also has trouble, the issue may involve cellular service or the carrier rather than the Mac.
Calls work in one direction only
If you can make calls but cannot receive them, check iPhone call settings and Mac notifications separately. If you can receive calls but cannot make them, verify that FaceTime can access the iPhone connection and that you are selecting a phone-call option rather than FaceTime audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make phone calls on a Mac without an iPhone?
Not for regular cellular calls through this feature. A Mac can make internet-based calls through services such as FaceTime or other communication apps, but ordinary iPhone cellular calls require a compatible iPhone connection.
Does my iPhone need to be nearby?
The iPhone should be powered on, connected to the cellular network, and available through the same Wi-Fi environment. Keeping the devices reasonably close can improve reliability, especially when Bluetooth or local continuity features are involved.
Can I answer an iPhone call on my Mac while using headphones?
Yes. Select the headphones or headset as the call’s audio device. If the headset has a microphone, choose it as the input device as well.
Can I dial extensions from the Mac?
Usually. During a call, open the keypad and enter the extension or other numbers requested by the automated system.
Will a Mac call use my iPhone’s phone plan?
A regular call made through Call Using iPhone uses the iPhone’s cellular calling service. Carrier charges, plan limits, and international calling rules may apply.
Can I make emergency calls from a Mac?
Do not rely on the Mac calling feature as your only way to contact emergency services. Use the iPhone or another phone whenever possible, and be aware that location information and call routing can differ from a direct call made on the iPhone.
Why do I see FaceTime instead of a regular phone call?
The person may have a FaceTime address, or FaceTime may be offering its internet-based calling option first. Open the call options and choose the phone number or Call Using iPhone option for a cellular call.
Can I use the Mac to manage voicemail?
Voicemail is generally managed through the iPhone and your carrier. Use the iPhone’s Phone app for voicemail playback and carrier-specific features.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to make and receive phone calls on a Mac is to enable Calls on Other Devices on the iPhone and Calls from iPhone in FaceTime on the Mac. Once connected, you can call from FaceTime, Contacts, and other apps, answer incoming calls without picking up the iPhone, and use a headset or the Mac’s built-in microphone and speakers. If calls fail, check the Apple Account, Wi-Fi connection, FaceTime settings, microphone permissions, and notifications first.