How to answer iPhone calls or messages on MacBook

MacBook and iPhone have this neat, yet powerful integration which allows you to answer incoming calls on iPhone on Macbook. It allows you to receive a phone call, without you reaching for your iPhone. A notification is sent to your Mac you can take the call. This feature has a minimum hardware, and software requirement and your cellular charges still apply. In this guide, we will share how to answer iPhone calls or messages on MacBook.

Basic Requirements to answer iPhone calls or messages on MacBook

To make and receive phone calls on your Mac, make sure of the following:

  • iPhone has iOS 8 or later installed.
  • Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Mac and iPhone are signed in to iCloud and FaceTime using a single Apple ID.
  • Your Mac and iPhone have Wi-Fi calls turned on. The last one is the most important thing. Check if your carrier supports it by visiting this page.

How to Enable Wi-Fi calling on iPhone and MacBook

Apple uses FaceTime over WiFi to make this feature work. Open FaceTime, then choose FaceTime > Preferences.

  • Select “Calls from iPhone.”
  • If an Upgrade to Wi-Fi Calling button appears, click it, then follow the onscreen instructions. This button will only appear if your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling. This works when your iPhone is turned off or is on a different Wi-Fi network.

 answer iPhone calls or messages on MacBook

How to answer iPhone calls on MacBook

This is probably the simplest thing. Once the setup is complete, you will get a call from FaceTime on your MacBook, and all you need to is click on Accept call. If your Mac has a Touch Bar, you can use it to accept a call, decline a call, decline and send a message, or decline and set a reminder.

How to send & receive messages on MacBook

Here you will need to use iMessage which can be installed on both MacBook and iPhone. However, you will have to enable text message forwarding, and it has to be enabled by the wireless carrier.

 answer iPhone calls or messages on MacBook

  • First, make sure to sign-in with same Apple ID on the devices you want to use iMessage.
  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding.
  • Next, you can choose which devices to allow to send and receive text messages from this iPhone.

Note: To receive SMS/MMS text notifications on your Mac, and your iPhone must be turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network.

About the author

Ashish Mohta

Ashish is an Android, Macbook user who excels in writing tips, tricks, and features on it to improve your day to day experience with your devices.