You can hand off a FaceTime call mid-conversation from iPhone to Mac using Handoff, or start a call on one device and continue it on another

Handoff is the feature that lets you switch devices without dropping the call. When you're on a FaceTime call on your iPhone, your Mac shows a notification on the lock screen or in the corner of your desktop. Tap or click it, and the call moves to your Mac — the iPhone audio stops, and your Mac takes over. The other person stays on the line the whole time.

This works only if your iPhone and Mac are signed into the same Apple ID, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and Bluetooth is turned on. If any of those three things are missing, Handoff won't appear as an option.

You can also start a call on your Mac and see it ring on your iPhone at the same time, then answer on whichever device you pick up first. That's not moving a call — that's just how FaceTime works across your devices by default.

Key Takeaways

  • Handoff requires the same Apple ID on both devices, both on the same Wi-Fi network, and Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone.
  • When a FaceTime call comes in on your iPhone, your Mac displays a Handoff notification you can click to take the call there instead.
  • If Handoff doesn't appear, check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, and that both devices are signed into the same Apple ID account.
  • You can also start a call on your Mac and answer it on your iPhone, or vice versa — both devices ring at the same time.

Setting up Handoff on your devices

Before you can move a call, both your iPhone and Mac need to be ready. On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then tap AirPlay & Handoff. Turn on the switch next to Handoff. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Bluetooth is on — both are in Control Center, which you open by swiping down from the top right of the screen.

On your Mac, open System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click AirPlay and Handoff. Turn on the checkbox next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices. Your Mac should already be on Wi-Fi, but you can check by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID. Check this on your iPhone in Settings > [Your Name] at the top, and on your Mac in System Settings > General > Apple ID in the sidebar. If they're different, sign out of one and sign in with the matching account.

How to move an active call using Handoff

When you're on a FaceTime call on your iPhone and want to switch to your Mac, look at your Mac's screen. You'll see a notification appear — on the lock screen if your Mac is locked, or in the top right corner of your desktop if it's unlocked. The notification shows the caller's name and a button to join the call.

Click or tap that notification. Your Mac opens FaceTime, the call transfers to your Mac, and your iPhone stops playing audio. The person you're talking to won't hear any interruption — the switch happens in seconds.

If the notification doesn't appear, check three things: Is your iPhone's Bluetooth on? Is your Mac on the same Wi-Fi network? Are both devices signed into the same Apple ID? If all three are yes and the notification still doesn't show, restart both devices and try again.

Starting a call on one device and answering on another

You don't have to use Handoff to use multiple devices. When someone calls you on FaceTime, the call rings on every device signed into your Apple ID at the same time — your iPhone, iPad, and Mac all light up together. You can answer on whichever one is closest to you.

If you start a call on your Mac and the other person is in your contacts, the call will also ring on your iPhone. You can answer on your iPhone instead, and the Mac call cancels. This is the default behavior and doesn't require any setup beyond having the same Apple ID on both devices.

Why Handoff might not work

The most common reason Handoff doesn't appear is that Bluetooth is off on your iPhone. Even though you're using Wi-Fi for the actual call, Handoff uses Bluetooth to detect that your Mac is nearby. Turn on Bluetooth in Control Center and try again.

The second most common reason is that your devices are on different Wi-Fi networks. If your iPhone is connected to your home Wi-Fi and your Mac is connected to a guest network, Handoff won't work. Switch both to the same network.

If you've checked Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and your Apple ID and Handoff still doesn't work, restart your iPhone and Mac. Turn them both off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then try making a FaceTime call again.

Switching back to your iPhone mid-call

If you've moved a call to your Mac and want to switch back to your iPhone, you can do that too. On your Mac, click the FaceTime window, then look for a menu or button that shows your devices. In newer versions of macOS, you'll see a device icon in the FaceTime call window — click it and select your iPhone from the list.

On older versions of macOS, you may need to use the menu bar. Click FaceTime at the top of the screen, then look for an option to switch audio or video devices. Your iPhone should appear in that list.

If you don't see your iPhone listed, make sure Bluetooth is still on and both devices are on the same Wi-Fi. If it is, the simplest fix is to hang up the call on your Mac and have the other person call you back — you can then answer on your iPhone.

Using FaceTime audio versus video across devices

Handoff works the same way for audio-only calls and video calls. When you move a video call from your iPhone to your Mac, the video continues on your Mac. If you move it back to your iPhone, the video switches to your iPhone's camera and screen.

If you're on a video call on your Mac and want to move to your iPhone, the same Handoff notification appears on your iPhone. Click it, and the video call moves to your iPhone — your Mac's camera turns off and your iPhone's camera turns on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move a FaceTime call if my Mac is asleep?

Yes. When a call comes in on your iPhone, your Mac wakes up and shows the Handoff notification. You can click it to move the call to your Mac, and your Mac will wake fully. If your Mac is completely shut down, Handoff won't work — it needs to be asleep or awake.

What if I'm on Wi-Fi on my iPhone but my Mac is on Ethernet?

Handoff still works. Both devices need to be on the same network, but one can be wired (Ethernet) and one can be wireless (Wi-Fi) — they're still on the same network. Make sure Bluetooth is on on your iPhone.

Does Handoff work with group FaceTime calls?

Yes. You can move a group FaceTime call from your iPhone to your Mac the same way you move a one-on-one call. The Handoff notification appears on your Mac, you click it, and the call transfers. Everyone else in the call stays connected.

Can I move a call if my devices are on different Apple IDs?

No. Handoff requires both devices to be signed into the same Apple ID. If you have different accounts on your iPhone and Mac, you'll need to sign one of them out and sign in with the matching account.

Why does my Mac show the Handoff notification but it doesn't work when I click it?

The most likely cause is that your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection dropped between when the notification appeared and when you clicked it. Check that both are still on, and try making another FaceTime call. If it keeps happening, restart both devices.