When your iPhone rings and your Mac rings too, that is Continuity at work: calls are relayed to other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account on the same Wi-Fi. You can stop it for the Mac only, or for every device.
Quick Answer
On your iPhone, open Settings, Apps, Phone, Calls on Other Devices and turn off your Mac. Or on the Mac, open FaceTime, Settings, General and clear Calls from iPhone.
How to Stop Your Mac From Ringing With iPhone Calls
- On the iPhone, open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Phone. On iOS 17 and earlier, tap Phone directly in Settings.
- Tap Calls on Other Devices.
- Turn off the switch next to your Mac. Leave other devices on if you want them to ring.
- To stop calls on every device, turn off Allow Calls on Other Devices instead.
- Or on the Mac, open FaceTime, choose FaceTime, Settings (Preferences on older macOS), General, and uncheck Calls from iPhone.
Where to Turn It Off
| Where | What it stops |
|---|---|
| iPhone: Calls on Other Devices, Mac switch | Calls ringing on that Mac only |
| iPhone: Allow Calls on Other Devices | Calls ringing on every other device |
| Mac: FaceTime settings, Calls from iPhone | Calls on that Mac |
| iPad: FaceTime settings, Calls from iPhone | Calls on that iPad |
Troubleshooting
- If the Mac still rings, check both places. Turning it off on only one side can leave it on.
- Text messages are a separate setting under Messages, Text Message Forwarding.
- If you want calls on the Mac later, both devices need the same Apple Account, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
- Using Windows instead? See how to use iPhone messages on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this stop FaceTime calls on my Mac?
No. FaceTime calls to your Apple Account still ring on the Mac unless you sign out of FaceTime there.
Can I still make calls from the Mac?
Not through your iPhone once this is off.
Does this block unknown callers?
No. For that, see how to block no caller ID calls.
Why did my Mac start ringing on its own?
The feature turns on by default for devices on the same account. A new Mac or iPad may be added automatically.
Summary
- iPhone Settings, Apps, Phone.
- Calls on Other Devices.
- Turn off your Mac.
- Or clear Calls from iPhone in FaceTime on the Mac.
- Check both if it still rings.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.