One of the key features of iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite is the ability to share phone calls and text messages. If you’ve updated to the latest version of the software, you can make calls and send text messages from your iPad and Mac. This is very convenient if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem – you no longer need to switch devices just to answer a call. The ability to share phone calls is one of our favorite iOS 8 features, and it’s easy to set up. Here’s how you can start making and receiving calls on your iPad and Mac.
what do you need
Any iPhone or iPad that can run iOS 8.1 or a Mac running OS X Yosemite. You can share your phone using iOS 8, but you’ll need to update to iOS 8.1 to send and receive text messages from iPads and Macs.
How to make and receive calls across devices
Sharing phone calls between Apple devices is easy. There are a few things you need to ensure first. These are:
1. All your devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
2. You are logged into the same iCloud account on all your devices.
3. You are logged into FaceTime using the same iCloud account on all devices.
4. Your devices are close to each other and Bluetooth is turned on.
Once these things are set up, here’s what you need to do.
1. On your iPhone and iOS, go to Settings > FaceTime > iPhone Mobile Calling > On.
2. On your Mac, open FaceTime > Preferences > Check iPhone Cellular.
3. To enable text message forwarding to your iPad or Mac, on your iPhone go to Settings > Messages > SMS forwarding > Enable. Note that this option will only appear if there is a compatible iOS or Mac device connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You can switch the device to which messages are forwarded.
4. Your other Apple device will display a code that you need to enter on your iPhone to enable SMS continuity.
That’s it. Now you’re ready to start making and receiving calls and sending text messages from any iOS or Mac device. Just bring up your contacts and hit the call or message button.
Do you like this new feature? Did it work well for you? Let us know in the comments. For more tutorials, head to our How-To section.
