Features enabled when your Mac and devices are nearby

When you use a supported Mac, iOS device, or Apple Watch and iCloud, the devices recognize when they’re near each other, enabling features that let them work together in even smarter ways. These Continuity features let you seamlessly move between your devices.

Phone call on Mac and iPhone

Handoff

When your Mac and iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch are near each other, they can automatically pass what you’re doing between devices. So you can switch from your Mac to your iPad, or from your Apple Watch to your Mac, and instantly pick up where you left off. For more information, see Pick up where you left off with Handoff.

Instant Hotspot

No Wi‑Fi? No problem. Your Mac can connect to the Internet using the personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad when they’re within range of each other. No setup is required. Your iPhone or iPad automatically appears in the Wi‑Fi menu on your Mac—just select it to turn on your hotspot. For more information, see Connect to the Internet using Instant Hotspot.

Phone Calls

When you want to make or answer a phone call, don’t reach for your iPhone—use your Mac. You can start calls from FaceTime, Contacts, Safari, Mail, Maps, Spotlight, and many other apps. When someone calls you, a notification appears. Just click the notification to answer. For more information, see Use your Mac to make and receive phone calls.

SMS Messages

Send and receive SMS and MMS text messages right from your Mac. When friends text you, regardless of what phone they have, you can respond from whichever device is closest. All the messages that appear on your iPhone now appear on your Mac, too. For more information, see Get and send SMS messages.

AirDrop

Sending a photo or a document to someone via text or email is fine. But if that someone is right next to you, a text or an email feels like too many steps. AirDrop lets you quickly share photos, videos, contacts, and anything else, with anyone near you—wirelessly. It makes sharing to iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac as simple as dragging and dropping. For more information, see Use AirDrop to send files to devices near you.

For other ways to share, see Share on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.