Transcribe iPhone calls on this Mac

What this is

Apple's Calls from iPhone feature (part of Continuity) relays your iPhone's cellular calls to your Mac over Wi-Fi so you can place and answer them there. Apple handles the relay entirely — Cinder does not connect to your iPhone or your carrier. Once the call's audio is playing through your Mac, Cinder captures it the same way it captures any other call: system audio for the other side, and your microphone for you.

Before you start

You'll need both devices signed in to the same Apple Account, with Wi-Fi turned on for each, and the iPhone and Mac nearby or on the same network.

Set up your iPhone

iOS 18 and later: Settings → Apps → Phone → Calls on Other Devices → Allow Calls on Other Devices, then turn on this Mac.

iOS 17 and earlier: Settings → Phone → Calls on Other Devices.

Set up your Mac

On every supported version of macOS: FaceTime → Settings → General → Calls from iPhone.

Where the call rings

On macOS 14 and 15, you place and answer the cellular call in FaceTime. On macOS 26, you place and answer it in Phone.

Start Cinder and keep the call on your Mac

With the call ringing or already underway on your Mac, open the menu next to "Start call" on the Cinder dashboard and choose "Transcribe iPhone call…" — or click "Start call" as you would for any other call. Keep the call routed through your Mac for the rest of the call — tapping the green call indicator on your iPhone moves the call's audio back to the phone. Moving it back to iPhone stops Cinder from hearing the other side.

AirPods and other headsets

AirPods and other headsets work while the call remains routed through your Mac. If you move the call back to your iPhone, headset audio follows the call and Cinder stops hearing it.

Troubleshooting

If Calls from iPhone isn't working as expected, check:

• Apple Account mismatch — your iPhone and Mac must be signed in to the same Apple Account.
• Wi-Fi, local network, or VPN interference — both devices need Wi-Fi on, and a VPN on either device can block the relay.
• FaceTime's phone-number selection — check "You can be reached at" in FaceTime → Settings to make sure your cellular number is selected.
• Calls from iPhone setting missing or off — re-check FaceTime → Settings → General → Calls from iPhone on the Mac, and Calls on Other Devices on the iPhone.
• Cinder's permissions — Cinder needs both Microphone and System Audio Recording permissions (macOS may label the latter Screen & System Audio Recording) to capture the call.

Wi-Fi Calling (optional)

Some carriers support Wi-Fi Calling, which can let you take calls on your Mac without your iPhone nearby. Availability depends on your carrier and is separate from the Calls from iPhone setup above.

Notice, consent, and workplace rules

Cinder does not join a call as a participant bot. You remain responsible for giving any notice, obtaining any consent, and following any workplace rules that apply to your calls — including iPhone cellular calls routed through your Mac.

For the full walkthrough, see Apple's support article on Calls from iPhone.