How do I answer a call on my iPhone when it tries to enable Hand Off to my Mac?

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How do I answer a call on my iPhone when it tries to enable Hand Off to my Mac?

How do I answer a call on my iPhone when it tries to hand off to my Mac?

I recently enabled handoff for phone calls. It works in that when I receive a call, I see a notification on my Mac and can answer on my Mac.

However, I often would prefer to answer on my phone (so I can walk to a quiet room to talk). But I can't see how to answer on my phone! I assumed I would have the option to answer on either device.

Thanks for the help.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How to answer

iPhone 13 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 28, 2025 1:25 PM

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Answer 1

jiceman Author

Level 1

20 points

Nov 28, 2025 7:54 PM in response to jiceman

I used Google AI to help me debug. Not sure exactly what was wrong, but after changing a couple of settings, including Incoming Calls setting from "Banner" to "Full Screen" and turning off mute/silent, it is working as expected.

In the settings earlier, it didn't ring (as expected), but I also saw no banner allowing me to accept a call. Maybe I was too slow? Anyhow, testing again now, I get the full screen option to accept. It's possible that I simply missed the banner in my earlier calls.

I do now also see the Green call button in the top left, and I can select that to move a call off my Mac and onto my phone. Thanks!

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2025 6:25 PM in response to jiceman

Pick up the phone and you should see a slider to answer the phone. If it has already been transferred to your Mac unlock the phone and tap on the green phone icon in the dynamic island to transfer the call to your iPhone.

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Answer 3

jiceman Author

Level 1

20 points

Nov 28, 2025 7:17 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Interesting. When I pick up the phone, there is no slide button to answer, so I can only answer on my Mac.

I have iphone 13, so I don't think I have a dynamic island. Is there any way I can move the call to my iPhone if I cannot answer it there?

It's kind of frustrating and am considering turning off this feature.

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How do I answer a call on my iPhone when it tries to enable Hand Off to my Mac?

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