How to make a call using Mac mini?

Question

Level 1

19 points

How to make a call using Mac mini?

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a Mac mini (2024) and it is synced to my iPhone (14 Pro). I can answer any calls that my iPhone receives using my Mac mini but how do I initiate a call through my iPhone using my Mac mini?

I can make calls if the number is saved in my 'Contacts' app using the Mac mini's FaceTime app. But I don't want to save every number before dialling!

For example, if I want to ring a business as a one-off, how can I do that without first saving the number?

When I enter the number I want to ring, I am presented with the option to "Invite with messages" but the "Call Using iPhone: " is not available.

I rang Apple Support and sadly they weren't much help. The only work around is it to add the number to the contact list first. This surprised me considering Window's PhoneLink app allows me to connect to my iPhone via Bluetooth and dial any number without the need to first save it.

Is there a 3rd party app that can help?

Mac mini

Posted on Jul 25, 2025 07:02 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 25, 2025 07:10 AM in response to IMD14U

I think that the current situation is as you describe, but it is bound to change in the near future (Tahoe includes a native Phone app).

For the moment, it is perhaps not such a big deal either to take the phone or to add a contact and then delete it.

You don't even need to leave the Contacts application: add a new contact, put in the number, click the phone icon, and then delete the contact.

It may be possible to create a shortcut in the Shortcuts application to automate this, but I wonder if it is too much trouble, when Tahoe is just around the corner.

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Answer 2

Jul 25, 2025 07:14 AM in response to IMD14U

Open the FaceTime app, click the New FaceTime button at the top left. When the new window opens, type the number you want to call then click the down caret on the right side of the number and select the Call Using iPhone option (you need to select the number itself under the 'call using iPhone' line).

Make and receive calls in FaceTime on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

IMD14U Author

Level 1

19 points

Jul 25, 2025 09:04 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hi Luis Sequeira1,

Thanks for your reply. I forgot MacOS 26 (Tahoe) was just around the corner but I had no idea that it would come with a native 'Phone' app. That is exactly what I need and would make things a lot easier but I wonder why it has taken Apple so long to include it.

I guess you're right. I could add the phone number and then delete it after the call or simply dial the number using my iPhone and then transfer the call to my Mac mini - if that option is available.

Yeah that seems too much trouble given that Tahoe will arrive soon!

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Answer 4

TheLittles

Level 10

201,461 points

Jul 25, 2025 09:46 PM in response to IMD14U

"How to make a call using Mac mini?: [...]The only work around is it to add the number to the contact list first. This surprised me considering Window's PhoneLink app allows me to connect to my iPhone via Bluetooth and dial any number without the need to first save it. Is there a 3rd party app that can help?"

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Adding Info to WiFi Calling:

Aside from a third-party app...

A. Try Using Siri: Say something like: "Create New Contact" and "Add Contact Phone Number":

Use Siri on all your Apple Devices - Apple Support

Use Siri on iPhone - Apple Support

Siri on your Mac - Apple Support

B. Overview these Links:

Learn About Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support

Make and Receive Phone Calls on Mac or iPad - Apple Support

Learn more About how to Make and Receive Phone Calls on Mac- Apple Support

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Answer 5

Jul 26, 2025 01:14 AM in response to IMD14U

Open FaceTime app on the Mac. All Calls (Cellular, Landline, Android) are registered here when a call is received on an iPhone that has continuity enabled for the Mac.

See the pic below for more details.

You will see on the iPhone that the call is being made.

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