persistence is thenew feature of speech in OS X Yosemite and iOS 8.1that let you partner your iPhone with a Mac ( or other iOS equipment ) to :
Continuity is an umbrella full term Apple is using for a reach of new features that bring the Io and Mac OS 10 gadget closer than ever before . There are four main parts of Continuity : Handoff , Phone Calls , SMS Text Messaging and Wi - Fi Sharing . For more information about persistence take ourOS X Yosemite review .
Also show : forward-looking tips for YosemiteandBeginners tips for Yosemiteandhere ’s what is coming in the next interpretation of OS X …
Compatibility: what Macs and iPhones can do Continuity?
Alas , Continuity is n’t compatible with all Macs or iOS devices . The chief factor is whether the Mac or iOS machine feature crushed - king Bluetooth , also known as Bluetooth 4.0 .
To quickly check the Continuity and Bluetooth capabilities of your Mac , harbour down Alt ( Option on some keyboard ) and click Apple > System Information . Then pick out the Bluetooth launching at the left wing of the window that appears . At the right , front at the headings that understand Bluetooth Low Energy Supported and Handoff Supported . You ’ll ask a Yes in both to get the thoroughgoing cooking stove of Continuity lineament .
Checking if your Mac is compatible with Continuity can be done via the System Information app
However , even if you see a “ No ” , this only means your Mac is unfitting withmostContinuity features . Phone call and SMS persistence trust on Wi - Fi so might knead fine . ( Although if you ’re unfearing you might be test tohack an older Mac to work with Continuity .
The same low - power Bluetooth compatibility is necessary for your iPhone , iPad or iPod Touch for live full Continuity . A quick way of checking on the machine itself is to look for a toggle electrical switch within the System app – spigot General and search for an entree headed Handoff & Suggested Apps . If it is n’t there then your machine does n’t support Continuity although again , as with Macs , you may retrieve phone call and SMS Continuity function fine .
manifestly , you ’ll need to see Bluetooth is really enabled : on an iOS gadget bring up Control Center and ensure the Bluetooth release is activated . On a Mac unfastened System Preferences and click the Bluetooth icon , then click the Turn Bluetooth On release if it ’s present .
The options app will give a clue if your iOS twist is compatible with the full range of Continuity features
For more about Io preferences show : How to use the iOS setting .
What software do you need to run Continuity on a Mac, iPad and iPhone?
On your Io devices you ’ll need to be running at least iOS 8.1 for all of Continuity ’s feature film to work , and ideally should be update to the latest iOS liberation to minimise unreliableness and glitch . In the configurations app hydrant General > Software Update .
Macs take to be consort Yosemite and again should be running the latest update – fall into place Apple > App Store , then knock the Updates tab to see what organisation updates are useable .
All your Macs and iOS devices need to be signed in with the same Apple / iCloud username , and for the full range of Handoff features you ’ll need to enable all iCloud features on all devices , such as Mail , Contacts , Calendars , iCloud Drive , and so on . On a Mac this can be done by click iCloud within System Preferences , while on an iOS gimmick opening options and tapping iCloud will offer the same options .
For Continuity to work fully you ’ll need to enable all iCloud features on all your Macs and iOS devices
How to view your Mac or personal computer screen on an iPad
How to set up your Mac to take and make Phone calls
Let ’s start by looking at phone call persistence . To have incoming cry to your iPhone ring - out on your Mac(s ) and iOS gadget(s ) , you ’ll require to enter the preferences app on all your iOS gadget – including the iPhone itself – and tap the FaceTime entry ( notthe earpiece heading ! ) , then slue the transposition alongside iPhone Mobile Calls .
On your Mac(s ) you ’ll need to open FaceTime and then start the Preferences dialog ( Cmd+ , ) . Ensure there ’s a tick alongside iPhone Cellular Calls . take note that there ’s no indigence to have FaceTime open on either the Mac or Io devices for calls to be received .
To receive calls on your Mac you ’ll need to enable an option within the FaceTime app
See also : EE WiFi calling – What is it and how do I sic it up on my iPhone ?
How to answer incoming calls on your Mac
When somebody call your phone a presentment will slip into view on your Mac at the top right of the screen , and clicking Accept will take the call .
Pro tip : This presentment can be dragged and turned into a “ real ” windowpane , allowing you to move it around the screenland .
Clicking the Decline button will decline the call – just like tapping the same button on your iPhone – although beg the lowly down pointer alongside the button will let you respond with a schoolbook message , again like on the iPhone itself , or choose to be reminded of the call via a notification in 5 or 15 instant , or an hour later .
The call will simultaneously ring out on your iPad and/or iPod Touch too . If the iOS twist is locked you’re able to slue to unlock and answer the call , just like you would on an iPhone . If the iOS equipment is already unlocked then tap the green Answer clitoris will do the trick . You ’ll afterwards see the same storage-battery grid of icons as you would when taking a call on your iPhone , such as the ability to switch to a computer keyboard to enter DTMF tones .
An incoming call will appear on your Mac in a apprisal papa - out at the top right field of the screen
Bear in mind that you ’ll probably necessitate earphones with a microphone to get the effective sound quality during calls – for both you and the other party – and there ’ll probably be a second or so delay after the iPhone itself get down ringing before it sounds - out on your other devices . The ringing also tend to continue for a second after you ’ve taken the call on another gadget or Mac . Read : How to make a phone call on your Mac
Making and take calls on an iPad is just like answering a call on your iPhone
How to make phone calls on your Mac
To make an extroverted phone call on your Mac or non - iOS equipment , you ’ll need to employ the FaceTime app .
tapdance the Audio heading and then , if using Io , either beg the individual ’s name in the list of Holocene at a lower place , or on a Mac forked - fall into place their ledger entry ( late call lists are sync with your iPhone ) . If the someone is n’t in the list then type their name in the search field above , which will poke into your iCloud savoir-faire book , establish the result underneath .
Making an outgoing earphone call on an iPad can be done via the FaceTime app , and tap the earphone icon
The call will take position immediately . Once the call is afoot on iOS you ’ll see the same power system of ikon as you would on the iPhone , appropriate you to tone down the call or switch to the keypad , for example . On a Mac you ’ll see a wave shape presentation of the audio in the same floating telling windowpane as used to have calls and you’re able to mute the call , or end it , by clicking the relevant buttons .
Pro lead : On a Mac while taking or making calls you’re able to embark computer keyboard tone of voice , for Robert William Service such as online banking , by just pressing the number keys .
To force FaceTime to make a FaceTime audio call , which offers better quality and take place over the net ( although requires the recipient to have Apple ironware ) , you ’ll involve to tap the phone icon alongside their accounting entry in the list on a Mac and select FaceTime sound recording , while on an iOS machine you ’ll need to tap the ( i ) icon and then the earphone icon , before pick out FaceTime Audio .
To force FaceTime not to habituate the iPhone for audio call you ’ll necessitate to dawn the phone ikon and select FaceTime Audio
Set up SMS/MMS on your Mac
To enable school text and multimedia system message sending and incur on your Mac or Io devices , first launch the configurations app on your iPhone , then tap the Messages steer . Upon tapping the Text subject matter Forwarding entry you ’ll see a list of any Macs or iOS equipment logged into the same iCloud account . tap the switch alongside any will bulge - up a PIN prompt , and the PIN you need to typewrite will be displayed on the Mac or iOS machine – on a Mac the Messages app will open and a dialog box will look showing a PIN , while on an iOS gimmick you ’ll need to unlock it in guild to see a pop - up dialogue box seat show a PIN . pink the Allow push button on the iPhone after infix the PIN will empty the dialog boxes on each equipment .
Yes , we ’re also diffident why textbook / MMS forwarding needs permission to be localise in this way , while phone yell work automatically . Read : How to send Messages from your Mac using Yosemite
Setting up text message forwarding and sending on Macs and iOS twist require that you introduce a PIN father by the Messsages app
How to send and receive text/picture (MMS) messages on a Mac
send a text subject matter on a Mac or iOS gimmick is just like sending a subject matter to an iMessage user , except you specify the recipient role ’s earpiece bit in the To : field of the Messages app , or look them up in the iCloud computer address record book by typing their name . As when sending messages on your iPhone , send out via iMessage alternatively of textbook will hap automagically should Apple know the recipient to be using an Apple twist , and the same colour coding of messages apply : those in green are SMS / MMS , and those in blue are using iMessage . to boot , messages sent as SMS / MMS have the heading “ SMS with ” , followed by the recipient ’s number or name .
likewise , text / MMS message received by your phone will now automatically come out in the Messages app . Put plainly , all substance of any kind will now be synced across your Apple Macs and handhelds . Read : Best Message boast in iOS 8
Just like on an iPhone , SMS / MMS conversations are colour green on a Mac and iMessage conversations are coloured blue
How to set up an Instant Hotspot via your iPhone
If you ’re not already connected to a Wi - Fi electronic web , Instant Hotspot lets you make use your iPhone ’s data connection . This is sometimes denote to as data point tether and Instant Hotspot will only work if your wandering phone design allows it . One elbow room to quickly control is to open setting , intercept Mobile ( or Mobile Data ) , and expect for a heading that reads Personal Hotspot or Set Up Personal Hotspot . If it ’s not there then you should get in jot with your provider . Read : How to turn your iPhone into a WiFi hotspot .
Although Personal Hotspot is not the same as Instant Hotspot , its front in the System app indicates your iPhone supports Instant Hotspot too
However , although exchangeable , Instant Hotspot is separate and distinct from the older Personal Hotspot feature . Personal Hotspot does n’t even take to be trip for Instant Hotspot to work . In fact , no setup is needed on the iPhone .
Using Instant Hotspot on your Mac is light – just click the Wi - Fi icon at the top right field of the background and select your iPhone from the list ( commend that you ’ll only see it if you ’re not already connected to Wi - Fi ! ) . Alongside the iPhone ’s launching you ’ll see the type of data connection the phone currently has , along with sign strength and the battery life of the telephone set – all of which will look just like they do on the phone itself . Just click to colligate . No password will be command because security is handled automagically via iCloud . If you want to disconnect , launch the Wi - Fi bill of fare again and snap the Disconnect option , although your Mac and iPhone will sporadically unplug if you ’re not using data so as to save battery lifespan , and then reconnect automatically when it ’s want . This happens in the background and you wo n’t be aware of it . translate : How to deal a WiFi connection from a Mac to an iPhone .
Connecting to Instant Hotspot is as easy as select your iPhone in the list of useable Wi - Fi networks
For usable data connectedness you should front for LTE , 4 GB or 3 G alongside the earphone ’s entry in the carte . Entries that read E or GPRS will just be too slow and you ’ll belike see connector timeouts .
Pro tip : If you feel your Mac mechanically connect to a useless Wi - Fi internet , such as one that is slow or appears not to work , hold down Alt ( Option on some keyboard ) and sink in the Wi - Fi image . Then select Disconnect underneath the electronic web you ’re currently connect to , and click the iPhone ’s entry in the leaning . Read : How to troubleshoot WiFi problem on a Mac .
How to use Handoff on your Mac, iPhone and iPad
For Handoff to work you ’ll need to have compatible apps installed on your Mac and iOS devices . At the here and now these are mostly limited to Apple ’s own apps ( Safari , Maps , Notes , Calendar etc ) , with a fistful of third - company apps playing along too . Various sites have compiled lists of Handoff - compatible apps .
No setup is postulate for Handoff to work . On a Mac , handoffs are shown at the left of the Dock ( left of even the Finder icon ) , and at the left of the image that appear when you invoke the undertaking switcher using Cmd+Tab . Clicking the picture will make your Mac take - over the task – if you ’re editing an e-mail , for illustration , it will open up instantly on your Mac for editing and the original will close on your iOS gadget . If you ’re not handing off a written document – perhaps you ’re sharing a single-valued function position or Safari website , for illustration – then the original app will remain open .
On an iOS gimmick , the icon for the handoff will appear at the bottom leftfield of the ignition lock screenland . Swiping it upwards and then unlocking the headphone will flip to it . If the phone is already unlocked the Handoff will come along at the very left over of the inclination of thumbnail previews in the multitasking silver screen that appears when you double - click the Home clit . Curiously , there ’s nothing within the iOS or Mac apps themselves to indicate a potential handoff . The above method offer the only ways of using Handoff .
For an in - depth feeling at Handoff , see ourcomplete scout to using Handoff on the Mac , iPhone and iPad .
Handoff task appear as icons on the lock chamber concealment of iOS devices , and in the multitasking screen door
What apps work with Handoff?
Apple lists the following apps as being Handoff compatible :
And Handoff not just limit to Apple apps . Third - political party app developer can easily build Handoff into their apps .
Handoff: does my Mac meet the requirements?
Handoff , part of the Continuity feature set requires your Mac machine to be run Bluetooth LE . This is the low energy version of Bluetooth found in newer twist . Here are the Macs that will be capable to corroborate persistence :
So only Macs purchase in the last few years will be able to utilize the new Handoff feature . It ’s a ignominy that Apple could n’t get a system of rules like Handoff to work with older mackintosh , but we think Handoff could be the reason to splash out on a new Apple Mac .
AirDrop: How to share files between Mac OS X Yosemite and iOS 8
AirDrop is a way of life to transfer file cabinet between devices that make it on iPhones and iPads iOS 7 . It has exist on Macs for even longer , but Macs and iOS equipment were ineffectual to communicate due to differences in the applied science required . In Yosemite and iOS 8 Apple has made it potential to use AirDrop to share files between Mac and iOS devices .
Like the other Continuity features , AirDrop wo n’t work on all Macs , and in fact we had some struggles getting it to act upon on Macs that should have been compatible .
To use AirDrop start by afford a Finder window on the Mac and select AirDrop ; choose to be see by everyone or by a contact . On the iOS gimmick abstract up on Control Centre and become AirDrop on . You should now see the iPhone in the AirDrop windowpane in the Finder and your Mac should seem in the AirDrop window on the iPhone or iPad .
To divvy up from your Mac , spend an simulacrum onto the icon representing the iPhone ; accept the alert on your iOS machine .
To share from your iPhone to your Mac , choose the mental image or document you wish to apportion and tap the Share push , exploit the picture representing the Mac in the AirDrop section , then accept the incoming ikon on your Mac .
translate about how to get AirDrop to exploit between your Mac , iPad and iPhone here : How to utilize AirDrop to transfer single file from iPhone to Mac and Mac to iPhone .
Here ’s something else you might like to do : How to create Automator ActionsandHow to use Automator on the Mac
