How do I stop my Mac from receiving phone calls?
In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon for Mac users to receive phone calls on their computers. While this can be convenient for some, it can also be quite distracting and intrusive for others. If you’re one of those individuals who would prefer to keep your Mac free from phone calls, here are some steps you can take to stop this from happening.
First and foremost, you need to determine the source of the incoming calls. There are several ways in which your Mac might be receiving phone calls, so it’s essential to identify the cause before you can effectively stop them. Here are some common reasons why your Mac might be receiving phone calls:
1. VoIP Services: If you have a VoIP service installed on your Mac, such as Skype or Google Voice, it’s possible that these applications are set to ring your Mac when someone calls your phone number.
2. Mac’s Default Phone App: The built-in Phone app on your Mac might be configured to ring when you receive calls on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Third-party Apps: Some third-party apps may have the capability to receive phone calls on your Mac, either for functionality or by mistake.
Now that you’ve identified the potential causes, here’s how to stop your Mac from receiving phone calls:
Step 1: Check VoIP Services
– Skype: Open Skype and go to Preferences > Calls > Audio & Video. Uncheck the option that allows your Mac to ring when you receive a call on your phone number.
– Google Voice: In the Google Voice app, go to Settings > Calls > Ring Devices and uncheck your Mac from the list of devices that can ring.
Step 2: Adjust Mac’s Default Phone App
– Open the Phone app on your Mac and go to Preferences.
– Look for the option that allows you to receive calls from your iPhone or iPad and uncheck it.
Step 3: Review Third-party Apps
– If you suspect a third-party app is causing the issue, check the app’s settings for any phone call functionality and disable it if possible.
– If the app doesn’t have a clear setting to disable calls, you may need to uninstall the app entirely.
Step 4: Update Your System
– Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Sometimes, updates can fix issues related to phone calls and other system functionalities.
Step 5: Contact Support
– If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that there’s a deeper issue with your Mac’s system settings. In this case, contacting Apple Support may be necessary to resolve the problem.
By following these steps, you should be able to stop your Mac from receiving phone calls. Remember, it’s important to identify the source of the issue to ensure that you’re addressing the correct problem. With a few adjustments, you can keep your Mac focused and free from unwanted interruptions.