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Can I use my iPad air to make phone calls?

Author

Penelope Carter

Updated on February 24, 2026

Can I use my iPad air to make phone calls?

You can make and receive calls on your iPad by relaying calls through your iPhone. To make calls this way, you must set up FaceTime and sign in with the same Apple ID on both of your devices. You must first set up your iPhone, and then set up your iPad.

Then, can I use my iPad to make phone calls?

On Android, the functionality is enabled by downloading the Hangouts dialer app and then Google Voice will be available through the separate Hangouts app. Calls and texts can also be made or received through a computer when a web browser is open to Gmail or Hangouts.

Also, can you use iPad without phone service? WiFi-Only iPad

A WiFi-only model iPad connects to the Internet using wireless or WiFi access. This means when you are in a location without WiFi you cannot get on the Internet, make phone calls/Skype/Facetime, send/receive email and some Apps that rely on Internet access will not work.

Likewise, can I use my iPad as a phone with my SIM card?

The easiest way to make phone calls with your iPad is to use FaceTime, the video conferencing software that comes with the iPad. You can use your iPad with eSIM or Apple SIM. You can use Wi-Fi Calling on these devices, even if your iPhone isn't on the same Wi-Fi Network or turned on.

Can I make phone calls from my tablet?

Tablet calling is easy

You really need only two things to make your tablet function as a smartphone: a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or VoLTE (voice over LTE) app and a pair of headphones. The former lets you make calls and send text messages over a data connection or Wi-Fi, rather than a cellular network.

Can I use my iPad to send text messages?

In the Messages app , you can send text messages as SMS/MMS messages through your cellular service, or with iMessage over Wi-Fi or cellular service to people who use iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or a Mac. For security, messages sent using iMessage are encrypted before they're sent.

Is iPad with cellular worth it?

If you are that junked out on a device, you might want to consider a cellular iPad so that you can always be connected. It's also worth considering that only the cellular version of the iPad has GPS capabilities. In my personal opinion and in my usage, no.

What is the best phone app for iPad?

Google Hangouts is a universal messenger and calling app for iPhone and iPad. Anyone that you have in your Google contacts can easily be reached with Hangouts. The best part is you don't even have to have a phone number. Hangouts supports audio and video calling, both individually and as a conference.

How do I receive FaceTime calls on my iPad?

You simultaneously hear the phone ring. Accepting or declining the call: Tap Accept to answer the call or Decline if you'd rather not. If your iPad is locked when a FaceTime call comes in, slide the green arrow button to the right to answer.
Open the Settings app on one device, tap your name to open the Apple ID screen, then select iCloud. Turn on the toggle switches next to every category of app and content that you want to sync between the iPhone and iPad. Repeat this process with the second device.

Can I use WhatsApp on my iPad?

You can use WhatsApp on your iPad, even though the messaging platform doesn't have an app for the device. To use WhatsApp on your iPad, you'll have to go to the web browser version and scan a QR code on your iPhone to connect WhatsApp on both devices.

How can I make free calls from my iPad?

There's a neat little trick with Google Gmail that allows you to make unlimited free phone calls via the Internet. And if you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can make calls through its Google Hangouts app. You read that right – you can make free data-based (VoIP) phone calls on any Apple iOS device.

Can I put my phone SIM card in my tablet?

“Network-capable” means that your tablet can use mobile network connections like GSM, 3G, or 4G. In simpler terms, it means that your Android tablet uses a SIM card. Check the user manual or turn the tablet about and look along the sides or at the back of it for any physical slot where a SIM card can be inserted in.

Does a cellular iPad have a phone number?

Since the cellular version of the iPad has a SIM card and accesses the internet that way, it has a phone number assigned as well. You cannot call this number – it has no voice plan associated with it – but you can text the number.

What type of SIM card does iPad use?

nano-SIM

Should I buy WiFi or cellular iPad?

In short, if your iPad rarely leaves your home and don't want to deal with carriers and data plans, get the WiFi-only iPad. And if there's ever a dire need to have it connect to the internet with no wireless networks around, you can always use the hotspot feature of your phone.

Do I need a separate data plan for my iPad?

Apple's iPad requires a wireless connection or cellular data plan for Internet access.

Can I buy an iPad with cellular and not activate it?

You can buy an iPad Wifi + Cellular, you can do so without activating a data plan with a carrier, and if you want activate it later. This means that the iPad will work off of Wifi until you decide to activate a cellular plan.

Can you use iPad with just WiFi?

3 Answers from the Community

Yes, you can. Yes absolutely. It's so versatile. You can even hook it up to a hotspot if you have it.

Do iPads only work with WiFi?

A WiFi-only model iPad connects to the Internet using wireless or WiFi access. If you order or purchase a WiFi only iPad you cannot change your mind and then use it with cellular service, for that you must purchase a cellular service version iPad model.

What's the difference between WiFi and cellular iPad?

The Cellular or 3G portion allows an iPad to connect to the internet using a Cellular network like the one a regular Cell phone uses. A WiFi only iPad will only connect to a WiFi hotspot. The WiFi Cellular model will connect using a cellular connection provided you sign up for a cellular data plan for it.

Does an iPad have built in GPS?

The iPad with the 3G/cellular option has an embedded GPS. The WiFi only iPads do not have an embedded GPS. To obtain GPS data, your iPad will first try to use the GPS chip, then WiFi, then cell tower triangulation.

Can you FaceTime on iPad without phone number?

You can also use the FaceTime app to place audio calls, turning your iPad into a veritable phone with no calling plan required. Unlike iPhones, iPads can't connect to cellular networks, so you will need to have Internet access to make FaceTime work.

Can I use WhatsApp on iPad without phone?

Whatsapp is free to use on any device whether it is android or ios. So, it is no surprise that you want to be able to use it on your iPad as well. Unfortunately it is not available to iPad users though iPhone users can use it. This is because WhatsApp requires a phone number.

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Can I use my iPad air to make phone calls?