Can You Make Calls on iPad Cellular? Everything You Need to Know.

Trendian Staff

Ever wondered if you could ditch your iPhone and just use your iPad to make calls? The allure is understandable. iPads boast larger screens, often better audio quality, and that satisfying feeling of having a powerful device at your fingertips. But can you actually make calls on an iPad with cellular connectivity, or are you stuck with only data access?

The answer, as with many tech questions, is a little complex. It’s not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ There are several factors at play, including the type of iPad you have, the cellular plan you’re using, and the apps or services you’re leveraging. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the basics of cellular iPads to the various methods you can use to make calls. Get ready to explore the possibilities!

We’ll cover the hardware requirements, software solutions, and even the practicalities of using your iPad as your primary communication device. Whether you’re a seasoned iPad user or just considering getting one, this guide will provide a clear understanding of your calling options.

Understanding iPad Cellular Models

Before we delve into the calling capabilities, it’s crucial to understand the different iPad models and their cellular support. Not all iPads are created equal. You need a specific type to even consider making calls directly.

Cellular vs. Wi-Fi Only

iPads come in two main flavors: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular. The Wi-Fi only models, as the name suggests, can only connect to the internet via Wi-Fi networks. They lack the necessary hardware to connect to cellular networks. The Wi-Fi + Cellular models, on the other hand, have a built-in cellular modem, allowing them to connect to mobile networks using a SIM card or eSIM.

The key takeaway is that you need a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad to even begin thinking about making calls. If you have a Wi-Fi only model, your options are limited to using calling apps over Wi-Fi.

Identifying Your iPad Model

How do you know if your iPad is a cellular model? There are a few easy ways to check:

  • Check the Model Number: You can find the model number on the back of your iPad or in the Settings app. Go to Settings > General > About. Look for the model number (e.g., A2123). You can then search online to determine if that model supports cellular connectivity.
  • SIM Card Tray: Cellular iPads have a SIM card tray, which is a small slot on the side of the device where you insert a physical SIM card. If you see a SIM card tray, it’s a cellular model. Note that some newer iPads use eSIM technology instead of a physical SIM card.
  • Price Difference: Generally, cellular models are more expensive than their Wi-Fi only counterparts.

Esim vs. Physical Sim

Modern iPads are increasingly adopting eSIM technology. An eSIM is a digital SIM card, meaning it’s embedded directly into the device. This eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. The advantage of eSIM is that you can activate a cellular plan without needing to swap out a physical SIM card. You can often have multiple eSIM profiles on a single iPad and switch between them easily.

Whether your iPad uses a physical SIM or an eSIM, the underlying cellular connectivity is the same. Both allow you to connect to a mobile network.

Making Calls on an iPad: The Methods

Now, let’s explore the ways you can actually make calls on your iPad with cellular.

1. Using Facetime Audio

FaceTime Audio is the simplest and most direct method for making calls on your iPad. It uses your Apple ID to make audio calls to other Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It’s a free service, provided you have an internet connection (either Wi-Fi or cellular data).

How it works: (See Also: Do iPad Pros Have Sim Cards? Everything You Need to Know)

  • Open the FaceTime app.
  • Tap the “+” button to start a new call.
  • Enter the name, email address, or phone number of the person you want to call.
  • Tap the audio call button (the phone icon).

Pros:

  • Free to use (requires data).
  • Excellent audio quality.
  • Easy to use.
  • Integrated directly into the iPad.

Cons:

  • Requires the other person to have an Apple device.
  • Relies on an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).

2. Using Third-Party Voip Apps

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps are a popular way to make calls using the internet. Many VoIP apps are available on the App Store, offering a range of features and pricing options.

Popular VoIP Apps:

  • Skype: A long-standing VoIP service that offers free calls to other Skype users and paid calls to landlines and mobile numbers.
  • WhatsApp: Primarily a messaging app, WhatsApp also offers free voice calls to other WhatsApp users.
  • Zoom: Best known for video conferencing, Zoom also allows you to make audio calls.
  • Google Voice: Allows you to make and receive calls, send text messages, and manage voicemails, all through a single Google Voice number.
  • Other Options: Other options include Signal, Telegram, Viber, and many more.

How it works:

  • Download and install a VoIP app from the App Store.
  • Create an account or sign in.
  • Add contacts.
  • Use the app to make calls to other users or, in some cases, to regular phone numbers.

Pros:

  • Can call anyone, regardless of their device (depending on the app).
  • Often cheaper than traditional phone calls (especially international calls).
  • Offer a variety of features, such as call recording and voicemail.

Cons:

  • Requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).
  • Call quality can vary depending on your internet connection.
  • Some apps require you to pay for calls to non-users.

3. Using Your iPhone as a Relay (continuity)

If you have an iPhone and an iPad, you can use the Continuity features to make and receive calls on your iPad, even if it’s a Wi-Fi only model. This method leverages your iPhone’s cellular connection.

How it works:

  1. Ensure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID.
  2. Enable Handoff: Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff on both your iPhone and iPad and make sure Handoff is turned on.
  3. Enable Calls on Other Devices: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and turn on “Allow Calls on Other Devices.” Select your iPad from the list.
  4. Make a Call: On your iPad, you can initiate a call through the Phone app (if you have one), Contacts, or FaceTime. The call will be routed through your iPhone.
  5. Receive a Call: When someone calls your iPhone, you’ll see an option to answer the call on your iPad.

Pros:

  • Works even with Wi-Fi only iPads (as long as your iPhone has cellular).
  • Uses your existing iPhone phone number.
  • Seamless integration with your Apple ecosystem.

Cons: (See Also: Can You Check an iPad? A Comprehensive Guide)

  • Requires an iPhone.
  • Relies on your iPhone’s cellular connection.
  • Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network or within Bluetooth range of each other.

4. Using a Cellular Plan with Your iPad (data Only Plans)

Most cellular plans for iPads are data-only plans. This means you get access to mobile data but cannot make or receive traditional phone calls directly through the cellular network. However, as we have seen above, you can still use methods like FaceTime Audio or VoIP apps to make calls over the data connection.

Data-Only Plan Considerations:

  • Data Usage: Voice calls made through FaceTime Audio or VoIP apps will consume data from your cellular plan.
  • Plan Costs: Data-only plans are generally less expensive than plans that include voice calling.
  • Network Coverage: Your iPad’s cellular data connection will be subject to the same coverage limitations as your mobile phone.

Setting Up Your iPad for Calls

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your iPad for calling, based on the methods we’ve discussed:

Setting Up Facetime Audio

  1. Ensure you have an Apple ID: If you don’t have an Apple ID, you’ll need to create one.
  2. Sign in to FaceTime: Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID.
  3. Enable FaceTime: Make sure FaceTime is enabled in Settings > FaceTime.
  4. Verify your phone number and/or email address: FaceTime will use your phone number (if you have one associated with your Apple ID) and/or your email address to identify you. Verify these in Settings > FaceTime.
  5. Start calling: Open FaceTime and tap the “+” button to initiate a call.

Setting Up Voip Apps

  1. Download and install the app: Download a VoIP app (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom) from the App Store.
  2. Create an account or sign in: Follow the app’s instructions to create an account or sign in.
  3. Grant necessary permissions: The app may ask for permission to access your contacts, microphone, and camera. Grant these permissions as needed.
  4. Add contacts: Add the contacts you want to call.
  5. Make calls: Use the app’s interface to make calls.

Setting Up Continuity (for iPhone Users)

  1. Ensure both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID. This is the most important step.
  2. Enable Handoff: On both your iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and turn on Handoff.
  3. Enable Calls on Other Devices: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and turn on “Allow Calls on Other Devices.” Select your iPad from the list.
  4. Make a call: On your iPad, you can now make calls through the Phone app (if you have one), Contacts, or FaceTime.
  5. Receive calls: When someone calls your iPhone, you’ll see an option to answer the call on your iPad.

Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to make calls on your iPad. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

1. No Sound

Possible Causes:

  • Muted Microphone: Check if your microphone is muted within the calling app or on the iPad itself.
  • Volume Issues: Ensure the volume is turned up on your iPad and within the calling app.
  • Bluetooth Interference: If you’re using Bluetooth headphones or a speaker, make sure they are connected and working correctly.
  • App Permissions: The calling app might not have permission to access your microphone.

Solutions:

  • Unmute your microphone.
  • Increase the volume.
  • Disconnect and reconnect your Bluetooth device.
  • Check the app’s permissions in Settings > Privacy > Microphone.

2. Poor Call Quality

Possible Causes:

  • Weak Internet Connection: A slow or unstable internet connection can lead to choppy audio and dropped calls.
  • Cellular Signal Issues: If you’re using cellular data, a weak cellular signal can cause poor call quality.
  • App Issues: The calling app itself might have bugs or performance issues.

Solutions:

  • Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or improve your cellular signal by moving to a location with better reception.
  • Close other apps that might be using bandwidth.
  • Try a different calling app.
  • Restart your iPad.

3. Calls Not Connecting

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect Number: Double-check that you’ve dialed the correct phone number.
  • Network Issues: There might be temporary network problems preventing calls from connecting.
  • App Issues: The calling app might be experiencing technical difficulties.
  • Blocked Number: You might have accidentally blocked the contact you are trying to call.

Solutions:

  • Verify the phone number.
  • Wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Restart the calling app or your iPad.
  • Check your blocked contacts list.

4. iPad Not Receiving Calls (continuity)

Possible Causes: (See Also: Do I Need Itunes for My iPad? Everything You Need to Know)

  • Handoff Not Enabled: Handoff might not be enabled on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Calls on Other Devices Not Enabled: The “Calls on Other Devices” setting on your iPhone might be disabled.
  • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Issues: Your iPhone and iPad might not be on the same Wi-Fi network or within Bluetooth range of each other.

Solutions:

  • Double-check that Handoff is enabled on both devices.
  • Verify that “Calls on Other Devices” is enabled on your iPhone and that your iPad is selected.
  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (or within Bluetooth range).
  • Restart both devices.

Making the Most of Your iPad for Calls

Once you’ve set up your iPad for calling, there are a few things you can do to optimize your experience:

  • Use a Headset or Headphones: A headset or headphones can significantly improve call quality and reduce background noise.
  • Ensure Good Lighting: If you’re using video calling, make sure you have good lighting to ensure the other person can see you clearly.
  • Find a Quiet Environment: Minimize background noise to improve audio quality.
  • Manage Your Data Usage: If you’re using cellular data, be mindful of your data usage, especially when making video calls.
  • Keep Your iPad Updated: Regularly update your iPad’s operating system and calling apps to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a seamless calling experience on your iPad.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When using your iPad for calls, it’s essential to be aware of security and privacy considerations.

  • Protect Your Apple ID: Use a strong password for your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.
  • Secure Your iPad: Set a passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to prevent unauthorized access to your iPad.
  • Review App Permissions: Regularly review the permissions granted to calling apps. Only grant permissions that are necessary.
  • Be Cautious of Phishing: Be wary of suspicious calls or messages that ask for personal information.
  • Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Update Your Software: Keep your iPad’s operating system and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your privacy and security while using your iPad for calls.

iPad Calling: Is It Right for You?

Whether or not using an iPad for calling is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following:

  • Your Calling Habits: If you primarily make calls to other Apple users, FaceTime Audio is a convenient and free option. If you need to call a wider range of numbers, VoIP apps may be a better choice.
  • Your Mobile Lifestyle: If you’re often on the move, a cellular iPad can be a useful communication tool.
  • Your Budget: Consider the cost of a cellular plan and any potential data usage charges.
  • Your Device Preference: Do you prefer the larger screen and audio quality of an iPad over a smaller iPhone?
  • Your Tech Savviness: Are you comfortable setting up and using VoIP apps or the Continuity features?

By carefully considering these factors, you can determine if using your iPad for calls is a practical and beneficial option for you.

Final Verdict

So, can you make calls on an iPad cellular model? The answer is a qualified yes. While you can’t make traditional phone calls directly through the cellular network with most cellular plans, you have several viable options. Using FaceTime Audio, VoIP apps, or leveraging Continuity with your iPhone allows you to utilize your iPad’s cellular connection for calling. The best method for you will depend on your specific needs, the type of calls you make, and your existing setup. Remember to consider the hardware and software requirements and the potential costs involved.

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Using your iPad for calls offers a convenient way to stay connected, especially if you prefer a larger screen and improved audio quality. By understanding the different methods and setting them up correctly, you can transform your iPad into a versatile communication device. Now you’re equipped to make informed decisions and start making calls on your iPad with confidence.

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