Can iPads Make Phone Calls A Practical Guide
Discover how iPads can make phone calls using Continuity, FaceTime, and VoIP apps. This educational guide covers setup, limits, costs, and best practices for staying connected in 2026.
Can iPads make phone calls is a capability that lets iPad devices place voice calls using cellular networks, Wi‑Fi with calling apps, or connected accessories.
What counts as a phone call on an iPad
On an iPad, a traditional phone call is usually achieved through one of three approaches: FaceTime Audio over Wi‑Fi or cellular, iPhone Cellular Calls that route through a linked iPhone, or VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Meet. A wifi‑only iPad cannot place a standard cellular call by itself, but it can place voice calls with the right software. Understanding these options helps you pick the right workflow for calls, conferences, or quick voice messages. Tablet Info's analysis highlights that most users mix methods depending on availability of Wi‑Fi, data plans, and the presence of an iPhone in the vicinity.
Continuity and iPhone Cellular Calls
A core way iPads can make calls is through Continuity, specifically iPhone Cellular Calls. When your iPhone and iPad share the same Apple ID and are on the same network or connected via iCloud, you can answer and place calls on the iPad using your iPhone’s cellular line. This means you do not need a separate iPad plan for regular calls. Enabling it usually involves turning on Calls on Other Devices on the iPhone and enabling Calls from iPhone on the iPad in settings. The setup is straightforward, but performance depends on network stability and proximity.
How to set up iPhone Cellular Calls on iPad
First ensure both devices use the same Apple ID and are signed in to iCloud. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and enable Allow Calls on Other Devices. On the iPad, open Settings > FaceTime and turn on Calls from iPhone. You may need to enable Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi, then test by placing a call from the iPad. The call will route through the iPhone’s line, allowing you to use the iPad as a speaker and microphone.
Using FaceTime Audio and third party apps on iPad
FaceTime Audio provides high quality voice calls over data or cellular when supported. For non Apple-to-Apple conversations, or if you want to call landlines, you can use VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice on the iPad. These apps work over Wi‑Fi or cellular data, and most offer free or low‑cost calling to other users on the same app, as well as affordable international rates when dialing traditional numbers. The choice between FaceTime and apps depends on your contacts, network availability, and preference for platform compatibility. Tablet Info notes that cross‑platform calling can be more resilient when one contact is on Android or another platform.
Data usage, costs, and plan implications
If you rely on iPhone Cellular Calls, your iPad calls do not require a separate cellular plan; charges are tied to your iPhone's plan. However, if you use VoIP apps or call via data, your usage will consume data and may incur charges if you are not on Wi‑Fi or have a limited data plan. Wi‑Fi calling on the iPad also requires a data connection, so ensure you have a stable network when you expect to make important calls. For travelers or regions with expensive roaming, Wi‑Fi calling is a safer and more cost‑effective option. Tablet Info emphasizes validating your data plan to avoid unexpected charges.
Models, limitations, and practical tips
All modern iPads with cellular capability support iPhone Cellular Calls, but wifi‑only models do not. If you want seamless calling across devices, pair your iPad with an iPhone and keep both devices updated. Battery life, mic quality, and speaker performance vary by model; use headphones for clearer calls in noisy environments. Regularly check for iOS updates, as Apple frequently improves Continuity features and supports new calling options.
Practical scenarios and best practices
Whether you are at home, traveling, or on the go, you can rely on a mix of methods to stay in touch. For quick one‑to‑one calls, FaceTime Audio is often easiest on iPad. For group calls, VoIP apps may offer better cross‑platform compatibility. If you expect to be away from your iPhone, consider enabling a dedicated VoIP app for continued accessibility, and ensure your iPad is on a solid network connection for reliable calls. The Tablet Info Team also recommends keeping a simple, repeatable setup to avoid confusion during busy days.
Questions & Answers
Can iPads make phone calls without an iPhone?
Yes, you can place calls on iPad using FaceTime Audio or third‑party VoIP apps. A linked iPhone is not required for these methods.
You can call on iPad with FaceTime Audio or apps like WhatsApp, even without an iPhone.
What types of calls can iPad make?
iPad supports FaceTime Audio, iPhone Cellular Calls when paired with an iPhone, and calls through VoIP apps. Native phone dialing is not available on wifi‑only models.
iPad can use FaceTime Audio, iPhone Cellular Calls with a connected iPhone, or VoIP apps for calls.
Do wifi‑only iPads support calling?
WiFi‑only iPads cannot place traditional cellular calls. You can still call via FaceTime Audio or VoIP apps when connected to the internet.
WiFi only iPads cannot make regular calls, but you can call using FaceTime Audio or apps.
Will there be extra charges on iPad calls?
If you use iPhone Cellular Calls, there are no extra iPad charges beyond your iPhone plan. VoIP calls use data, so check your plan when not on Wi‑Fi.
No extra iPad charges for iPhone Cellular Calls; data‑based calls may incur data costs.
Can I use iPad to call emergency services?
Emergency call availability on iPad varies by region and method. FaceTime and VoIP apps may not connect to local emergency services in every location.
Emergency calls on iPad may not work everywhere; check local rules and app support.
Do I need cellular service to use iPhone Cellular Calls?
Yes. iPhone Cellular Calls rely on an active iPhone cellular plan and a linked iPad to route calls.
You need an active iPhone plan and a linked iPad for iPhone Cellular Calls.
Highlights
- Use iPhone Cellular Calls for seamless bridging
- FaceTime Audio works on Wi‑Fi or cellular data
- VoIP apps expand calling options on iPad
- Wi‑Fi calls depend on data and network quality