Last Updated on March 3, 2023 by Saad and Ernests Embutnieks
The iPad’s cellular version allows you to insert a SIM into the tablet. This begs the question, does your iPad now have its own phone number? If so, can you make calls on an iPad with this number?
Yes, iPads can have their own phone numbers. But, you can not place a call or receive text messages on that number. However, you can use WiFi calling to send and receive calls and text messages from your iPhone’s number directly to your iPad.
In this article, we’re going to go over exactly how you can make calls on an iPad, alongside all the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Why Does My iPad Have A Phone Number?
If you have a cellular iPad, you will have a phone number. This phone number is unlike a typical phone number used for calls and texts. In essence, it is used as an identification module from your SIM provider for your iPad.
The iPad, cellular or not, lacks the functionality to make calls. So, even if you somehow were able to get a functioning SIM inside the iPad, it lacks the modems necessary to be able to make a cellular call.
If you were curious, here’s:
How You Can Check If Your iPad Has a Cellular Number:
- Open the Settings application on your iPad
- Head to General and select About
- After doing so, you’ll find a Cellular Line Number
So, while it may seem promising to see a phone number on your iPad, the number is meant as an identification module when you are eventually billed for your data usage and not much else.
Can I Make Calls On My iPad?
Yes, you can make calls on your iPad if you have an iPhone logged in to the same iCloud account with an active SIM number. If you have a cellular iPad, one advantage you get is the fact that you will not need to be connected to WiFI and can instead use your cellular connection to place calls.
If you haven’t enabled it already, here’s how you can enable WiFi calling on your iPad and iPhone so that you can make calls on your iPad:
- Open the Settings application on your iPhone
- After doing so, scroll down to Phone and select it
- Now, select Calls on Other Devices and select your iPad
On your iPad, do the following:
- Open the Settings application on your iPad
- Scroll down to FaceTime
- Once there, select Calls from iPhone and check it
You’ll now be able to receive calls from your iPhone. To make those calls, you’ll need to use Siri since there’s no dedicated dialer application on the iPad. You can do so by saying, “Hey Siri, call John.”
Note: You can also use the Contacts application on an iPad to place calls.
Siri will now place the call on your iPhone, and it’ll automatically be redirected to your iPad. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to contact your cellular carrier to enable this feature. And, it is supported in evey region.
Can I Make And Recieve Calls On A Cellular / LTE iPad?
You can make and receive calls on a cellular / LTE iPad given that you have an iPhone with an active SIM number. But so can a regular iPad. The only difference you’ll end up encountering is that a cellular iPad won’t require an active WiFi connection to place calls.
In essence, you can leave your iPhone at home and bring your iPad along with you. All calls that are sent to your iPhone will automatically be routed to your iPad alongside any text messages too. You can also place calls using your iPhone’s phone number from your iPad as well.
With that said, there are a few disadvantages and advantages of purchasing a cellular iPad. They are:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can access the internet independently without WiFi | Worse battery life |
| Can make calls from anywhere using your iPhone’s phone number | We need to pay more |
Can I Send Text Messages From My iPad?
Yes, you can send text messages from your iPad. If you have an iPhone that has a valid SIM number, you are able to open the Messages application and then send and receive messages using that phone number.
Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need to have your iPhone beside you to send text messages through your iPad. Both of them just need to be connected to an internet connection.
Here’s How You Can Enable Your iPad To Send Text Messages:
- Open the Settings application on your iPhone
- Scroll down and head to Messages
- Now, tap on Text Message Forwarding
- After doing so, select your iPad from the list of devices
Note: Both your iPad and your iPhone need to be connected to the same iCloud ID for Text Message forwarding to work.
After your iPad has been successfully connected with your iPhone, open the Messages application. You’ll now be able to see text messages from your iPhone on your iPad.
Conclusion
While iPads can have their own phone numbers if they’re a cellular version, you cannot independently make calls or send text messages. However, by taking advantage of Apple’s ecosystem, you can indeed make calls and send messages, given that you use your iPhone’s primary SIM number.
FAQ
Can You Use The iPad As A Phone?
No, you cannot use an iPad as a phone. This is because they cannot have their own independent phone number that lets you text and call. However, you can use your iPad to send and receive calls, given that you have your iPhone connected to the same iCloud account.
Can I Make Calls From iPad Without A SIM Card?
Yes, you can make calls from your iPad without a SIM card. All you need to do is enable WiFi calling on your iPhone and iPad. After this, your number will then be used to place calls on your iPad.
Related Articles:
Best LTE Tablets with Sim Card Slot
Reasons To Pick iPad with Cellular(LTE)
Saad is excellent at what he does. He's a tech fanatic. He strives to improve himself wherever he can. He tries to make each article he writes a little better than before. He explains difficult things in a very simple way.
I love tech and all about it. I'm interested in finding ways how they can make my life more productive, and I share my knowledge with my blog readers. I'm an iPad Pro, iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch user, so I know a thing or two about these devices and try to write helpful content around these topics.
