How to Make Phone Calls from Your iPad

iPad Calling Capabilities

The iPad can handle voice calls, but not in the same way an iPhone does. There’s no built-in Phone app on iPads, so you won’t dial a cellular number directly from a native phone dialer unless you route the call through another device or an app. That said, you can make phone calls from iPad using several reliable methods:

• FaceTime Audio: Apple’s FaceTime supports audio-only calls to other Apple IDs. That’s a true “call using iPad” method when both parties use Apple devices.
• Continuity / Calls on Other Devices: If you own an iPhone, you can route your iPhone’s cellular calls through your iPad. Your iPad essentially acts as a speakerphone for your iPhone’s number.
• VoIP and third‑party apps: Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and VoIP services let you call real phone numbers — landlines and mobiles — over Wi‑Fi or mobile data.
• Carrier-specific apps and features: Some carriers offer apps or number-sharing features that extend calling to tablets. Support varies by carrier and country.

Which iPads can make phone calls? Any iPad can make FaceTime Audio and VoIP calls. To make a phone call from iPad that reaches a regular phone number (a PSTN call), you’ll either need Continuity with an iPhone or a VoIP app that connects to the public phone network. If you wonder “iPad can make phone calls?” the short answer is yes — with the right setup.

Pros and cons at a glance:

• Pros: Use Wi‑Fi or mobile data (no need for cellular minutes), often cheaper for international calls, flexible apps and features.
• Cons: Requires app or an iPhone for direct PSTN calls; call quality depends on internet connection.

If you want background on VoIP basics before choosing an app, see our guide to VoIP phone services explained.

Apps for Making Calls on iPad

You can make calls from iPad through native Apple services and third‑party apps. Below are the common choices, with what they do and when to pick each.

FaceTime Audio

• What it does: Free audio calls between Apple IDs over Wi‑Fi or mobile data.
• Best for: Calling friends and family who use Apple devices.
• How to use: Open the FaceTime app, tap the contact, choose Audio.
• Limitations: Can’t call landlines or Android phones.

Continuity: Calls from iPhone

• What it does: Lets your iPad place and receive calls through your iPhone’s cellular connection.
• Best for: Making a phone call from iPad when you want to use your iPhone’s number without picking up the iPhone.
• How to use: Enable Calls on Other Devices on your iPhone (Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices), and enable Allow Calls on Other Devices for your iPad. On the iPad, sign into FaceTime with the same Apple ID.
• Limitations: Requires both devices signed into the same Apple ID on the same Wi‑Fi network (or configured for Wi‑Fi Calling).

VoIP and international calling apps

• Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Google Voice, Zoom, Microsoft Teams: These apps let you call other users for free or call phone numbers for a fee. Each app has its own pricing and calling coverage.
• Dedicated low‑cost services: Several VoIP providers focus on low per‑minute international rates. They let you call regular phone numbers over data. For example, Telvio is a VoIP app that calls real phone numbers in 200+ countries using Wi‑Fi or mobile data, with per‑second billing and no connection fees. Telvio offers rates from $0.02/min to the US and $0.08/min to India, credit packs starting at $1.99, and 1 free minute on first install — useful if you need inexpensive international calls from an iPad.

Carrier apps and number-sharing

• Some carriers offer tablet apps or Family Number features that let tablets share a voice number. Check your carrier’s support pages for details and any subscription required.

If you also want to compare video calling platforms, our free online video calling platforms guide can help you choose the right app.

Which app should you pick?

• For calls to other Apple users: FaceTime Audio.
• For calls using your iPhone number: Continuity (Calls on Other Devices).
• For low-cost international or PSTN calls without an iPhone: a VoIP app like Skype, Google Voice, or Telvio.
• For business calling or number provisioning: consider a VoIP service and see our virtual phone numbers guide.

Wi-Fi Calling Setup

Wi‑Fi Calling can improve call quality in low-signal areas, but on an iPad you typically enable Wi‑Fi Calling indirectly through an iPhone. Here’s how to set up calls via iPad using Wi‑Fi Calling and Continuity, and how to use Wi‑Fi calling in third‑party apps.

Enable Wi‑Fi Calling through iPhone (for routing calls to iPad)

1. On the iPhone: Settings > Phone > Wi‑Fi Calling. Turn on Wi‑Fi Calling on This iPhone.
2. Still on the iPhone: Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices. Turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices, then enable your iPad in the device list.
3. On the iPad: Settings > FaceTime and sign in with the same Apple ID as the iPhone. Turn on Calls from iPhone.
4. Both devices should be on the same Wi‑Fi network initially. Once set up, your iPad can place and receive cellular calls from the iPhone even when the iPhone isn’t on the same Wi‑Fi network (the feature uses your Apple ID to authorize devices).

Make a call through iPad (after setup)

• Use the FaceTime app, Contacts, or the Phone icon that appears when Continuity is active. Dial or tap a contact and choose Call on iPhone.

Wi‑Fi calling with VoIP apps

• Most VoIP apps use Wi‑Fi or mobile data automatically. Open the app, grant microphone access, and sign in. For calling regular phone numbers, buy credits or subscriptions as the app requires.
• Tip: For business or international calling over Wi‑Fi, check the VoIP provider’s PSTN coverage and rates before you buy credits. See our how to make international calls guide for rate‑comparison tips.

Troubleshooting Wi‑Fi Calling setup

• Ensure both devices use the same Apple ID.
• Update iOS on both devices.
• Confirm your carrier supports Wi‑Fi Calling and Continuity in your country.
• Turn Bluetooth off/on and restart devices if calls don’t route.

Cellular iPad Calling Options

If you have a cellular iPad (models with a SIM or eSIM), you have more flexibility but still not a native phone dialer for PSTN without apps or an iPhone. Here’s what you can do with a cellular iPad.

Use the iPad’s data plan with VoIP apps

• A cellular iPad provides mobile data for VoIP apps. You can place or receive calls via Skype, WhatsApp, Telvio, and others while on LTE or 5G data. This works the same as on Wi‑Fi, but it uses your data allowance.
• If you travel, a local SIM or eSIM in the iPad can be a cost-effective way to make local calls through VoIP apps without roaming voice charges.

Carrier features and Number Sharing

• Some carriers let you share the same phone number or provide eSIM features that add calling capabilities to tablets. Names differ by carrier (e.g., NumberShare). Contact your carrier to confirm availability and pricing.
• Even when a cellular iPad has a data plan, it usually won’t receive standard SMS/MMS or cellular voice calls unless the carrier includes number-sharing or you use Continuity with an iPhone.

Using dual-SIM or eSIM

• If your iPad supports eSIM, you can add a local data plan for better speeds or cheaper data while traveling. Combine that with a VoIP app to call local numbers cheaply.

Practical examples

• Example 1 — Home setup: You have an iPhone at home with weak cellular signal. Enable Calls on Other Devices so you can use the iPad’s speakers and mic to answer calls while working.
• Example 2 — Travel setup: You load a local eSIM on your cellular iPad and use a VoIP app to call local landlines at low rates, avoiding roaming voice charges.

If you need a dedicated second number or a business line on your iPad, see our guide to virtual phone numbers and free virtual phone numbers for options.

Troubleshooting Call Issues

Common problems when you try to call through iPad fall into a few categories: authorization and Apple ID issues, network and connectivity problems, app permissions, and carrier restrictions. Here are targeted fixes.

Problem: “I can’t make or receive phone calls on my iPad via my iPhone”

• Check Apple ID: Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID for Continuity.
• Calls on Other Devices: On the iPhone go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and enable the iPad.
• FaceTime settings: On the iPad, open Settings > FaceTime and turn on Calls from iPhone.
• Network: Both devices should be online. Initially they should be on the same Wi‑Fi network for setup.
• Update: Make sure both devices run the latest iOS/iPadOS versions.

Problem: “FaceTime audio won’t connect”

• Internet: Test your network speed. Low bandwidth or high packet loss causes audio issues.
• Firewall/VPN: A strict firewall or VPN may block VoIP ports. Try disabling a VPN.
• Microphone permission: Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure FaceTime has access.

Problem: “Third‑party VoIP app has no sound or mic”

• Microphone + Camera permissions: Grant permissions in Settings.
• Bluetooth: If a Bluetooth headset is connected, the audio may route there. Check Control Center to switch audio output.
• App update: Update the app; uninstall and reinstall if needed.

Problem: “I can call but call quality is poor”

• Switch networks: Move from cellular data to Wi‑Fi or to a different Wi‑Fi network.
• Close background apps: Free up CPU cycles to improve audio encoding.
• Use wired or better microphones/headsets: Built‑in iPad mic works but headphones with a mic often give clearer audio.
• Choose better codec apps: Some apps use higher-quality codecs and adaptive jitter buffering.

Problem: “I can’t call certain international numbers”

• App limitations: Not all VoIP apps cover all countries or carrier types (e.g., premium-rate numbers). Check the provider’s coverage list.
• Format numbers correctly: Include country code and omit leading zeros when dialing international numbers.
• Billing: Ensure you have sufficient credits or subscription for the destination. Services like Telvio show country-specific rates and let you buy small credit packs to start.

Problem: “Calls drop unexpectedly”

• Network handover: Moving between Wi‑Fi networks or between Wi‑Fi and cellular can drop calls.
• Router settings: Some home routers block SIP or related traffic. Enable SIP ALG only if recommended by your provider; often it causes problems.
• Update firmware: Keep your router on the latest firmware.

Quick diagnostics checklist

1. Restart iPad and any paired iPhone.
2. Confirm both devices use the same Apple ID (if using Continuity).
3. Check app permissions for microphone and notifications.
4. Run a speed test to confirm upload/download speeds.
5. Try a different app to isolate whether the issue is app-specific.

If you want deeper reading on calling methods and costs for international calls from an iPad, our how to make international calls guide explains rate comparisons and best practices.