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How To Make a Call With an iPad: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to make a call with your iPad? The answer, in short, is yes, you can! But it’s not quite as straightforward as pulling out your iPhone. iPads aren’t primarily designed as cellular calling devices. Instead, they rely on either Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection coupled with specific apps or features. This article will dissect exactly how to leverage these methods, ensuring you can confidently make calls from your beloved iPad. We’ll cover everything from FaceTime and Wi-Fi Calling to third-party apps and even scenarios where you need to dial a regular phone number. Get ready to unlock the calling potential of your iPad!

Understanding Your iPad’s Calling Capabilities

FaceTime: Apple’s Native Calling Solution

The most direct and often simplest way to make a call with your iPad is through FaceTime. FaceTime is Apple’s proprietary video and audio calling service built directly into iOS and iPadOS. It uses your Apple ID and either your email address or phone number to connect with other Apple device users (iPhones, iPads, and Macs).

To use FaceTime, simply:

Open the FaceTime app. It’s pre-installed on every iPad.
Tap the “+” (plus) icon in the top-right corner to start a new call.
Enter the name, email address, or phone number of the person you want to call. If they’re in your contacts, start typing their name and it will auto-populate.
Tap either the “Audio” button for a voice call or the “Video” button for a video call.

That’s it! As long as the recipient also has FaceTime and a working internet connection, the call will connect.

Wi-Fi Calling: Leveraging Your Carrier

Wi-Fi Calling is a fantastic feature that allows you to use your iPad to make and receive phone calls using your cellular carrier’s network over Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful in areas with poor cellular reception but strong Wi-Fi. It essentially extends your phone’s capabilities to your iPad.

Here’s how to set it up (it requires an iPhone):

Ensure your iPad and iPhone are signed in to the same iCloud account.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
Enable “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”.
You may be prompted to enter or confirm your emergency address for 911 services.
You should then see an option to “Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices”. Enable this.

Once enabled, your iPad will be able to make and receive calls using your iPhone’s cellular connection via Wi-Fi. When making a call, you’ll see the words “Wi-Fi Calling” in the status bar to confirm it’s working.

Third-Party VoIP Apps: Expanding Your Options

Beyond FaceTime and Wi-Fi Calling, a plethora of third-party VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps exist that allow you to make calls on your iPad. These apps often provide features not available with native iPad functionality, such as:

Calling landlines and mobile phones that are not Apple devices at potentially lower rates than traditional cellular calls.
International calling at competitive prices.
Dedicated phone numbers specifically for use within the app.
Business features like call recording, voicemail transcription, and conference calling.

Popular VoIP apps include:

Skype: A long-standing platform for voice and video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing.
WhatsApp: Primarily a messaging app, but also offers voice and video calling features.
Google Voice: Provides a free phone number for calls, text messages, and voicemail.
Viber: Another popular app for free calls and messages to other Viber users.

To use these apps:

Download the app from the App Store.
Create an account and configure the app according to its instructions. This usually involves providing a phone number or email address.
Grant the app permission to access your microphone and contacts (if desired).
Make calls by selecting a contact or dialing a phone number within the app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make a regular phone call (to a landline or non-iPhone) directly from my iPad without an iPhone?

Yes, but not without a workaround. Without Wi-Fi Calling enabled through an iPhone, you’ll need to use a third-party VoIP app like Skype, Google Voice, or Viber to dial a regular phone number. These apps allow you to make calls over the internet to any phone number, regardless of the recipient’s device.

2. Does my iPad need to have cellular data to make calls?

Not necessarily. You can make calls over Wi-Fi using FaceTime, Wi-Fi Calling (via your iPhone), or VoIP apps. A cellular data connection is only required if you’re using a VoIP app and don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

3. How much data does a FaceTime call use?

The data usage of a FaceTime call varies depending on the video quality. A typical FaceTime video call uses approximately 3-5 MB per minute. Audio-only FaceTime calls use significantly less data.

4. Is Wi-Fi Calling free?

Wi-Fi Calling itself is generally free from your carrier. However, it uses your regular minutes or is treated as part of your monthly allowance, just like a regular phone call.

5. Why is Wi-Fi Calling not working on my iPad?

Several reasons can cause Wi-Fi Calling to fail:

Your iPhone is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. Wi-Fi Calling relies on your iPhone to establish the connection.
Wi-Fi Calling is not enabled on both your iPhone and iPad.
Your iPad and iPhone are not signed into the same iCloud account.
Your carrier doesn’t support Wi-Fi Calling. Check with your carrier to ensure they support the feature.
Software glitches. Try restarting both your iPhone and iPad.

6. Can I receive calls on my iPad even if my iPhone is turned off?

No. Wi-Fi Calling on the iPad relies on your iPhone being active and connected to the internet. If your iPhone is off, your iPad cannot receive calls through Wi-Fi Calling.

7. Which VoIP app is the best for making calls on my iPad?

The “best” VoIP app depends on your specific needs. Skype is a reliable all-rounder. Google Voice is excellent if you want a free phone number. WhatsApp is ideal for connecting with friends who already use the app. Consider your usage patterns, desired features, and budget when making your decision.

8. Do I need a special headset to make calls on my iPad?

No, but it can improve the experience. You can use the iPad’s built-in microphone and speakers. However, a headset (wired or wireless) will provide better audio quality and reduce background noise, especially in noisy environments.

9. How do I block someone from calling me on FaceTime?

In the FaceTime app, tap the “i” icon next to the contact you want to block. Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller”. This will prevent them from contacting you via FaceTime, Phone, and Messages.

10. Can I use Bluetooth headphones for FaceTime calls?

Yes! iPads seamlessly support Bluetooth headphones. Simply pair your headphones with your iPad in the Bluetooth settings before starting your FaceTime call.

11. How do I make a conference call on my iPad?

Using FaceTime: You can add people to an existing FaceTime call. During the call, tap the screen to reveal the controls, then tap the “+” (plus) icon to add another participant.

Using VoIP apps: Most VoIP apps offer conference calling features. The specific steps vary depending on the app, but generally involve starting a call with one person and then adding additional participants.

12. What are the privacy implications of using VoIP apps for calling?

Be mindful of the privacy policies of the VoIP apps you use. Some apps may collect data about your calls, contacts, and usage patterns. Review the app’s privacy policy carefully before using it. Consider using apps with end-to-end encryption for added security.

By understanding these methods and addressing common questions, you’re now well-equipped to leverage the calling capabilities of your iPad. Happy calling!