Calling from your iPad Pro Cellular model might seem like a straightforward feature, given it has cellular capabilities. However, it's not quite like making a direct phone call from your iPhone. Your iPad Pro Cellular is primarily designed for data connectivity, not voice calls in the traditional sense, unless you leverage other Apple features or third-party apps. But don't worry, there are several clever ways to achieve this!
Let's dive into how you can transform your iPad Pro into a powerful communication hub.
Understanding How Calls Work on iPad Pro Cellular
Before we get to the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the distinction. An iPad Pro Cellular model allows you to connect to the internet using a cellular data plan (like 5G or LTE), just like your iPhone does. This data connection is fantastic for Browse, streaming, and using apps. However, it doesn't come with a traditional phone number assigned to it for voice calls like a smartphone.
Instead, Apple utilizes a feature called Continuity (specifically, "iPhone Cellular Calls") which allows your iPad to relay calls through your iPhone. This means your iPhone acts as the intermediary, even if it's not directly in your hand. Additionally, you can use Voice over IP (VoIP) apps that utilize your iPad's internet connection (cellular or Wi-Fi) to make calls.
Ready to make your iPad Pro a true communication powerhouse? Let's get started!
Step 1: The Essential Prerequisite – Your iPhone
Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your iPad Pro for calling? The first thing you'll need is an iPhone! Yes, even with a cellular-enabled iPad Pro, your iPhone is typically the key to making and receiving standard cellular calls on your tablet.
Sub-heading: Why Your iPhone is Crucial
Your iPhone is the central hub for your cellular voice calls. The iPad Pro leverages your iPhone's existing cellular plan and phone number to extend calling capabilities. This is part of Apple's Continuity ecosystem, which seamlessly connects your Apple devices.
Sub-heading: Key Requirements for Seamless Calling
To make this magic happen, ensure the following are in place:
- Same Apple ID: Both your iPad Pro and iPhone must be signed into the same Apple ID for iCloud and FaceTime. This is the foundation of Apple's Continuity features.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth On: Both devices should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. While your iPad Pro has cellular, the initial connection for Continuity often relies on these.
- Connected to the Same Network: For the most reliable connection, ensure both your iPhone and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. While Wi-Fi Calling for other devices can work even if your iPhone isn't nearby, having them on the same network is ideal for the initial setup and general Continuity functionality.
- FaceTime Setup: Ensure FaceTime is set up and active on both your iPhone and iPad. This is critical as the "Calls from iPhone" feature is integrated with FaceTime settings.
- iPhone iOS Version: Your iPhone should be running iOS 8.1 or later. (Modern iPhones will easily meet this).
- iPadOS Version: Your iPad Pro should have iPadOS 8 or later. (Again, modern iPads will easily meet this).
Once you've confirmed these prerequisites, you're ready to proceed to the setup!
Step 2: Setting Up "Calls on Other Devices" on Your iPhone
This is where you grant your iPad Pro the permission to handle calls that come to your iPhone.
- On Your iPhone: Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Tap on Calls on Other Devices.
- Toggle on Allow Calls on Other Devices. You'll see a list of your other Apple devices (like your iPad Pro, Mac, or Apple Watch).
- Carefully toggle on the switch next to your iPad Pro in the list. This specifically allows your iPad to make and receive calls relayed from your iPhone.
Sub-heading: Understanding Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices (Optional but Recommended)
For even greater flexibility, you can enable Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices. This allows your iPad Pro to make and receive calls even when your iPhone isn't nearby or connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as long as both devices are signed into the same Apple ID and your iPad has an internet connection (either Wi-Fi or its own cellular data).
- On Your iPhone (still in Phone settings): Tap on Wi-Fi Calling.
- Toggle on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
- Then, toggle on Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices.
This provides a much more robust calling experience, as you won't be limited by the proximity of your iPhone.
Step 3: Enabling "Calls from iPhone" on Your iPad Pro
Now that your iPhone is configured, it's time to set up your iPad Pro to receive these relayed calls.
- On Your iPad Pro: Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on FaceTime.
- Toggle on FaceTime if it isn't already.
- Crucially, toggle on Calls from iPhone.
If you enabled "Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices" on your iPhone in the previous step, you might see a prompt to also enable Wi-Fi Calling on your iPad. Accept this if it appears.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Tip
If you don't see the "Calls from iPhone" option or encounter issues, try toggling FaceTime off and on again on both devices, or restart both your iPhone and iPad Pro. Ensure you are signed into the same Apple ID on both devices for iCloud and FaceTime.
Step 4: Making and Receiving Calls on Your iPad Pro
Congratulations! Your iPad Pro is now ready to make and receive calls.
Sub-heading: How to Make a Call
You have several ways to initiate a call from your iPad Pro:
- From the Contacts App: Open the Contacts app, tap on a contact, and then tap the phone icon next to their number.
- From the FaceTime App: Open the FaceTime app. Tap the + button (New FaceTime). Enter a contact name or phone number, then tap the audio button (phone icon) to make a voice call.
- From Messages: If you're in a conversation with someone, tap their contact picture or name at the top of the conversation, then tap the phone icon.
- From Safari or Other Apps: Often, if you see a phone number highlighted on a webpage or within another app, you can tap it to initiate a call. A pop-up will usually ask if you want to call the number.
When you make a call this way, your iPad Pro will initiate the call by routing it through your iPhone. The call will appear on your iPhone's call log as well.
Sub-heading: How to Receive a Call
When someone calls your iPhone, your iPad Pro will also ring (or display a notification, depending on your settings).
- You'll see a notification pop up on your iPad's screen, similar to an incoming call on an iPhone.
- You'll have options to Accept, Decline, or Message the caller with a quick reply.
- Simply tap Accept to answer the call using your iPad Pro's speakers and microphone.
Step 5: Alternative Calling Methods (VoIP Apps)
While Apple's Continuity is excellent, you can also make calls directly from your iPad Pro using Voice over IP (VoIP) applications. These apps use your iPad's internet connection (cellular data or Wi-Fi) to make calls, without needing your iPhone.
Sub-heading: Popular VoIP Apps
Here are some widely used VoIP apps that can turn your iPad Pro into a powerful communication device:
- FaceTime Audio: If the person you're calling also has an Apple device and FaceTime enabled, you can make a free audio call over Wi-Fi or cellular data directly from your iPad Pro. This is Apple's own built-in VoIP solution.
- WhatsApp: If you and the recipient both use WhatsApp, you can make free voice calls (and video calls) over the internet.
- Skype: A long-standing VoIP service that allows free calls to other Skype users and paid calls to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide.
- Google Voice/Google Meet: If you have a Google Voice number, you can make and receive calls through the Google Voice app. Google Meet also offers voice and video calling.
- Viber: Similar to WhatsApp, Viber offers free calls and messages between users, as well as affordable international calls.
- Zoom: Primarily known for video conferencing, Zoom also offers robust audio calling capabilities.
- Talkatone / TextNow: These apps provide you with a free US phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi or cellular data, often with ads.
Sub-heading: How to Use VoIP Apps
- Download the App: Go to the App Store on your iPad Pro and download your preferred VoIP app.
- Set Up Account: Follow the app's instructions to create an account or log in. This usually involves verifying your phone number or email.
- Grant Permissions: Allow the app access to your microphone and contacts when prompted.
- Make a Call: Within the app, select a contact or dial a number to initiate a call. The app will use your iPad's internet connection to place the call.
Step 6: Optimizing Your Calling Experience
To ensure the best possible calling experience on your iPad Pro, consider these tips:
- Stable Internet Connection: Whether you're using cellular data or Wi-Fi, a strong and stable internet connection is paramount for clear VoIP calls and reliable Continuity.
- Headphones/Headset: For privacy and better audio quality, especially in noisy environments, consider using wired or Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone. The iPad Pro's speakers and microphones are excellent, but dedicated audio gear can enhance the experience.
- Check Data Usage: If you're on a limited cellular data plan, be mindful of your data usage, especially with VoIP calls, as they consume data.
- Software Updates: Always keep your iPadOS and iPhone's iOS updated to the latest versions. Apple frequently releases updates that improve Continuity features and overall system stability.
- Close Background Apps: If you experience choppy audio, try closing other apps running in the background on your iPad Pro to free up resources.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to make and receive calls directly from your iPad Pro Cellular, offering you incredible flexibility and convenience wherever you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my iPad Pro has cellular capability?
Go to Settings > Cellular Data. If you see options related to cellular plans and data usage, your iPad Pro has cellular capability. Wi-Fi-only models will not have this section.
How to get a cellular plan for my iPad Pro?
You can set up a cellular plan directly from your iPad Pro by going to Settings > Cellular Data > Set Up Cellular Data. You can choose from available carriers or activate an eSIM if provided by your carrier. Alternatively, you can purchase a data-only SIM card from your preferred carrier and insert it into the iPad's SIM tray.
How to troubleshoot "Calls from iPhone" not working?
Ensure both devices are signed into the same Apple ID for iCloud and FaceTime. Verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on for both. Check that "Allow Calls on Other Devices" is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices) and that your iPad Pro is selected. On your iPad, ensure "Calls from iPhone" is enabled (Settings > FaceTime). Restarting both devices can often resolve minor glitches.
How to make a conference call on my iPad Pro?
When on an active call using Continuity, you can tap "Add Call" and then dial another number or select a contact. Once the second call connects, you'll see an option to "Merge Calls" to create a conference call. VoIP apps usually have their own conference call features.
How to switch a call from my iPhone to my iPad Pro?
If you answer a call on your iPhone, you can tap the "Audio" button during the call and select your iPad Pro from the list of available devices (if Continuity is set up).
How to stop calls from ringing on my iPad Pro?
On your iPad Pro, go to Settings > FaceTime and toggle off "Calls from iPhone." This will prevent your iPad from ringing when your iPhone receives a call.
How to tell if a call is being made via cellular or Wi-Fi on my iPad Pro?
When using Continuity, the call is technically always routed through your iPhone's cellular connection, even if your iPad is on Wi-Fi. If you're using a VoIP app, it will use whatever internet connection your iPad has (cellular data or Wi-Fi). There isn't a direct indicator on the iPad itself for Continuity, but for VoIP apps, you're using your data plan.
How to use my iPad Pro cellular for international calls?
If you're using the "Calls from iPhone" feature, international calls will be handled according to your iPhone's cellular plan and international roaming settings. If you're using VoIP apps, they generally work globally as long as you have an internet connection, often at lower rates than traditional international roaming.
How to optimize audio quality for calls on iPad Pro?
Use a good quality headset or earbuds with a built-in microphone. Ensure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Minimize background noise in your environment.
How to manage data usage when making calls on iPad Pro cellular?
VoIP calls consume data. If you have a limited cellular data plan, monitor your usage in Settings > Cellular Data. Consider using Wi-Fi whenever possible for longer calls to conserve cellular data.
