Do you want to make a call to your iPad from your iPhone? It sounds like a straightforward task, but it’s not quite the same as dialing a regular phone number. That’s because iPads, in most cases, don't have a traditional cellular voice line like your iPhone does. But don't worry, there are several clever ways to achieve this, and we're going to explore them all!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to "call" your iPad from your iPhone, covering everything from Apple's native features to third-party applications. We'll break down each option into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring you can connect with your iPad, no matter your setup.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Do You Know Your iPad's Capabilities?
Before we dive in, let's quickly clarify something important. Does your iPad have cellular capabilities, or is it Wi-Fi only? This is a crucial distinction that will influence the best method for you.
- Wi-Fi Only iPad: This means your iPad connects to the internet solely through Wi-Fi networks. It doesn't have a SIM card slot for cellular data or phone calls.
- Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad: These iPads have a SIM card slot and can connect to cellular networks for data. However, even cellular iPads typically don't have a traditional phone number for voice calls in the same way an iPhone does, unless you've specifically set up a cellular plan that includes voice service (which is rare for iPads).
Knowing this will help you choose the most efficient path. Now, let's explore your options!
Step 2: Utilizing Apple's Ecosystem – FaceTime and Continuity
Apple has designed its devices to work seamlessly together, and this includes making "calls" between your iPhone and iPad. These methods rely on your Apple ID and internet connectivity.
Sub-heading 2.1: Making a FaceTime Audio or Video Call
This is arguably the most common and straightforward way to "call" your iPad from your iPhone. Both devices need to be signed into the same Apple ID, or you need to have the iPad's Apple ID (email address) or associated phone number (if applicable) saved in your iPhone contacts.
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Step 2.1.1: Ensure FaceTime is Enabled on Both Devices.
- On your iPhone: Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure the toggle is green. Ensure your Apple ID and any associated phone numbers/email addresses you want to be reachable at are checked under "You Can Be Reached By FaceTime At."
- On your iPad: Do the same: Go to Settings > FaceTime and enable it. Make sure the same Apple ID and relevant contact details are selected.
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Step 2.1.2: Initiating the FaceTime Call from Your iPhone.
- Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner (or search if you have a contact with multiple entries).
- Start typing the name of the contact associated with your iPad's Apple ID (e.g., "Mom's iPad" if that's how you've saved it, or simply your own contact if both devices use the same Apple ID and you're calling yourself).
- Once the contact appears, you'll see options for FaceTime Audio (phone icon) and FaceTime Video (camera icon).
- Tap the phone icon for an audio call or the camera icon for a video call.
Your iPad will ring or receive a notification, much like a regular phone call, and you can answer it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using Continuity for Calls (iPhone Cellular Calls on iPad)
This method doesn't technically "call" your iPad, but rather allows your iPad to receive and make regular cellular phone calls that are routed through your iPhone. This is incredibly useful if you want to answer your iPhone calls on your iPad when it's nearby.
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Step 2.2.1: Verify Requirements and Setup.
- Both your iPhone and iPad must be signed in to the same Apple ID with iCloud.
- Both devices must have Wi-Fi turned on and be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Both devices must have Bluetooth turned on.
- Both devices must be within Bluetooth range of each other.
- Your iPhone must be running iOS 8.1 or later and your iPad iPadOS 8.1 or later.
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Step 2.2.2: Enable "Calls on Other Devices" on Your iPhone.
- On your iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Calls on Other Devices.
- Turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices.
- Under "Allow Calls On," make sure your iPad is toggled ON.
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Step 2.2.3: Enable "Calls from iPhone" on Your iPad.
- On your iPad: Go to Settings > FaceTime.
- Scroll down and make sure Calls from iPhone is toggled ON.
Now, when someone calls your iPhone, your iPad will also ring, and you can answer the call directly from your iPad. You can also make calls from your iPad using your iPhone's cellular connection via the Contacts, Phone, or FaceTime apps.
Step 3: Leveraging Third-Party Messaging and VoIP Apps
Many popular apps offer voice and video calling features that work across different devices, including your iPhone and iPad, as long as both have the app installed and are connected to the internet.
Sub-heading 3.1: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc.
These messaging apps offer free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
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Step 3.1.1: Install and Set Up the App on Both Devices.
- Download your preferred app (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal) from the App Store on both your iPhone and iPad.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account. For WhatsApp, you'll primarily use your phone number, but once set up, the iPad app will sync. Other apps might allow email registration or require a phone number for initial setup.
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Step 3.1.2: Initiate a Call from Your iPhone.
- Open the messaging app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the chat thread with the contact associated with your iPad (this could be yourself if both devices use the same account, or a different contact entry if you've set up separate accounts).
- Look for the phone icon (for voice call) or video camera icon (for video call) within the chat or contact details.
- Tap the appropriate icon to start the call.
Your iPad will receive a notification or call screen, allowing you to answer the incoming call.
Sub-heading 3.2: Google Voice or Google Meet
Google offers a suite of communication tools that can be very effective.
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Step 3.2.1: Set Up Google Voice (if you need a dedicated number) or Google Meet.
- Google Voice: If you want a separate, dedicated phone number for your iPad that you can call, Google Voice is an excellent option. Download the Google Voice app on both devices, sign in with your Google account, and follow the steps to get a free U.S. phone number.
- Google Meet: For direct video or audio calls, Google Meet (formerly Google Duo) is integrated with your Google account. Download the app on both devices and sign in.
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Step 3.2.2: Make the Call.
- From Google Voice (if applicable): Open the Google Voice app on your iPhone, go to the dialer, and dial the Google Voice number associated with your iPad.
- From Google Meet: Open Google Meet on your iPhone, search for your contact (your Google account or the contact linked to your iPad's Google Meet), and initiate a voice or video call.
The iPad will receive the call through the respective Google app.
Sub-heading 3.3: Skype or Zoom
These are popular for more robust video conferencing but also offer one-on-one voice and video calls.
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Step 3.3.1: Install and Sign In.
- Download Skype or Zoom from the App Store on both your iPhone and iPad.
- Create an account or sign in with an existing one on both devices.
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Step 3.3.2: Initiate the Call.
- Open the app on your iPhone.
- Find the contact associated with your iPad's account within the app's contact list.
- Select the option for a voice call or video call.
Your iPad will get a notification, and you can answer the call through the app.
Step 4: Email-Based Communication (Less of a "Call," More of an Alert)
While not a traditional "call," you can send emails to your iPad that generate notifications, effectively "ringing" it if you have email alerts configured prominently. This is more of a fallback or a way to get attention rather than a direct voice connection.
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Step 4.1.1: Ensure Email Notifications are Prominent on iPad.
- On your iPad: Go to Settings > Notifications > Mail (select the specific email account you'll be using).
- Under "Alerts," choose a banner or alerts style and ensure Sounds are turned on with a distinctive tone.
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Step 4.1.2: Send an Email from Your iPhone.
- Open the Mail app on your iPhone.
- Compose a new email addressed to the email address configured on your iPad.
- Send the email.
Your iPad will display a notification and play a sound, alerting the user.
Step 5: For the Technophile – SIP Clients (More Advanced)
If you have a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service or a private branch exchange (PBX) system, you can use a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) client on both your iPhone and iPad to make calls. This is generally for more advanced users or business environments.
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Step 5.1.1: Acquire SIP Account Details.
- You'll need an active SIP account from a VoIP provider or your company's IT department. This includes a username, password, server address, and port.
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Step 5.1.2: Install a SIP Client App.
- Download a SIP client app like Groundwire, Acrobits Softphone, Zoiper, or similar from the App Store on both your iPhone and iPad.
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Step 5.1.3: Configure the SIP Client.
- Open the SIP client on both devices and enter your SIP account details to register with the VoIP service.
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Step 5.1.4: Make the Call.
- Once configured and registered, open the SIP client on your iPhone and dial the internal extension or SIP URI of your iPad's SIP client (if they are on the same system) or dial its Google Voice number (if you linked them) or any other external number your SIP service allows you to call.
The iPad's SIP client will ring, allowing you to answer a VoIP call.
This covers a wide array of methods for "calling" your iPad from your iPhone. From the simplicity of FaceTime to the versatility of third-party apps and the technicality of SIP, you have many options at your disposal. Remember, the key is usually internet connectivity for both devices, and the method often depends on what you're trying to achieve (voice, video, or just an alert).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to call my iPad using my iPhone's regular phone number?
You generally cannot call an iPad using its phone number directly from your iPhone's cellular dialer because iPads typically don't have traditional voice call capabilities associated with their cellular data numbers. Use FaceTime, Continuity, or third-party apps instead.
How to use FaceTime to call my iPad from my iPhone?
Ensure both devices have FaceTime enabled and are signed into the same Apple ID. On your iPhone, open FaceTime, tap "+", and select the contact associated with your iPad's Apple ID (email or phone number if applicable), then choose audio or video call.
How to make my iPhone calls ring on my iPad?
Enable "Calls on Other Devices" in your iPhone's Settings (Phone > Calls on Other Devices) and ensure your iPad is listed. On your iPad, go to Settings > FaceTime and enable "Calls from iPhone." Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi and have Bluetooth enabled.
How to call my Wi-Fi only iPad from my iPhone?
Use internet-based calling methods like FaceTime (audio or video), WhatsApp voice/video calls, Telegram, Signal, Google Meet, Skype, or Zoom. All these methods require both devices to be connected to Wi-Fi.
How to use WhatsApp to call my iPad from my iPhone?
Install WhatsApp on both devices, ensure both are logged in. On your iPhone, open the chat with your iPad's WhatsApp contact (or your own if both use the same number), and tap the phone or video icon to initiate a call.
How to get a phone number for my iPad?
You can't get a traditional voice phone number for an iPad from a cellular carrier easily. However, you can use services like Google Voice to obtain a free virtual U.S. phone number that can receive calls and texts via the Google Voice app on your iPad.
How to use Google Meet to call my iPad from my iPhone?
Download and sign into Google Meet with your Google account on both your iPhone and iPad. On your iPhone, open Google Meet, find your contact (linked to your iPad's Google Meet), and start an audio or video call.
How to send a notification to my iPad from my iPhone?
The easiest way is to send a text message via iMessage (if both are signed into the same Apple ID for iMessage) or an email to an account configured on your iPad with prominent notifications enabled.
How to check if my iPad has cellular capabilities?
Look for a SIM card slot on the side of your iPad. You can also go to Settings > Cellular Data (or Mobile Data) on your iPad; if you see this option, your iPad has cellular capabilities.
How to troubleshoot calls between iPhone and iPad not connecting?
- Check internet connection on both devices.
- Verify Apple ID sign-in for FaceTime and Continuity.
- Ensure apps are updated to the latest versions.
- Restart both devices.
- Check notification settings on the iPad to ensure calls are not silenced.
- Disable and re-enable FaceTime and Continuity settings on both devices.
