Making phone calls with your iPad might seem like a futuristic fantasy, but while your iPad doesn't have a traditional cellular voice calling feature like your iPhone, there are several clever ways to connect with people using its impressive capabilities. Let's dive in and explore these methods together!
Step 1: Let's Get Connected - What Do You Have?
Before we embark on our calling journey, take a quick inventory. Do you have an iPhone? Do you use FaceTime? Are you familiar with apps like WhatsApp or Skype? Your answers to these questions will guide us to the best calling method for you. Don't worry if you answered "no" to all of them; we have options for everyone!
Utilizing Your iPhone for Seamless Calling
If you own an iPhone, Apple has created a wonderfully integrated ecosystem that allows your iPad to piggyback on your phone's calling capabilities. This is often the most straightforward and reliable method.
Step 2: Enabling Handoff on Both Devices
For this magic to happen, both your iPhone and iPad need to have Handoff enabled. Here’s how to do it:
On Your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on AirPlay & Handoff.
- Make sure the Handoff toggle is switched on (it will appear green).
On Your iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General in the sidebar.
- Tap on Handoff.
- Ensure the Handoff toggle is switched on.
Step 3: Connecting to the Same Wi-Fi Network and iCloud Account
For Handoff to work its magic, both your iPhone and iPad must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed in to the same iCloud account. Double-check this in your device settings.
Step 4: Making and Receiving Calls on Your iPad
Once Handoff is set up, making and receiving calls on your iPad is surprisingly intuitive:
Making a Call:
- You can initiate a call from various apps on your iPad, such as:
- Contacts: Open the Contacts app, select a contact, and tap their phone number.
- Safari: If you see a phone number on a website, you can usually tap it to initiate a call.
- Mail: If someone includes their phone number in an email, you can tap it.
- Messages: If you have a text conversation with someone, you can tap their name at the top and then the phone icon.
- A prompt will appear on your iPad screen indicating that the call will be placed via your iPhone. Tap Call. Your iPhone will then dial the number, and you can have your conversation through your iPad's microphone and speakers (or connected headphones).
Receiving a Call:
- When someone calls your iPhone, a notification will appear on your iPad screen, just like it does on your iPhone.
- You can Answer the call directly from your iPad by tapping the notification.
- You can also choose to Decline the call.
Embracing the World of VoIP Apps
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps offer another fantastic way to make and receive calls on your iPad using your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (if your iPad has cellular capabilities). Many popular apps provide this functionality.
Step 5: Exploring Popular VoIP Apps
Let's look at some well-known VoIP apps that work seamlessly on iPads:
- FaceTime: Apple's built-in video and audio calling app is excellent for connecting with other Apple users (iPhone, iPad, Mac). It's often pre-installed and tightly integrated.
- WhatsApp: A widely used messaging app that also offers voice and video calling features. It requires the other person to also have WhatsApp installed.
- Skype: A veteran in the VoIP world, Skype allows you to make calls to other Skype users for free and also offers the option to call landlines and mobile numbers for a fee.
- Google Meet: Primarily designed for video conferencing, Google Meet also supports audio-only calls and is a great option for connecting with individuals or groups.
- Viber: Similar to WhatsApp and Skype, Viber offers free calls and messaging to other Viber users.
Step 6: Downloading and Setting Up Your Chosen App
- Open the App Store on your iPad.
- Search for the VoIP app you want to use (e.g., "WhatsApp," "Skype").
- Tap Get and then Install.
- Once the app is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account or log in. This usually involves verifying your phone number or email address.
- Grant the app permission to access your microphone and camera (if you plan to make video calls).
Step 7: Making Calls with the VoIP App
The process for making calls will vary slightly depending on the app, but generally, it involves:
- Navigating to a "Calls" or "Contacts" section within the app.
- Selecting a contact from your list (if they are also a user of the same app) or entering their phone number (for apps that support calling regular phone numbers).
- Tapping a phone or video call icon to initiate the call.
Leveraging Cellular Data (for Cellular-Enabled iPads)
If you have an iPad with cellular capabilities and an active data plan, some VoIP apps can utilize this data connection to make and receive calls even when you're not connected to Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that using cellular data for calls can consume your data allowance.
Step 8: Ensuring Cellular Data is Enabled (If Applicable)
- Open the Settings app on your cellular iPad.
- Tap on Cellular.
- Make sure the Cellular Data toggle is switched on.
- Also, ensure that the specific VoIP app you want to use has permission to use cellular data (you can usually find this setting within the app's preferences or in the main Cellular settings).
Step 9: Making Calls Over Cellular Data
The process for making calls using a VoIP app over cellular data is the same as when using Wi-Fi (as described in Step 7). The app will simply use your cellular data connection instead of Wi-Fi.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making calls on an iPad:
How to know if my iPad has cellular capabilities? * Check the back of your iPad. If there's a SIM card tray, it likely has cellular capabilities. You can also go to Settings > General > About and look for a "Cellular Data Number" or "Carrier" option.
How to make a FaceTime audio call? * Open the FaceTime app, tap the + icon, enter the contact's name or email address, and then tap the Audio button (phone icon). Alternatively, find the contact in your Contacts app, tap their name, and then tap the FaceTime Audio button.
How to make a WhatsApp call? * Open WhatsApp, go to the Calls tab, tap the New Call icon (phone icon with a plus sign), select a contact, and then tap the Voice Call icon (phone icon).
How to make a Skype call? * Open Skype, go to the Calls tab, tap the New Call icon, search for a Skype contact or enter a phone number, and then tap the Call button.
How to receive a call on my iPad when someone calls my iPhone? * Ensure Handoff is enabled on both devices, they are on the same Wi-Fi network, and signed into the same iCloud account. A call to your iPhone will then show a notification on your iPad that you can answer.
How to disable calls from my iPhone appearing on my iPad? * Go to Settings > General > Handoff on your iPad and toggle Handoff off.
How to make an international call from my iPad? * Using VoIP apps like Skype or Viber often provides more cost-effective international calling options. Within the app, you'll usually dial the international number with the country code. Check the app's specific calling rates for international destinations.
How to use headphones with my iPad for calls? * You can connect wired headphones to your iPad's headphone jack (if it has one) or connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth. Once connected, audio from your calls will be routed through your headphones.
How to adjust the microphone volume on my iPad during a call? * iPadOS automatically manages microphone sensitivity. However, ensuring nothing is obstructing the microphone (usually located near the camera or along an edge) is important. In some VoIP apps, you might find audio settings within the app itself.
How to make a group call on my iPad? * Many VoIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Meet support group audio and video calls. The process for initiating a group call varies slightly depending on the app, but it usually involves selecting multiple contacts when starting a new call or adding participants to an ongoing call.
Making calls on your iPad offers flexibility and convenience, especially when you're already working or relaxing on your tablet. By understanding these different methods, you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues in a way that best suits your needs and the technology you have at your fingertips!
