How to Use an iPad like a Phone

When we talk about the iPad, we always focus on the productivity and leisure area, since its format and screen give rise to being able to use it in very different ways and for completely opposite purposes. However, on few occasions we have heard about the iPad as a device to communicate, and this does not mean that we cannot do it, therefore, in this post we want to talk to you about how you can use your iPad as if it were your phone.

This is what you need

Most users who have an iPad tend to be tied to a Wi-Fi network, since it is the way through which the iPad can connect to the internet. However, there is another iPad model, the so-called iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular that allows the user to be able to enjoy an internet connection anytime and anywhere thanks to an eSIM card.

Use an iPad like a Phone

The fact of having or not an eSIM card inside your iPad will not only mark the availability of connecting to the internet, but also the possibility of using your iPad as if it were a mobile phone, that is, to be able to call and receive calls , and of course, to also send and receive text messages.

Therefore, depending on which model you have, you will need to meet some requirements or others. Let’s start by talking about the “basic” model, the Wi-Fi iPad, which most users buy since it is cheaper than the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. In case you want to make or receive calls and send or receive text messages, you need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you do not have an internet connection on your iPad, you will not be able to do the actions typical of a phone.

modelos de iPad Wifi y Wifi+Cellular

If, instead of having an iPad Wi-Fi, you have the Wifí + Cellular model, your options of being able to make calls or send messages increase, since, in theory, having an eSIM has an internet connection always, at any time and of course anywhere (that’s if the coverage is good enough).

That is to say, broadly speaking and regardless of the iPad model you have, in order to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages, what you need, in addition, is essential to have an internet connection.

Another essential requirement is to have configured on the iPhone the option to allow phone calls on the iPad from the iPhone, because, obviously, to be able to make calls from the iPad, you also need to have an iPhone that channels the calls you make from your device.

Make and receive calls from the iPad

The possibility of making or receiving calls on your iPad is channeling them through the iPhone, an option that is available from iOS 9. You also have to have the FaceTime application configured and have logged in with the same Apple ID on both devices, that is , first you have to configure the iPhone, and then the iPad.

trackpad ipad

Steps to allow phone calls on iPad from iPhone

  1. On the iPhone, go to Settings> Mobile data
  2. If the iPhone has dual SIM, select a line (under “Mobile plans”)
  3. Do any of the following. Tap “Calls on other devices,” turn on “Allow on other devices,” and then select the iPad. This allows you to make and receive calls on the iPad if you are signed in with the same Apple ID and as long as the iPhone is nearby and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Press “Wi-Fi calling” and turn on “Wi-Fi calling for other devices”. This allows you to make and receive calls on the iPad as long as you are signed in with the same Apple ID even when the iPhone is not nearby.
  4. On iPad set up FaceTime and sign in with the same Apple ID that you use on iPhone.
  5. Go to Settings> FaceTime, then turn on FaceTime and “Calls from iPhone.” If prompted, turn on Wi-Fi calling.

So you can make or receive a call

  • To make a call, tap a phone number in Contacts, Calendar, FaceTime, Messages, Search, or Safari, or open FaceTime, enter a contact or phone number, and tap call.
  • To receive a call you just have to swipe or tap the call notification to answer or ignore it.

You can resort to video calls

Obviously, and as long as you have an internet connection, you can use video calling applications to call that or those people with whom you want to chat for a while, or simply because you want to tell something important that has happened in your day. In the App Store you have numerous options, such as Skype, Zoom or FaceTime itself.

Send text messages

To be able to send and receive text messages on your iPad you will have to use the Messages app, through which you can both send text messages, but also photos, videos and audios, as well as you can personalize your messages with animated effects, Memoji stickers, iMessage apps and more options provided by this fantastic application.

enviar mensajes desde el iPad

To send a message from your iPad, you just have to follow the following steps:

  1. Press the write icon at the top of the screen to start a new message or press an existing message.
  2. Enter the phone number, contact name, or Apple ID of each recipient. You can also tap the “+” icon and then select the contacts.
  3. Press the text field, write your message and hit send.
    • A blue send button indicates that the message will be sent using iMessage. A green send button indicates that the message will be sent via SMS / MMS or your mobile service.
    • If it is not possible to send a message, a warning will appear.