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Understanding iPad Calling: What You Should Know

iPad calling refers to the ability to make and receive phone calls using an iPad instead of a traditional cellular phone. Many people don't realize that iPads can be used for calling, yet millions of users already take advantage of this feature. An iPad can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or, in some models, through cellular data plans. Once connected, several methods exist to turn your iPad into a calling device.

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The main ways to call on an iPad include using FaceTime, which is Apple's native video and audio calling app; VoIP services like Skype or Google Voice, which route calls through the internet; traditional cellular plans for iPads with cellular connectivity; and messaging apps that include calling features such as WhatsApp or Telegram. Each method has different costs, reliability levels, and features.

According to Apple's usage data, over 1 billion FaceTime calls are made every day across Apple devices. This demonstrates how common internet-based calling has become. However, many people still aren't aware of all their options for turning an iPad into a calling device.

Understanding these options matters because iPad calling can reduce costs if you already own an iPad, provide backup communication methods if your phone is unavailable, and offer flexibility in how and where you communicate. Some people use iPad calling as their primary phone method, while others use it as a secondary option.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring specific calling methods, assess what matters most to you: cost, call quality, the ability to call traditional phone numbers, or calling only other Apple users. This will help you determine which iPad calling option suits your situation.

FaceTime: Apple's Native Calling Solution

FaceTime is Apple's built-in calling and video messaging app that comes pre-installed on all iPads. It allows you to make audio-only calls or video calls to other people using Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. FaceTime is free to use when both people have Apple devices and an internet connection.

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To use FaceTime, you need an Apple ID, which is free to create. Your Apple ID serves as your FaceTime contact information. You can use your email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID as your FaceTime identifier. This means people can reach you through FaceTime using either your email or phone number, depending on which one you've registered with your Apple ID.

FaceTime offers several practical features. You can initiate calls by typing a contact's name, phone number, or email address into the FaceTime app. The app shows your contacts who also use FaceTime, making it easy to see who you can call. FaceTime calls over Wi-Fi use very little data—typically about 2.5 megabytes per minute for video calls and even less for audio-only calls. This means you can make many calls on a standard Wi-Fi connection without concern about data usage.

One limitation of FaceTime is that you can only call other Apple device users. If you need to call someone with an Android phone or a regular landline, FaceTime won't work for that purpose. Additionally, FaceTime requires a stable internet connection. If your Wi-Fi drops, your call will disconnect.

FaceTime has been available since 2011 and has become increasingly reliable. Apple continuously updates the app to include features like Group FaceTime, which allows you to call multiple people at once. The app also includes FaceTime Audio, which is voice-only calling without video.

Practical Takeaway: If you primarily communicate with other Apple users and have reliable Wi-Fi, FaceTime is your simplest option since it's already on your iPad and costs nothing. Test a call with a friend or family member who has an iPhone or another iPad to see how the quality works for you.

VoIP Services and Internet-Based Calling Options

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. These services convert your voice into digital data that travels over the internet. Unlike FaceTime, which only works between Apple devices, VoIP services can route calls to regular phone numbers, including landlines and mobile phones from any carrier.

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Google Voice is one popular VoIP option. It's a free service from Google that gives you a phone number you can use for calling and texting. With Google Voice, you can call any U.S. or Canadian phone number for free. International calls cost money, but rates are typically very low—often just a few cents per minute. To use Google Voice, you need a Google account, which is free to create. Google Voice works through a web browser on your iPad or through the Google Voice app.

Skype is another established VoIP platform. Skype offers free calling between Skype users, similar to FaceTime. However, Skype also lets you purchase credit to call regular phone numbers. For example, you could buy a Skype subscription for about $3-10 per month, which typically gives you 100-500 minutes of calling to landlines and mobile phones in the United States and other countries. Skype has been around since 2003 and is owned by Microsoft.

WhatsApp and Telegram are messaging apps that also include calling features. Both are free to use if both people have the app. WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, serves over 100 million users. These apps require both parties to have the application installed but work across all device types—iPhone, Android, iPad, and computers.

VoIP services generally require a strong Wi-Fi connection, similar to FaceTime. The quality of calls depends on your internet speed. Most VoIP services need at least 2.5 megabits per second download speed for good call quality.

Practical Takeaway: If you need to call people who don't have Apple devices or if you want a backup calling method, explore Google Voice as a free starting point. Set up your free Google account, get a Google Voice number, and test calling a friend with a traditional phone number to see if the quality meets your needs.

Cellular Plans: iPads with Built-In Phone Capability

Some iPad models include built-in cellular connectivity, meaning they have a SIM card slot and can connect to cellular networks just like phones do. These models are called iPad cellular models or iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Cellular iPad models can use cellular data for browsing and can also make and receive phone calls if you add a cellular plan from a carrier.

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Cellular iPad models are available in different versions depending on which iPad line you own. The iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad (standard), and iPad mini all have cellular versions. Cellular models cost more than Wi-Fi-only versions—typically between $100-150 more, depending on the iPad model and storage capacity.

Once you have a cellular iPad, you can add a plan from major carriers including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or regional carriers. Plans vary widely. Some carriers offer month-to-month plans ranging from $15-50 per month, depending on how much data you need. Other carriers offer shared plans that let you add your iPad to an existing phone plan, which sometimes costs less.

The advantage of a cellular iPad is that you get genuine cellular service, not internet-dependent calling. This means you can make calls even in areas with weak Wi-Fi as long as you have cellular signal. Cellular calling is often clearer than VoIP calling because it uses dedicated phone networks. Your calls work just like they would on a traditional phone.

However, cellular iPad plans do cost money every month. Additionally, if you don't already own a cellular iPad, purchasing one represents a significant upfront investment. You also need to consider whether you want a separate cellular plan just for your iPad or whether you'd prefer to share an existing plan from your phone.

According to Statista, approximately 2 million cellular iPad units ship annually. This suggests that while cellular iPads exist, most people choose Wi-Fi-only iPad models and use internet-based calling instead.

Practical Takeaway: A cellular iPad plan makes sense if you need reliable calling without depending on Wi-Fi and you're already planning to buy a new iPad. Contact your current phone carrier to learn about adding iPad plans to your account—it may cost less than starting a separate plan.

Comparing Costs and Features Across Options

When deciding which iPad calling method works for you, cost is often a major factor. Let's compare what

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