Can You Call on iPad? Know here

When the first iPad was launched in 2010, it was marketed as a device that could revolutionize the way people consume media, work, and play. Over the years, iPads have undergone several iterations, and they have become more powerful, versatile, and useful than ever before. However, one question that many people still have is whether they can make phone calls on their iPads. In this article, we will explore this question in detail and provide a comprehensive answer.

Understanding the Capabilities of an iPad

Before we delve into the specifics of whether you can call on an iPad, it is essential to understand the capabilities of the device. At its core, an iPad is a tablet computer that runs on Apple’s iPadOS operating system. It is designed primarily for browsing the internet, streaming videos, playing games, reading books, and using productivity apps. However, it also has several features that allow it to function as a phone-like device.

For instance, iPads have built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras that can be used for video conferencing, recording audio, and taking photos. They also have SIM card slots (in cellular models) that allow them to connect to cellular networks and access the internet from anywhere. Additionally, they have messaging apps like iMessage and FaceTime that allow users to send and receive text messages, photos, and videos.

With these capabilities in mind, let us explore whether it is possible to make phone calls on an iPad.

Can You Make Phone Calls on an iPad?

The short answer is yes; you can make calls on an iPad. The iPad is not just a tablet; it is a multifunctional device that can perform various tasks, including making phone calls. However, the iPad does not have a cellular connection on its own, meaning it cannot make calls like a regular phone. Instead, you can use other methods to make calls on your iPad. The following are some ways you can use your iPad to make calls:

Using FaceTime to Make Calls

One of the easiest ways to make phone calls on an iPad is by using FaceTime. FaceTime is Apple’s video calling app that allows users to make audio and video calls to other iOS devices and Macs. To use FaceTime, you need to have an Apple ID, which is free to create if you don’t already have one.

Starting on September 2021, FaceTime was made available on Android. However, you won’t find a FaceTime app available for download on the Google Play Store or Microsoft Store.

Instead, someone with an Apple device needs to create a link to invite you to a FaceTime call. Opening this link in Chrome or Microsoft Edge will let you join the call through a web interface. You unfortunately can’t start a FaceTime call on Android to an iPhone; you’re limited to joining calls that an Apple user sends you.

The basic features work, but not everything in FaceTime is available for Android devices. This web version allows you to mute your microphone and video, use full-screen mode, and switch between your front and back cameras. You can also change the layout of the call participants. However, advanced functions like SharePlay, which lets you watch media together with friends over FaceTime, are limited to Apple devices.

To make a call using FaceTime, follow these steps:

1. Open the FaceTime app on your iPad.
2. Tap the " " button in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Enter the name or phone number of the person you want to call.
4. Tap the "Audio" button to make an audio call, or the "Video" button to make a video call.
5. Wait for the person to answer the call.

When you make a call using FaceTime, you are using the internet to connect to the other person’s device. This means that both you and the other person need to have a stable internet connection for the call to work.

Using Third-Party Apps to Make Calls

Another way to make phone calls on an iPad is by using third-party apps that offer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. VoIP apps allow users to make calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone networks. Some popular VoIP apps that you can use on an iPad include Skype, messager, Google Voice, and Viber.

To use a VoIP app to make phone calls on your iPad, you need to follow these steps:

1. Download and install the app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and sign in using your account details.
3. Allow the app to access your microphone and camera (if necessary).
4. Enter the name or phone number of the person you want to call.
5. Tap the "Call" or "Audio Call" button to make the call.

VoIP apps are a great alternative for making phone calls on an iPad because they work over the internet, which means that they are not tied to traditional phone networks. This means that you can make calls to people anywhere in the world without worrying about international calling rates. Additionally, VoIP apps usually have additional features like video calls, messaging, and file sharing, which can make them more versatile than traditional phone calls.

However, using VoIP apps on an iPad also has some limitations. For instance, not all apps are created equal, and some may not work as well as others. Additionally, both you and the person you are calling need to have the same app installed and set up, which can be a hassle if the other person does not use the same app as you. Additionally, VoIP calls may not be as reliable as traditional phone calls, especially if you have a poor internet connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to make phone calls on an iPad, but the process is not as straightforward as it is on a traditional phone. If you need to make phone calls regularly and require high-quality audio, it may be better to use a traditional phone instead of an iPad. However, if you need to make occasional calls and prefer the convenience and versatility of an iPad, then any of the methods we have discussed can work for you. It all comes down to your personal preferences and needs.