How to Make Voice Calls on iPad

An iPad can make voice calls, but not the way a phone does. Even iPad models with cellular service use the mobile connection for data, not for traditional carrier voice calls. There are three practical ways to call from an iPad: FaceTime Audio, calls relayed through your iPhone, or a third-party calling app.

Before you start

None of these methods works purely on the device. Each one relies on a service and an internet or network connection. Pick the route that matches who you need to call:

• FaceTime Audio: requires an Apple Account signed in to FaceTime and a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. The person you call also needs an Apple device with FaceTime.
• Calls from your iPhone: requires an iPhone with an active phone plan, both devices signed in to the same Apple Account in FaceTime, connected to the same Wi-Fi network, with Bluetooth turned on. This route lets you call regular phone numbers.
• Third-party apps: require the app, an account, an internet connection and microphone permission. Usually both people need the same app; calling regular phone numbers, where offered, may be a paid feature.

Encryption, call recording and data retention depend on the service and its current version. Check the provider's own privacy information instead of assuming how your calls are handled.

Step-by-step instructions

Option 1: FaceTime Audio

• Open Settings, tap FaceTime, turn FaceTime on and sign in with your Apple Account if prompted.
• Open the FaceTime app and tap New FaceTime.
• Enter the contact's name, phone number or email address.
• Tap the audio (phone) button instead of the video button to start an audio-only call. You can also open a contact in Contacts and choose FaceTime Audio.

Option 2: Calls from your iPhone

• On your iPhone, open the Phone settings (Settings > Phone, or Settings > Apps > Phone on recent iOS versions), tap Calls on Other Devices, turn on Allow Calls on Other Devices, then turn on your iPad in the list.
• On your iPad, open Settings > FaceTime and turn on Calls from iPhone.
• Keep both devices on the same Apple Account, the same Wi-Fi network and with Bluetooth on.
• To place a call, tap a phone number in Contacts, Messages, Safari or another app. On iPadOS 26 and later, you can also use the Phone app on iPad.
• If your carrier supports it, Wi-Fi Calling for other devices lets the iPad call even when the iPhone is not nearby. On the iPhone, open Phone settings, tap Wi-Fi Calling and turn on Add Wi-Fi Calling for Other Devices. Availability depends on your carrier.
• To undo the setup, turn the same switches off on both devices.

Option 3: A third-party calling app

• Install the app from the App Store and sign in.
• Allow microphone access when the app asks. If you declined earlier, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn the app on.
• Start a call using the app's voice or audio call option rather than video.

Check the output

• Make a short test call to someone you know and confirm that you can hear each other in both directions.
• While the call is active, look for the orange indicator at the top of the screen, which shows the microphone is in use.
• Use the audio route button in the call screen, or Control Center, to confirm whether sound is going to the built-in speaker, wired headphones or a Bluetooth device.
• If you set up calls from your iPhone, ask someone to call your number and confirm the iPad rings.

Call quality depends on your network. FaceTime Audio and app-based calls follow your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, while relayed calls also depend on the iPhone's cellular signal and its link to the iPad.

Common problems and next steps

• Cellular iPad but no phone calling: this is expected. Use FaceTime Audio, calls from your iPhone or a calling app.
• Calls from iPhone missing or the iPad does not ring: confirm both devices use the same Apple Account in FaceTime, both switches are on, the devices share a Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is on. Restarting both devices can help.
• The other person cannot hear you: check the mute button, the app's microphone permission, whether a case covers the microphone and whether audio is routed to a Bluetooth headset you are not using.
• The contact has no Apple device: they cannot receive a FaceTime Audio call directly. Call through your iPhone or use an app you both have.
• Emergencies: do not rely on an iPad as your only way to reach emergency services; check how your carrier and region handle emergency calls from other devices.

If a call still fails after these checks, test the same method on another network to separate a connection problem from a settings problem, then consult the support resources for your carrier or calling app.