Calling with your iPad: why is everyone still going downstairs?
Your phone is downstairs. You're upstairs with your iPad. The phone rings. Run downstairs again? Or miss that important business call because your iPhone is just out of reach?
Typical Apple user problem: multiple devices, but they don't always work together as you'd like. But here's what most people don't know: your iPad can simply be your phone. No extra SIM card needed. No complicated apps.
Apple has built this feature in for years, but almost no one uses it. While it literally takes two minutes to set up. Once activated, all incoming calls appear on both screens. You simply call from your iPad as if it were your iPhone. Even your normal phone number is used.
All you need: both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and the same Apple ID.
Useful links
Why call via your iPad?
You probably know it: your phone is somewhere in the house, but you don't have it at hand. With your iPad on your lap, you're working on a document or scrolling through the news. Then the phone rings. Get up again, search for where that thing is. Or even worse: you miss the call because you don't find it in time.
Apple came up with a solution for this years ago. You can simply make and receive calls on your iPad. It works via your existing phone number, so people don't have to call a different number. You also don't need an extra SIM card. All you need: an iPhone, an iPad and a Wi-Fi connection.
This feature is officially called 'Wi-Fi calling' or 'Continuity' within the Apple ecosystem. It doesn't only work with your iPad, by the way. Your Mac, Apple Watch and even your iPod Touch can also participate. But today we focus on the iPhone and iPad combination.
Step by step: setting up your iPhone
Before you can call via your iPad, you first need to set up your iPhone correctly. You do this as follows:
Check your Apple ID
Both devices must be logged in with the same Apple ID. Check this via 'Settings' and then at the top where your name is. Do you see different accounts? Then it won't work.
Turn on Wi-Fi calling
- Open 'Settings' on your iPhone
- Tap 'Phone'
- Look for 'Calls on Other Devices'
- Turn on the switch for 'Allow Calls on Other Devices'
- You will now see a list of all your Apple devices
- Turn on the switch for your iPad (and any other devices)
Check your FaceTime settings
Because calling via other devices uses FaceTime, this must also be set correctly:
- Go to 'Settings'
- Tap 'FaceTime'
- Check that FaceTime is turned on
- Check that both your phone number and email address are checked
Preparing your iPad for calling
Now that your iPhone is set up, it's time for your iPad. Fortunately, the settings here are even simpler:
- Open 'Settings' on your iPad
- Tap 'FaceTime'
- Make sure FaceTime is turned on
- Find the 'Calls from iPhone' option
- Turn this switch on
That's it. From now on, you can make and receive calls on your iPad. You simply use the FaceTime app to make calls. Your normal phone number is used, so for the outside world it makes no difference.
How does it work in practice?
Calling someone from your iPad
Open the FaceTime app on your iPad. At the top, you'll see two options: 'Audio' and 'Video'. Choose 'Audio' for a normal phone call. Type the number you want to call or choose someone from your contacts. The conversation then proceeds exactly as on your iPhone.
Answering a call
When someone calls you, you will receive a notification on both devices simultaneously. You can choose where to answer. Do you answer via your iPad? Then the ringing on your iPhone automatically stops. Handy if your iPhone is in another room.
Switching between devices
Are you already on a call on your iPhone but want to switch to your iPad? You can. You will see a small icon appear on your iPad during the call. Tap it and the conversation will seamlessly transfer to your tablet.
Troubleshooting common problems
Does it not work immediately? Don't panic. These are the most common problems:
Both devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network
This is by far the most common mistake. Check on both devices via 'Settings' > 'Wi-Fi' whether they are connected to the same network.
Bluetooth is off
For some continuity functions, Bluetooth must be turned on on both devices. So check that.
Software is not up-to-date
This feature has been around for a while, but works best with recent software. Make sure both devices have the latest iOS or iPadOS version.
FaceTime is blocked
In some countries or on some networks (such as corporate networks), FaceTime does not work. Check this with your provider or IT department.
Practical advantages in daily use
Now that you know how it works, when is this function really useful?
- Working from home: Your iPhone is charging in the kitchen, but you're working upstairs in the attic with your iPad. No problem anymore.
- Cooking: Recipe on your iPad, hands covered in dough? If the phone rings, just tap the screen of your tablet with your elbow.
- Saving battery: Your iPhone battery is almost dead? Let it charge and call via your iPad which is still full.
- Large screen: For video calls, the larger screen of your iPad is of course much more pleasant. But even for normal calls, it's nice that you can easily take notes or look something up while on the phone.
Extra tips for advanced users
Do you want to get even more out of this function? Try these tips:
- Using Siri: Just say "Hey Siri, call mom" to your iPad. Works perfectly.
- Multiple numbers: Do you have multiple phone numbers linked to your Apple ID? You can choose which number you use for outgoing calls.
- Do not disturb: Set 'Do Not Disturb' on your iPad if you don't want to receive calls there, but you do on your iPhone.
The integration between Apple devices is constantly improving. This calling function is a perfect example of that. It literally takes two minutes to set up, but the convenience you get in return is enormous. No more missed calls because your phone is in another room. No more juggling devices. Just answer where it's convenient.
Conclusion: two minutes to set up, daily convenience
Calling via your iPad is one of those features that makes your life just a little easier. It takes two minutes to set up, but then saves you daily frustration.
Your iPhone can now simply stay where it is. Whether you're cooking, working from home or just lounging on the couch with your iPad - you'll never miss a call again.
Just try it. You'll recoup those few minutes of setup the very first time your phone is downstairs while you're upstairs.
