iPads come in various designs, each suitable for different users. Luckily, a common feature among all generations is the gadget’s versatility, allowing entertainment and pairing with iPhones for cellular functions. However, many users wonder if you can connect it to the local network.
So, can an iPad have its own phone number? An iPad cannot have its own dedicated phone number like a traditional phone, as it is not designed to make or receive regular phone calls. However, iPads with cellular capabilities can have a unique mobile data number, also known as an ICCID, assigned by the carrier for data services.
Though iPads can’t make traditional phone calls, they can utilize VoIP services, such as FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp, for calling purposes. Additionally, if you own an iPhone, your iPad can handle calls via the Continuity function by leveraging your iPhone’s number. To enable this, ensure both devices use the same Apple ID and share a Wi-Fi connection.
An iPad cannot have a specific phone number where users can call and text others on their devices. Instead, the gadget has a number solely for carriers to bill the users after internet access since it is a data-only device. The only way for it to function as a mobile phone is when you pair it with your iPhone to get some cellular privileges.
Conventionally, you need a phone number for your iPhone or any other mobile phone. However, does the same apply to iPads? After in-depth investigations and trials, here is what any iPad user should know.
An iPad cannot work with a particular phone number. The number attached to it is a unique identifying number, not a regular version you use on your phone to make and receive calls. It is specifically for data purposes since the network provider uses it to bill the user. Therefore, it cannot link to another cellular device and serves no other role in the tablet. If you want to get cellular voice services or SMS, you should first pair the iPad to your iPhone.
It is common for new iPad owners to want their devices to use exclusive phone numbers to function as regular cell phones. When you buy a tablet, it comes linked to a special number to help you access data services.
It doesn’t have the same roles as an iPhone’s contact, like connecting to a network and communicating with other cellular devices. Primarily, an iPad is a data-only gadget, hence doesn’t require an all-inclusive phone number.
Instead, it has a unique number that attaches to it only for billing reasons. The carrier and manufacturer need an elaborate system to allow the tablet to use the internet and the user to pay for it elaborately.
This number will not perform any other role in the iPad besides data provision, meaning that you cannot call your friends and family or send them a text. Ultimately, you cannot configure the gadget to function as a smartphone, although there is a workaround.
Many users opt to pair it with their iPhone in a few steps. First, from your iPhone, navigate the Settings and find Cellular, then select a particular SIM if you have two cards. Next, go to the configurations and permit calls from other devices as you pick your iPad or any other gadget you will want to use for calls. As long as your tablet shares the same ID with your iPhone, you can always use it as a mobile phone whenever your iPhone is around, and Wi-Fi is on.
Alternatively, you can deploy Wi-Fi Calling if your iPhone is not nearby by going to the settings and turning on the feature for other gadgets. Thus, provided that the linked devices have a common Apple ID, your iPhone doesn’t have to be nearby for your iPad to initiate calls. It particularly works for FaceTime calls, and you can set up the app to allow the feature. Consequently, you will make or accept calls the same way you do on your iPhone.
Unless you pair your tablet with your smartphone, your capabilities will limit to VoIP and internet messaging platforms like Skype, FaceTime, and iMessage. Otherwise, you cannot make cellular voice calls or send and receive SMS or MMS.
It makes it essential to make the above tweaks majorly for convenience. If you carry your iPad everywhere or use it for entertainment, it would be handy for performing tasks you normally would on your phone.
Can My iPhone and iPad Have the Same Phone Number?
Apple’s iPads and iPhones are excellent devices to own if you want an unbeatable user experience. The two can link via an ID that you can use to register your iDevices for ease of operations. One of the most common questions from users with smartphones and tablets is whether these iDevices can also conveniently share the same phone number.
iPhones and iPads cannot share a phone number since iPads aren’t built for conventional calling. Nonetheless, by connecting your iPhone and iPad with a single Apple ID, you can use the Continuity function to facilitate calls on your iPad via your iPhone’s number.
To activate this feature, ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, with Bluetooth enabled, and logged into the same Apple ID. Once Continuity is active, your iPad can handle calls through apps like FaceTime, displaying your iPhone’s number as the caller ID.
You can share your iPhone’s phone number with the iPad but not the other way around. An iPad’s number is solely for its data needs to bill the carrier for the internet it has used, not for regular calls and texts. When you link an iPad to an iPhone, the two will function as one. For instance, if someone calls you on your iPhone, both devices will ring, and you can respond using whichever you pick.
You can tweak settings on your iPhone and enable it to use the same cellular contact with the iPad. This process is effective for any form of communication that involves internet use; otherwise, normal network calls and messages will not go through.
The iPad doesn’t support telephone voice calls and services, but it can function when paired to a capable gadget like an iPhone. This way, you can make and receive calls on both devices, depending on which one is closer.
If you aren’t near your iPhone, you can enable Wi-Fi Calling on the iPad for seamless communication. Some iPad users claim that their iPads have phone numbers, yet they can’t use them to place calls.
If your tablet has a cellular contact number, note that its primary function is to buy data plans when you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, your iPad lacks telephone network capabilities, and the only way to utilize the SIM is by using the internet.
The tablet is ideal for FaceTime and iMessage, as long as you have the recipient’s contact details. If you are new to tethering iPad to iPhone, it may seem challenging at first, but the process is straightforward and will take very little time. From your iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap Phone. Next, select “Calls on Other Devices” and click “Allow Calls on Other Devices” as you find and select the iPad.
Similarly, on the tablet, tap settings and click FaceTime, then enable the device to receive calls from iPhone. Before making these settings, ensure that both devices run on the same Apple ID and have signed up to iCloud. Secondly, keep the iPad and iPhone connected to a stable internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, and confirm that the two are on the same network.
How To Find My iPad Phone Number
An iPad is a data-only gadget but needs an associated number for simplicity and network management. Although the number doesn’t work the same way as a smartphone’s contact, it is still a critical piece of information to know about your tablet. Below is a stepwise guide on how to find it.
To find your iPad’s mobile data number, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap “Cellular Data” or “Mobile Data.”
- Tap “SIM PIN” or “SIM Applications” (depending on your iPad model).
- Here, you should see your iPad’s mobile data number.
Remember, this number is not for making or receiving calls but is related to your cellular data service. For calling on an iPad, you can use VoIP apps like FaceTime, Skype, or WhatsApp, or utilize the Continuity feature with a paired iPhone.
Apple manufactured two iPad versions, the Wi-Fi-only and the Wi-Fi and cellular data model. While the Wi-Fi model is the most common, the latter is usually more expensive given its enhanced capability to use your SIM data when you don’t have Wi-Fi. The pricier alternative operates with an installed line that you use for internet access, although it cannot communicate with another cellular device via normal calls and texts.
You can pair both models with your smartphone’s number and sync them to work in tandem. This shared number will be key if you want to make FaceTime calls using your iPad. Whether you have a Wi-Fi exclusive or Wi-Fi+ Cellular version, knowing which number you use on your Apple gadget is important. The simplest and faster way to check your iPad’s phone number is through the Settings on the device’s menu, which needs a few steps.
If you have an iPad running on iOS 10 and above, you can click the app, look for the “General” option, and find “About.” Afterward, you can keep scrolling to see your cellular number, which should be in the list next to the option.
Otherwise, if you want to confirm your FaceTime number, you can still use the Settings and find “FaceTime”. The system will list the various ways others can find you, including your iPhones’ contact details.
You can also customize which address your caller ID should show, either the number or email address. Also, note that you can switch cards on your iPad using an ejection tool or paper clip. The catch is to know where your SIM tray is based on your iPad generation.
It should be opposite the volume buttons on the left side. Check close to the bottom or the top for an original model or iPad 2, 3, and 4. Otherwise, it is on the same side as the volume buttons across all iPad Air, Mini, and Pro generations.
Why Does My iPad Phone Number Say Unknown?
Phone numbers are critical for iPads to allow internet access or smartphone cellular data, and other network functions. Therefore, it may be alarming to get a notification that the number is unknown, worrying you that your iPad may fail to perform certain tasks.
If your iPad’s mobile data number displays as “Unknown,” it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- No SIM card installed: Ensure that you have inserted a SIM card into your iPad’s SIM card tray. iPads without a SIM card or with an improperly inserted one may show an “Unknown” mobile data number.
- Cellular plan not activated: If your cellular plan is not yet active, your iPad may not recognize the mobile data number. Contact your carrier to confirm your plan’s activation status.
- Network issues: Sometimes, network problems can cause temporary issues with your iPad’s mobile data number recognition. Try restarting your iPad or toggling Airplane Mode on and off to refresh the network connection.
- Outdated software: Ensure that your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Outdated software may lead to unexpected issues, including the “Unknown” mobile data number display.
Keep in mind that the mobile data number is not for making calls but for cellular data services. To make calls on an iPad, use VoIP apps or the Continuity feature with a paired iPhone.
Depending on your carrier’s data plan, your iPad phone number may indicate your number as “unknown” depending on your carrier’s data plan. If your subscription is data-specific, you won’t see a cellular number, only the “unknown” message. Besides, there could be issues if your SIM card is sitting incorrectly in the tray or your account isn’t functioning properly.
To check your iPad phone number, you can go to settings and click “General.” A Window will appear for you to tap “About” followed by “Cellular Data Number.” The final button will open a contact number or “unknown” text.
If your iPad indicates that your cellular number is unknown, you do not need to panic. In most cases, it will depend on your subscribed carrier services or plans. If your option was exclusively for data, the provider might fail to show you the number when you click the “Cellular Data Number” when trying to find it.
Conversely, if you pick a data and voice option on your SIM card, you will find the phone number on your iPad. Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi and cellular iPads may display the phone numbers, but they are not functional.
Your calls won’t go through if you use the tablet to call anyone because the device doesn’t have a telephone service plan. You may confirm by inserting your normal SIM card into the iPad to see whether it works.
However, the carrier won’t appear as “unknown” and you will find your contact details. Furthermore, your iPad may fail to show the cellular phone number due to hitches with your Apple ID account or if you wrongly placed a SIM card in its slot.
Since there are various iPad types in the market, you may not be certain of where to check your phone number, not knowing whether it displays in the settings or labels as “unknown”. There are Wi-Fi-only iPads and alternatives using data and Wi-Fi. However, the case would be slightly different if you are a Wi-Fi-exclusive iPad user. Here, you will need other means to find your contact details, for instance, your email or Apple ID.
Finally
It may be disappointing at first to learn that your iPad doesn’t have its phone number, meaning that you cannot make it work like a smartphone. The number is exclusively for billing reasons when the device uses data. Luckily, you can pair your iPhone to the iPad and sync them to work as one allowing you to manage all the cellular functions.
The catch is that you must have a strong internet connection, and the two should run on the same Apple ID. If you have any issues finding your number on your iPad, you can go to the settings and navigate to find “About” where you will have all the details. Otherwise, the tablet may claim that the number is unknown depending on your carrier’s data plan, although it will still function.
