Yes, a tablet can make and receive calls, but it requires a data connection and the right setup

A tablet can absolutely function as a phone if you have the right tools and a way to connect to the internet. Unlike a traditional phone, most tablets don't have cellular service built in—they rely on Wi-Fi or a cellular plan you add separately. Once you set that up, you can make voice calls, send text messages, and use all the same communication apps as a smartphone.

The catch is that tablets are larger and less portable than phones, so using one as your primary phone means carrying a bigger device. But for people who already own a tablet and want to reduce the number of devices they carry, or who need a backup phone, it's a practical option.

Key Takeaways

  • Most tablets can make calls and send texts through Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Meet without any additional hardware.
  • If you want to use your tablet's phone number for calls and texts, you need either a cellular data plan or a Wi-Fi calling feature through your carrier.
  • Tablets without cellular capability can still receive calls and messages over Wi-Fi, but only through internet-based apps, not your carrier's network.
  • Using a tablet as a phone works best as a secondary device or backup, since tablets are bulkier and have shorter battery life than phones when used for calling.

How tablets connect to phone networks

Tablets fall into two categories: Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular. A Wi-Fi-only tablet can only connect to the internet through wireless networks, so it cannot reach your carrier's phone network directly. A Wi-Fi + Cellular tablet has a SIM card slot and can connect to your carrier's network just like a phone does, though you'll need to pay for a separate data plan.

If you have a Wi-Fi-only tablet, you're not locked out of phone calls—you just have to use internet-based calling instead. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet, and Facebook Messenger all let you make voice calls and send text messages over Wi-Fi. The person you're calling doesn't need the same app; many of these services can call regular phone numbers, though that usually costs money or uses credits.

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular tablet, you can add a cellular plan through your carrier. Some carriers let you add a tablet line to your existing phone plan for a monthly fee, while others sell standalone plans. Once activated, your tablet gets its own phone number and can make calls and send texts just like a phone.

Using Wi-Fi calling on your tablet

The easiest way to turn a tablet into a phone is through Wi-Fi calling apps. These apps use your internet connection instead of your carrier's network, so they work on any tablet with Wi-Fi. WhatsApp is the most widely used—it lets you call and text anyone else with WhatsApp installed, and it works over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Skype works similarly and can also call regular phone numbers if you buy Skype credits. Google Meet (formerly Duo) lets you make video and voice calls to other Google accounts or phone numbers.

The main limitation is that people you call need either the same app or a regular phone number you can reach through the app. If you call someone's regular phone number through WhatsApp or Skype, they'll see a call from the app, not from your tablet's number. For receiving calls, most of these apps let people reach you through the app itself, so you don't need a phone number at all.

These apps work best when you're on Wi-Fi or have a strong data connection. Call quality depends on your internet speed—a weak connection will cause choppy audio or dropped calls. If you're using cellular data, make sure your tablet plan includes enough data for voice calls, since they use more data than texting.

Adding a cellular plan to your tablet

If you want your tablet to have its own phone number and work like a traditional phone, you can add a cellular plan. Most major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others—offer tablet plans, though pricing and terms vary by carrier and region. Some carriers let you add a tablet line to your existing phone plan for $10 to $20 per month, while others require a separate plan.

To add cellular service, you'll need a tablet with a SIM card slot (Wi-Fi + Cellular models have this). Visit your carrier's website or store and ask about tablet plans. You'll choose a data amount—usually 2GB to 20GB per month—and the carrier will set up a phone number for your tablet. Once set up, your tablet can make calls and send texts through your carrier's network, just like a phone.

Keep in mind that cellular plans cost extra money each month, and you're paying for data whether you use it for calls, texts, or browsing. If you only plan to use your tablet as a backup phone occasionally, Wi-Fi calling apps are usually cheaper than a full cellular plan.

Comparing tablets to phones for calling

Using a tablet as a phone has real trade-offs. Tablets are heavier and bulkier than phones, so carrying one in your pocket isn't practical. They also have larger screens, which makes them awkward to hold to your ear during calls—many people use headphones or speaker mode instead. Battery life is generally longer than a phone's, but tablets drain faster when you're actively using them for calls and messaging.

Tablets also lack some phone features. Most don't have the same emergency calling capabilities as phones, and some Wi-Fi calling apps have restrictions on calling emergency numbers. If you rely on your device for emergencies, a dedicated phone is safer. Additionally, not all carriers support Wi-Fi calling on tablets the way they do on phones, so check with your carrier before assuming you can use their Wi-Fi calling feature.

For a secondary device or backup phone, a tablet works well. For your primary phone, a smartphone is still the better choice because it's designed for portability and has full carrier support.

Setting up a tablet for phone use

If you decide to use your tablet as a phone, here's what to do. First, decide whether you want Wi-Fi calling only or a cellular plan. For Wi-Fi calling, read WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet, or another calling app from your tablet's app store. Sign up with your email address or phone number, verify your account, and you're ready to make calls and send messages.

For a cellular plan, check your tablet's settings to confirm it has a SIM card slot. Go to your carrier's website and look for tablet plans. Follow their steps to choose a plan and set up service. The carrier will send you a SIM card or set up an eSIM (a digital SIM that doesn't require a physical card). Insert the SIM card into your tablet or scan the eSIM code, and your tablet will connect to the carrier's network.

After setup, test a call to make sure everything works. If you're using Wi-Fi calling, make sure you're connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. If you're using cellular, check that your tablet shows signal bars and your carrier's name in the status bar. Adjust your call settings in the phone app to choose which app handles calls and texts, and you're set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet to make calls without Wi-Fi or a cellular plan?

No, your tablet needs either a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular data plan to make calls. It cannot connect to your carrier's phone network without one of these. However, you can use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp or Skype anywhere you have Wi-Fi, even if you don't have a carrier plan.

Will I get the same phone number on my tablet as my phone?

Not unless you specifically set it up that way. If you add a cellular plan to your tablet, your carrier will assign it a separate phone number. If you use Wi-Fi calling apps, you can use your existing phone number on the app, but the tablet itself won't have a carrier phone number. Some carriers offer plans that share a phone number across multiple devices, so ask your carrier if that's an option.

Can I receive calls on my tablet if someone calls my phone number?

Only if your tablet has a cellular plan with its own phone number, or if you've set up Wi-Fi calling through your carrier on the tablet. If you're using only Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, people can only reach you through that app, not through your phone number. Check your carrier's website to see if they support Wi-Fi calling on tablets.

What's the best app to use my tablet as a phone?

WhatsApp is the most popular choice because it works worldwide and lets you call and text anyone with the app installed. Skype is good if you want to call regular phone numbers. Google Meet is best if you want video calling. Choose based on who you need to reach—if most of your contacts use one app, start there.

Can I use my tablet as a phone while traveling internationally?

Yes, if you use Wi-Fi calling apps. WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Meet work anywhere you have Wi-Fi, so you can call and message internationally without paying roaming charges. If your tablet has a cellular plan, check with your carrier about international roaming costs before traveling, as they can be expensive.