Most tablets cannot make calls or send texts without extra steps, but many can do both if you add the right service or app
A tablet is not a phone by default. It has no phone number, no cellular connection, and no built-in calling app. But whether you can turn it into one depends on what tablet you own and what you are willing to add. Some tablets have a cellular radio inside and can connect to a carrier's network the same way a phone does. Others have only Wi-Fi and need an internet-based calling app instead. The cheapest route is usually a calling app over Wi-Fi; the most reliable is a cellular plan on a tablet that supports it.
Key Takeaways
- Wi-Fi calling apps like Google Voice, WhatsApp, or Skype let any tablet make calls and send texts over internet, but both people need the app or a compatible service.
- Cellular tablets with a SIM card slot can connect to a carrier and work almost exactly like a phone, but you pay a monthly data or voice plan.
- Your tablet's model number determines whether it has a cellular radio; check the product specs or Settings to find out.
- Calling over Wi-Fi works anywhere you have internet but may have worse call quality than a cellular network, and emergency calls may not work.
- Some carriers let you add a tablet to an existing phone plan as a secondary line for a small monthly fee.
Wi-Fi calling apps: the cheapest way to make calls from any tablet
If your tablet has Wi-Fi, you can use it to call and text through an app. Google Voice is the most common choice in the United States. You sign up for a free Google Voice number, read the app on your tablet, and anyone can call that number. You can also call out to real phone numbers from the app. Calls and texts are free within the United States; international calls cost money. The catch is that the person on the other end sees your Google Voice number, not your tablet's name, and they can call you back on that number from any phone.
WhatsApp and Telegram work differently. Both are messaging apps first, and both let you make calls over Wi-Fi. But the person you are calling must also have the app installed. If you want to call someone who does not use WhatsApp, it will not work. These apps are free and have no ads, and calls between app users are unlimited.
Skype lets you call real phone numbers from your tablet, but you pay per minute or buy a monthly plan. It works over Wi-Fi or cellular data. The upside is that the person you call does not need Skype; the downside is the cost and the fact that call quality can be spotty on weak Wi-Fi.
All Wi-Fi calling apps have one serious limit: emergency calls (911 in the United States) usually do not work through them. If you need to call 911, use a real phone or a cellular tablet with a carrier plan.
Cellular tablets: how to add a phone number and carrier service
Some tablets have a SIM card slot and a cellular radio built in. These are called Wi-Fi + Cellular models, and they can connect to a carrier's network just like a phone. You insert a SIM card from your carrier, set up a plan, and the tablet gets a phone number. You can then make calls, send texts, and use data on that tablet as if it were a phone.
To learn about your tablet has cellular capability, check the product name or specs. An iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular model has it; an iPad Air Wi-Fi only model does not. Samsung Galaxy Tab S models come in both versions too. If you are not sure, go to Settings, look for "Mobile Network" or "Cellular", and if that menu exists, your tablet has the hardware.
Once you confirm your tablet has a SIM slot, you can buy a plan from any major carrier: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a smaller carrier like Mint Mobile or Visible. Plans for tablets are usually cheaper than phone plans because they are data-only or voice-light. Some carriers let you add a tablet to your existing phone plan as a secondary line for $10 to $20 per month. Others require a separate plan. Call your carrier to ask what options they offer for your tablet model.
Cellular tablets work reliably for calls and texts because they use the same network infrastructure as phones. Emergency calls work. The downside is the monthly cost and the fact that you are carrying two devices if you also have a phone.
How to check if your tablet has a cellular radio
The easiest way is to look at the box or product name. If it says "Wi-Fi + Cellular" or "LTE" or "5G", it has the hardware. If it says "Wi-Fi only", it does not.
If you already own the tablet and do not have the box, open Settings. On an iPad, go to Settings > General > About and look for "Cellular" or "IMEI". On an Android tablet, go to Settings > About Tablet and look for "Mobile Network" or "IMEI". If you see those terms, the tablet has a cellular radio. If the menu does not exist or says "Not available", it is Wi-Fi only.
You can also look for a physical SIM card slot on the edge of the tablet. It is a small rectangular slot, usually near the power button or volume buttons. If you see it, the tablet can use cellular service.
Comparing Wi-Fi calling apps to cellular plans
| Method | Cost | Call Quality | Emergency Calls | Works Anywhere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice or WhatsApp | Free (or pay-per-minute for Skype) | Depends on Wi-Fi strength | Usually no | Only where Wi-Fi is available |
| Cellular plan on tablet | $10–$50 per month | Reliable, same as phone | Yes | Anywhere the carrier has coverage |
| Adding tablet to phone plan | $10–$20 per month | Reliable, same as phone | Yes | Anywhere the carrier has coverage |
Why call quality matters when using Wi-Fi
When you call over Wi-Fi through an app, the call travels through the internet instead of a carrier's network. This means call quality depends entirely on your Wi-Fi speed and stability. A strong, fast Wi-Fi connection produces clear calls. A weak or congested connection produces choppy, delayed, or dropped calls.
Cellular networks are designed specifically for voice calls and have priority systems to keep calls clear even when the network is busy. Wi-Fi is designed for data and does not have those protections. If someone is streaming video on your Wi-Fi while you are on a call, your call will suffer.
This is why Wi-Fi calling apps work well at home or in an office with good Wi-Fi, but can be unreliable in a coffee shop, airport, or anywhere the Wi-Fi is shared with many other users.
Using a tablet as a phone for work or business
If you need a tablet to work as a phone for business, a cellular plan is usually the better choice. It gives you a dedicated phone number, reliable call quality, and emergency calling. You can also use your tablet for email, documents, and video calls at the same time.
Some businesses set up a tablet with a Google Voice number or a Skype account for customer service or support lines. This works if the calls are light and Wi-Fi is reliable, but it is not ideal for high-volume calling or situations where call quality is critical.
If you are considering a tablet as a replacement for a phone, remember that tablets are larger and heavier. Most people find them awkward to hold to their ear. A cellular tablet works as a phone, but it is not as convenient as an actual phone for calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet to call 911?
Not reliably through a Wi-Fi calling app. Emergency calls usually do not work through Google Voice, WhatsApp, or Skype. If your tablet has a cellular plan with a carrier, you can call 911 just like on a phone. If you need emergency help and only have a Wi-Fi tablet, use a real phone or ask someone nearby to call for you.
Do I need a separate phone plan for a cellular tablet?
Not always. Many carriers let you add a cellular tablet to your existing phone plan as a secondary line for $10 to $20 per month. Others require a separate plan. Contact your carrier to ask what they offer for your tablet model. Some carriers have tablet-only plans that are cheaper than phone plans because they include less voice time.
Can I text from a Wi-Fi tablet without an app?
Not to regular phone numbers. You can text through Google Voice, WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging apps, but the person you text must have the same app or service. If you want to text a regular phone number, you need either a cellular plan on the tablet or an app like Google Voice that converts texts to the carrier network.
What happens if I move my tablet's SIM card to another device?
The SIM card carries your phone number and carrier service. If you move it to another device, that device becomes active on your plan and the tablet stops working. Your carrier may charge a fee to move the SIM or set up it in a new device. Contact your carrier before moving a SIM card to avoid unexpected charges.
Is a tablet cheaper to use as a phone than a real phone?
Not usually. A cellular tablet plan costs about the same as a phone plan with the same carrier. A Wi-Fi calling app is free or very cheap, but it only works where Wi-Fi is available and does not support emergency calls. If you already own a tablet and want occasional calling, a Wi-Fi app is the cheapest option. If you need reliable calling everywhere, a cellular plan costs the same whether it is on a phone or a tablet.