Yes, you can make calls on most tablets, but the method depends on your tablet type and what services you have
A tablet can make phone calls through several routes: a cellular connection built into the device, a Wi-Fi calling app, or a voice-over-internet service. Not all tablets have cellular capability, and not all carriers support calling on tablets the same way they support calling on phones. The simplest path is usually a Wi-Fi calling app like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Meet, which work on nearly any tablet with internet access. If your tablet has cellular service, you may be able to call directly through your carrier, though some carriers treat this differently than phone calls.
The choice between these methods depends on what you own and how often you call. If you already have a tablet and want to call occasionally, an app is the fastest solution. If you are buying a tablet specifically to make calls, a cellular model gives you more flexibility, but it costs more upfront and requires a monthly plan.
Key Takeaways
- Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Duo work on any tablet with internet and let you call anyone with the same app or a phone number.
- Tablets with cellular service (Wi-Fi + cellular models) can sometimes make calls through your carrier, but support varies by carrier and tablet model.
- Regular Wi-Fi-only tablets cannot make traditional phone calls without an app, but they can use any internet-based calling service.
- Call quality depends on your internet connection speed, not your tablet's power, so a weak Wi-Fi signal will cause dropped calls or poor audio.
- Some apps require the other person to have the same app installed; others let you call any phone number but may charge per minute.
Wi-Fi calling apps work on any tablet with internet
The easiest way to call from a tablet is through a free or low-cost app that uses your internet connection. WhatsApp, Google Duo (now part of Google Meet), Skype, and Facebook Messenger all let you make voice calls over Wi-Fi. These apps work on both Android and iPad tablets, and you do not need cellular service. The person you call must have the same app installed, or you must call their phone number through the app (which may cost money depending on the service).
WhatsApp and Google Duo are the most widely used. WhatsApp calls are free to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world if you both have internet. Google Duo (now integrated into Google Meet) is free for calls to other Google accounts and can call regular phone numbers for free in many countries, though this varies by location. Skype charges per minute if you call a regular phone number, but calls between Skype users are free. All of these apps work on Wi-Fi alone, so you do not need a cellular plan.
Tablets with cellular service can sometimes make traditional calls
Some tablets come in a Wi-Fi + cellular version that includes a SIM card slot and can connect to a carrier's network. These tablets can theoretically make phone calls the way a phone does, but carrier support is inconsistent. Apple's iPad with cellular can make calls through FaceTime Audio and iMessage on Wi-Fi, and some carriers allow voice calls over cellular on iPads, though this is less common than on iPhones. Android tablets with cellular vary widely — some carriers support calls, others do not.
Before buying a cellular tablet expecting to make regular phone calls, contact your carrier and ask directly whether they support voice calls on that specific tablet model. Many carriers prioritize data over voice on tablets, and some do not route voice calls to tablets at all. If you want the option to make traditional calls, a cellular tablet is less reliable than a Wi-Fi calling app. Cellular tablets also cost $100 to $200 more than Wi-Fi-only models and require a monthly data plan.
Call quality depends on your internet connection, not your tablet
Whether you use an app or a cellular connection, call quality comes down to your internet speed and signal strength. A tablet with a fast processor and lots of memory will not improve a call if your Wi-Fi is weak or your cellular signal is poor. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or switch to a less crowded network. If you are on cellular, move to an area with stronger signal.
Most calling apps need at least 1 to 2 megabits per second of upload and read speed for clear audio. Video calls need more — usually 2.5 to 4 megabits per second. If your internet is slower than that, you will hear dropped words, delays, or the call may drop entirely. Test your connection speed using a free tool like Speedtest before blaming the tablet or the app.
Some apps charge for calls to phone numbers
Calling another person who has the same app installed is usually free. Calling a regular phone number from an app often costs money. Skype charges per minute to call phone numbers, and rates vary by country. Google Duo offers free calls to phone numbers in many countries but not all. WhatsApp does not offer calling to phone numbers at all — you can only call other WhatsApp users.
Before relying on an app for regular calls to phone numbers, check the app's pricing page or make a test call to see what it costs. Some apps offer a small monthly or yearly subscription that includes a certain number of minutes to phone numbers, which may be cheaper than paying per call if you call frequently.
Tablets without cellular service need Wi-Fi to call
A standard Wi-Fi-only tablet cannot make phone calls without an internet connection and an app. This is the most common type of tablet. If you want to make calls on a Wi-Fi-only tablet, read a calling app, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the app to call. You cannot use the tablet's phone number (if it has one) to make calls without cellular service.
The advantage of a Wi-Fi-only tablet is that it is usually cheaper than a cellular model and you do not pay for a separate cellular plan. The trade-off is that you can only call when you are near Wi-Fi. If you need to make calls away from home or the office, a cellular tablet or a smartphone is more practical. Most people who own Wi-Fi-only tablets use them for calling only when they are at home or at a location with reliable Wi-Fi.
iPad and Android tablets handle calls differently
iPads can make calls through FaceTime Audio (to other Apple devices) and iMessage (to other iPhones and iPads) over Wi-Fi, and some cellular iPads can make voice calls through the carrier. Android tablets do not have a built-in calling feature like FaceTime — you must use a third-party app like WhatsApp, Google Duo, or Skype. This means Android tablet users have more flexibility to choose which app to use, but they also have to install an app first.
If you own an iPhone and an iPad, FaceTime Audio is the simplest way to call from your iPad because it uses your Apple ID and does not require a separate app or account. If you own an Android tablet, you have more options but must choose and install an app yourself. Neither platform has a native phone-calling feature built in the way a smartphone does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone number on a tablet to make calls?
Only if the tablet has cellular service and your carrier supports voice calls on tablets. Most carriers do not. If your tablet is Wi-Fi only, you cannot use a phone number — you must use an app and call through that app's account or the other person's account in the same app.
Do I need to pay extra to call from a tablet?
Not if you use a Wi-Fi calling app and call other users of the same app. Calling phone numbers through an app usually costs money — check the app's pricing page first. If your tablet has cellular service, calling through your carrier may use your regular phone plan minutes, or it may not be supported at all.
What if the person I want to call does not have the app?
Some apps like Skype and Google Duo let you call regular phone numbers, though this usually costs money. WhatsApp does not support calling phone numbers — both people must have WhatsApp. Choose an app based on who you need to call most often.
Can I make calls on a tablet without Wi-Fi?
Only if the tablet has cellular service. A Wi-Fi-only tablet cannot make calls without an internet connection. If you have a cellular tablet, you can make calls over the cellular network, but carrier support varies.
Why does my call keep dropping on my tablet?
The most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi or cellular signal. Move closer to your router or to an area with stronger cellular coverage. If the signal is strong, your internet speed may be too slow — run a speed test to check. If other people on the same network are using a lot of bandwidth, the call quality will suffer.