Yes, you can use a tablet as a phone with the right setup

A tablet can make calls and send text messages, but it requires either a cellular connection or an internet connection paired with a calling service. Most tablets sold today are Wi-Fi only, meaning they cannot make calls on their own—you need to add either a cellular plan, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service, or a calling app that works over Wi-Fi. The method you choose depends on whether you want a dedicated phone number, how often you plan to use it, and whether you already have internet at home or on the go.

The main difference between using a tablet as a phone and using an actual phone is that tablets are larger, heavier, and less convenient to carry in a pocket. However, if you already own a tablet and want to avoid buying a separate device, or if you need a backup phone, converting your tablet into a calling device is straightforward and costs far less than a new phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Wi-Fi-only tablets need either a cellular plan, a VoIP service, or a calling app to make calls and send texts.
  • Cellular tablets with a SIM card slot can use a phone plan just like a smartphone, though carriers may charge extra for tablet lines.
  • Apps like Google Voice, Skype, and WhatsApp let you call and text over Wi-Fi without a phone number or cellular plan.
  • Tablet calling works best for home or office use; carrying a tablet as your only phone is impractical for most people.
  • Some services let you link your tablet to an existing phone number, so calls and texts sync across both devices.

Using a cellular plan on a tablet with a SIM card slot

If your tablet has a SIM card slot, you can add a cellular plan through a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or a prepaid provider. The tablet will then work like a phone on that carrier's network. You contact the carrier, choose a plan, and they set up the SIM card in your tablet. Some carriers offer tablet-specific plans that cost less than phone plans because they assume lighter usage.

The downside is that most carriers charge a monthly fee for a tablet line in addition to any phone plan you already have. If you only want to use the tablet occasionally for calls, this monthly cost may not be worth it. Check with your carrier about their tablet plan pricing and whether they offer month-to-month options instead of annual contracts.

Setting up a VoIP service for calling and texting

VoIP services like Google Voice, Skype, and Vonage let you make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi or mobile data without a cellular plan. These services assign you a phone number (or let you keep an existing one), and anyone can call or text that number just as they would a regular phone. You install the service's app on your tablet, and calls and texts arrive through the app.

Google Voice is free and works on both Android and iPad tablets. You get a free phone number, can make calls to the United States and Canada at no charge, and receive unlimited texts. Skype charges per minute for calls to regular phone numbers but offers free calls between Skype users. Vonage and other paid VoIP services typically cost $10 to $30 per month and offer more features like call forwarding and voicemail transcription.

The main limitation of VoIP is that it depends on a stable internet connection. If your Wi-Fi drops or your mobile data is slow, calls may cut out or sound poor. VoIP also does not work during power outages unless you have a backup power source for your router and tablet.

Using calling apps that don't require a phone number

Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and Viber let you call and text other users of the same app over Wi-Fi or mobile data. These apps do not give you a traditional phone number; instead, they use your email address or phone number to identify you, and only other people with the app can reach you through it. They are free to read and use, though some offer paid features.

This approach works well if most of the people you contact also use the same app. However, it does not work for calling people who do not have the app installed, and it does not give you a phone number that you can share with strangers or businesses. Many people use these apps as a supplement to a regular phone rather than a replacement.

Linking your tablet to an existing phone number

If you already have a smartphone with a phone plan, you can set up your tablet to receive calls and texts on the same phone number. On iPad, this feature is called Continuity and works if your iPad and iPhone are signed into the same Apple ID and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On Android, Google Voice can forward calls and texts to multiple devices, including tablets, so you see them on both your phone and tablet at the same time.

This setup is useful if you want to use your tablet at home or in the office and still receive calls and texts meant for your phone number. The calls and texts appear on both devices, so you can answer from whichever one is closest. You do not need a separate plan or phone number for the tablet.

What you need before you start

Before setting up your tablet to make calls, check whether it has Wi-Fi, cellular, or both. Look in your tablet's settings under "About" or "Device Information" to see the model number and connection options. If it is Wi-Fi only, you will need either a VoIP service, a calling app, or a home Wi-Fi network to make calls. If it has cellular, check whether it has an active SIM card or an eSIM (an electronic SIM that does not require a physical card).

You will also need a stable internet connection. For VoIP and calling apps, Wi-Fi or mobile data works, but Wi-Fi is more reliable for call quality. If you plan to use your tablet as a phone away from home, make sure you have a mobile data plan or access to public Wi-Fi networks.

Common issues and how to fix them

Calls drop or sound choppy: This usually means your internet connection is weak. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to mobile data if available. If you are using a VoIP service, check the app's settings to see whether it is set to prefer Wi-Fi or mobile data.

People cannot reach you: If you are using a calling app without a phone number, make sure the other person has the app installed and has your contact information saved correctly. If you are using VoIP, check that the service is running in the background and that notifications are turned on in your tablet's settings.

Calls are not ringing through: Check whether Do Not Disturb mode is on. Go to your tablet's settings and turn off Do Not Disturb, or set it to allow calls from your contacts. Also check that the calling app or service has permission to access your microphone and speaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tablet as a phone without Wi-Fi or cellular?

No. Tablets need either Wi-Fi, mobile data, or a cellular connection to make calls or send texts. Without one of these, your tablet cannot reach the internet or a phone network. If you want to use a tablet away from home, you need either a cellular plan or a mobile data plan.

Will my tablet phone number work with banks and two-factor authentication?

It depends on the service. Some banks and websites accept calls and texts to VoIP numbers, while others do not. Before you switch to a VoIP number, contact your bank and any services that send you security codes to confirm they accept that number. Many services still require a traditional phone number for security purposes.

Is it cheaper to use a tablet as a phone than to buy a smartphone?

It can be, depending on your setup. If you already own a tablet and use a free VoIP service like Google Voice or a calling app, the cost is zero beyond your existing internet bill. However, if you need to buy a tablet and a cellular plan, it will likely cost more than a basic smartphone with a prepaid plan.

Can I make emergency 911 calls from a tablet?

It depends on your setup. Tablets with cellular plans can call 911 just like phones. Tablets using Wi-Fi and VoIP services can sometimes call 911, but the call may be routed to the wrong location or may not go through at all. If you rely on a tablet for emergency calls, confirm with your VoIP provider that 911 works in your area before you need it.

What is the difference between using a tablet and a phone for calls?

The main differences are size, portability, and battery life. Tablets are larger and heavier, so they are less convenient to carry in a pocket. Tablets also use more battery power for calls than phones do. However, tablets have larger screens, so video calls are easier to see, and typing messages is more comfortable on a tablet keyboard.