Most tablets don't come with phone numbers, but you have three real ways to add calling and texting
A tablet by itself cannot make calls or send text messages because it has no phone number assigned to it. However, you can add calling and texting in three ways: through a cellular plan (which assigns an actual phone number), through Wi-Fi calling apps (which use internet instead of a phone network), or through a dual SIM adapter if your tablet supports it. Which route makes sense depends on whether you want a real phone number that works everywhere, or just calling when you have internet.
Key Takeaways
- A cellular plan from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile adds a real phone number to your tablet and works on their network even without Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Google Voice, or Skype let you call and text over internet but require Wi-Fi or mobile data to work.
- Google Voice gives you a free phone number that forwards to other devices, but calls and texts only work when you have internet access.
- Cellular tablets cost more upfront and have a monthly bill, but a real phone number works anywhere your carrier has coverage.
- If your tablet already has Wi-Fi, a calling app is the cheapest way to start; if you need reliability everywhere, a cellular plan is the better choice.
Adding a cellular plan to your tablet
If you want a real phone number that works like a phone, you need to buy a tablet with cellular capability and sign up for a plan with a carrier. Most major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others—offer tablet plans that include a phone number, data, and sometimes talk and text minutes. When you set up the plan, the carrier assigns a phone number to your tablet's SIM card, and that number works on their network.
Cellular tablets cost more than Wi-Fi-only models. A basic iPad with cellular, for example, costs $150 to $200 more than the same model without it. Monthly plans typically run $10 to $30 depending on the carrier and how much data you need. Some carriers offer shared plans where you add your tablet to an existing phone plan for a smaller monthly fee—often $10 to $15—rather than a separate line.
The advantage is that your tablet works anywhere the carrier has coverage, even in areas with no Wi-Fi. The disadvantage is the ongoing cost and the fact that you are tied to one carrier unless you switch plans. If you already have a phone with the same carrier, adding a tablet line is usually simpler than setting up a new account.
Using Google Voice for a free phone number
Google Voice is a free service that gives you a phone number you can use to call and text from your tablet. You sign up at voice.google.com, choose a number from available options in your area, and then use the Google Voice app to make calls and send texts. The number is yours to keep as long as you use it at least once every six months.
Google Voice works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so you need internet to use it. Calls and texts are free within the United States, and international calls cost money (rates vary by country). The main limitation is that the number only works when you have internet—if your Wi-Fi drops and you have no data plan, you cannot make calls.
Google Voice is useful if you want a phone number for occasional use, do not want to pay a monthly bill, or want a number that forwards to multiple devices. Many people use it as a secondary number for online signups or to keep their real phone number private. If you need calling to work reliably everywhere, a cellular plan is more dependable.
Calling and texting apps that work over Wi-Fi
Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and Facebook Messenger let you call and text from your tablet without a phone number or carrier plan. Most are free to read. WhatsApp and Telegram use your existing phone number (you verify it during setup), while Skype and Messenger create accounts tied to your email instead.
These apps work over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so they are useful if you have internet but no cellular plan. The catch is that they only work when you have a connection—if you are offline, you cannot send messages or make calls. Also, the person you are calling must have the same app installed; you cannot call a regular phone number unless you pay for credits (Skype charges for calls to real phone numbers).
Calling apps are the cheapest option if you already have Wi-Fi at home or work. They are also good for international calling, since most offer free calls to other users anywhere in the world. If you need to reach people who do not use the same app, or if you need calling to work without internet, they are less practical.
Comparing the three routes
| Route | Phone Number | Works Without Wi-Fi | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular plan | Real phone number assigned by carrier | Yes, on carrier network | $10–$30 per month plus tablet cost | Reliable calling everywhere; primary device |
| Google Voice | Free phone number from Google | No, needs internet | Free | Secondary number; occasional use; forwarding to other devices |
| Calling apps (WhatsApp, Skype, etc.) | No real phone number; uses app account | No, needs internet | Free (or paid credits for some features) | Cheap calling over Wi-Fi; reaching app users worldwide |
What to check before you choose
Before you decide, know whether your tablet already has cellular capability. Most Wi-Fi-only tablets cannot add a phone number without an external device. Check your tablet's specifications or settings: go to Settings, then About, and look for "Cellular" or "LTE" or "5G" in the model name or specs. If it says "Wi-Fi only," you cannot add a carrier plan without buying a new tablet.
If you have a Wi-Fi-only tablet, Google Voice or a calling app is your only option. If your tablet has cellular capability but you have not activated a plan yet, contact your carrier to add a line. Some carriers let you set up online; others require a visit to a store or a phone call.
Also consider how often you need calling to work. If you are mostly at home or in places with Wi-Fi, a free app or Google Voice is enough. If you travel, work outdoors, or need to make calls in areas without Wi-Fi, a cellular plan is worth the monthly cost because it works everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone's phone number on my tablet?
Not directly. Your phone number is tied to your phone's SIM card. However, you can forward calls and texts from your phone to Google Voice, or use apps like WhatsApp or Skype on both devices so people can reach you through the app. Some carriers offer "number sharing" or "family plans" that let you add a tablet as a secondary device on your account, but it gets its own phone number.
Do I need a data plan to use Google Voice?
Yes. Google Voice works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so you need at least one of those. If your tablet has Wi-Fi only and no cellular plan, you can use Google Voice at home or anywhere with Wi-Fi. If you want to use it on the go, you need a cellular data plan or a mobile hotspot from your phone.
What happens if I switch carriers?
If you have a cellular plan, switching carriers means canceling your old plan and signing up for a new one with a different carrier. Your old phone number may not transfer to the new carrier, depending on their policies. Google Voice and calling apps are not tied to any carrier, so you can keep using them if you switch.
Can I text from my tablet if I only have Wi-Fi?
Yes, but only through apps or Google Voice. Regular SMS text messages (the kind you send from a phone number) require a cellular connection. If you use WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, or another app, you can text over Wi-Fi. Google Voice also lets you text over Wi-Fi, though the number only works when you have internet.
Is it cheaper to add a tablet to my phone plan or get a separate plan?
Adding a tablet to an existing plan is almost always cheaper. Most carriers charge $10 to $20 per month to add a tablet line to a family or shared plan, versus $20 to $30 for a standalone tablet plan. Ask your carrier about their tablet add-on rates before you sign up for a new account.