Samsung tablets can make calls and send texts, but only if your tablet has cellular service and you've set it up correctly
Not every Samsung tablet can make calls and send texts. Only models with cellular connectivity — sometimes called LTE, 5G, or Wi-Fi + Cellular models — have the hardware to do it. If your tablet connects only to Wi-Fi, it cannot make traditional phone calls or send SMS text messages, though you can use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger instead.
If you have a cellular tablet, the feature is usually turned on by default once your carrier activates your service. However, you may need to enable it manually, or it might be hidden in your settings. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using Samsung's default dialer or your carrier's app.
Key Takeaways
- Only Samsung tablets with cellular service (LTE or 5G models) can make calls and send SMS texts; Wi-Fi-only tablets cannot.
- Check your tablet's settings under Mobile Networks or Cellular to confirm calls and texts are enabled.
- You may need to turn on "Voice over LTE" or "VoLTE" in your settings if your carrier supports it.
- If your tablet has a SIM card slot but no active service plan, contact your carrier to set up cellular service before calls and texts will work.
- Some carriers require you to read their own calling app in addition to using the built-in dialer.
Check whether your tablet has cellular service
Open your tablet's Settings app. Scroll down and tap About tablet (or About device). Look for a line that says Model number. If the model number ends with "LTE", "5G", or "Cellular", your tablet can make calls and send texts. If it ends with "Wi-Fi" only, it cannot.
You can also check the physical tablet. Look along the edges for a small slot — this is the SIM card slot. If you see one, your tablet is a cellular model. If there's no slot, your tablet is Wi-Fi only and cannot make calls or send traditional SMS texts.
Enable calls and texts in your tablet's settings
Open Settings and tap Connections (or Network & internet on newer models). Look for Mobile networks or Cellular networks. Tap it.
Inside Mobile Networks, you should see a toggle or switch for Mobile data. Turn it on. This enables your tablet to use cellular service for data, calls, and texts. Below that, look for Voice over LTE or VoLTE. If your carrier supports it, turn this on as well — it improves call quality and allows calls over LTE networks.
Go back to the main Settings screen and tap Apps (or Applications). Find the Phone app or Dialer. Tap it, then tap Permissions. Make sure Phone is toggled on. This allows the dialer to access your tablet's calling hardware.
Confirm your SIM card is active and your carrier plan includes calls and texts
If you just inserted a SIM card into your tablet, it may take a few minutes to register with your carrier's network. Wait about five minutes, then check your Settings again. Go to Connections > Mobile networks and look at the top of the screen — you should see your carrier's name and signal bars.
If you see "No SIM" or "SIM not detected", the card may not be inserted correctly. Power off your tablet, remove the SIM card, and reinsert it firmly into the slot. Power the tablet back on and wait another few minutes.
Contact your carrier to confirm that your SIM card is activated and that your plan includes calling and texting. Some carriers sell tablet plans that include data only, without voice or SMS. You may need to upgrade your plan or add a voice and text option. Your carrier can tell you over the phone whether calls and texts are included in your current service.
Use the Phone app to make calls and send texts
Once your tablet's cellular service is active and enabled, open the Phone app (also called Dialer on some Samsung tablets). The icon usually looks like a phone handset. Tap the keypad icon at the bottom and enter a phone number, then tap the green call button to dial.
To send a text, open the Messages app (the icon usually looks like a speech bubble). Tap the pencil or "+" icon to start a new message, enter a phone number or contact name, type your message, and tap send.
If the Phone or Messages app is not on your home screen, swipe left to open your app drawer, search for "Phone" or "Messages", and tap it to open it.
Install your carrier's calling app if required
Some carriers, particularly for tablet plans, require you to read their own calling app in addition to using the built-in dialer. Check your carrier's website or call their customer service to ask whether you need a separate app. If they do require one, they will provide a link or direct you to the Google Play Store.
Open the Google Play Store app on your tablet, search for your carrier's name (for example, "Verizon", "AT&T", or "T-Mobile"), and look for their official calling or messaging app. Tap Install, then open the app and follow the setup steps. You may need to sign in with your carrier account or phone number.
Troubleshoot if calls or texts still don't work
If you've enabled all the settings above but calls and texts still don't work, restart your tablet. Hold the power button until the power menu appears, tap Restart, and wait for your tablet to turn back on. This often resolves temporary connection issues.
If calls work but texts don't, or vice versa, contact your carrier. They can check whether both services are active on your account. Sometimes a plan includes one but not the other, or the carrier may need to send a configuration update to your tablet.
If you see an error message like "Call failed" or "Message not sent", check that you have cellular signal (look for bars at the top of your screen) and that Mobile data is turned on in your settings. If signal is weak, move to a location closer to a window or outdoors, as buildings can block cellular signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make calls and send texts on Wi-Fi only?
No, traditional calls and SMS texts require cellular service. However, you can use Wi-Fi calling apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Google Meet to call and message over Wi-Fi if your contacts use the same app.
Do I need a separate phone number for my tablet?
Yes. Your tablet's cellular service uses its own phone number, separate from your phone. Your carrier assigns this number when you set up the SIM card. Some carriers allow you to link your tablet number to your phone account for billing purposes.
Why does my tablet show "SIM not detected" even though I inserted the card?
The SIM card may not be fully seated in the slot. Power off your tablet, remove the card, and reinsert it until you hear or feel a click. If the problem persists, the SIM card may be damaged or the slot may be faulty — contact your carrier or Samsung support.
Can I use my phone's number to make calls from my tablet?
Not with traditional calls and texts. Your tablet needs its own SIM card and phone number. Some carriers offer "number sharing" or "dual SIM" features that let you use your phone number on multiple devices, but this requires a special plan and setup through your carrier.
What if my carrier doesn't support calling on tablets?
Some carriers do not offer voice service on tablet plans. Contact your carrier to ask whether they support calls and texts on tablets. If they don't, you can still use Wi-Fi calling apps, or you can switch to a carrier that does support tablet calling.