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Calls and texts: how to share your cell plan with an iPad

If you have multiple Apple devices, you can extend their capabilities to enable phone calls and SMS messages on the lot without shelling out for a new cell contract.

Of course, iPads and Mac computers can’t make or receive calls or texts by themselves, but there’s an easy workaround to enable these functions if you have an iPhone. You’ll just need to link your devices together.

First, ensure you’re logged into the same iCloud account on both devices. Tap on your name at the top of the Settings app to check the Apple ID you’re currently using.

How to enable calls on your iPad

On your iPhone, open Settings and tap Phone > Calls on Other Devices. Turn the toggle on and then choose from the list which of your other Apple devices you’d like to allow calls on.

Your chosen devices can now make and receive calls, so long as they’re on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.

How to enable texts on your iPad

On your iPhone, open Settings and tap Messages > Text Message Forwarding. You should see a list of your other Apple devices – simply toggle your iPad on from this list. Bear in mind this option is specifically to enable SMS text messages.

Remember…

Even without linking your devices, iPads and Macs can still send and receive iMessages and FaceTime calls. That’s because these are free Apple-run services which operate via the internet and don’t require a cell plan.

There you have it – multiple ways to communicate via a whole range of Apple devices!