Can A Tablet Be Used As A Phone? Easy Solutions You Need
Tablets are versatile devices that can be used for various purposes, such as browsing the web, watching videos, playing games, reading books, and more. But can a tablet be used as a phone? The answer is yes, depending on the type of tablet and the method of communication. In this article, we will explore how to use your tablet as a phone, what types of tablets can be used as phones, and the most popular phone calling apps.
Can A Tablet Be Used As A Phone? Easy Solutions
A tablet can be used as a phone in several ways, including voice calls, messaging, and even video calling. Here are some of the methods you can use to turn your tablet into a phone:
VoIP Apps
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the Internet. Many apps use VoIP to let you call other users for free or at low rates. Some of the most popular VoIP apps are Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.
You can download these apps from the app store of your tablet and sign up with your email or phone number. Then, you can use your tablet’s microphone and speaker or a headset to make and receive calls. You can also use these apps to send text messages, photos, videos, and other files.
Text Messaging
Text messaging is another way to communicate with your tablet. You can use the abovementioned apps to send and receive text messages online. You can also use other apps specializing in text messaging, such as Telegram, Signal, or WeChat.
These apps offer features like encryption, stickers, group chats, and more. You can also use Google Voice to get a free phone number that you can use to send and receive text messages on your tablet.
Video Calls
Video calls are a great way to see and hear your friends and family on your tablet. You can use the same VoIP apps mentioned above to make video calls over the Internet. You can also use other apps that are designed for video conferencing, such as Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
These apps allow you to join or host online meetings with multiple participants, share your screen, chat, and more. You can use your tablet’s front or rear camera and speaker or a headset to make and receive video calls.
Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. This can be useful if you have a poor cellular signal or want to save on your phone bill. Some tablets have Wi-Fi calling built-in, such as iPads or Samsung tablets.
You can enable this feature in the settings of your tablet and use your existing phone number to make and receive calls. You can also use third-party apps that offer Wi-Fi calling services, such as Google Voice or TextNow. These apps give you a free or low-cost phone number that you can use to make and receive calls on your tablet.
Voicemail
Voicemail is a service that allows you to record and listen to messages from callers when you are unavailable or busy. Some tablets have voicemail built-in, such as iPads or Samsung tablets. You can access your voicemail by tapping on the phone icon on your tablet and then tapping on the voicemail icon.
You can also use third-party apps that offer voicemail services, such as Google Voice or TextNow. These apps let you customize your voicemail greeting, transcribe your messages, forward them to your email, and more.
Number Porting
Number porting is a process that allows you to transfer your existing phone number from one service provider to another. This can be useful if you want to keep your phone number when you switch from a smartphone to a tablet or vice versa.
Some tablets support number porting, such as iPads or Samsung tablets. You can contact your current service provider and request a port-out PIN or code. Then, you can get your new service provider and provide them with your phone number and port-out PIN or code. They will then initiate the transfer process, which may take a few days.
Landline Phone
A landline phone is a traditional phone service that uses a physical wire or cable to connect your phone to a network. Some tablets can be used as landline phones by using an adapter or a docking station that connects your tablet to a landline jack.
This way, you can use your tablet’s microphone and speaker or a headset to make and receive landline calls. You can also use apps that control your landline phone from your tablet, such as Ooma Telo or Vonage Mobile.
Types of Tablets That Can Be Used As A Phone?
Three main types of tablets can be used as phones: iPads, Android tablets, and Windows tablets.
iPads
iPads are tablets made by Apple that run on the iOS operating system. iPads can be used as phones in several ways, such as:
- Using FaceTime to make voice or video calls to other Apple users for free over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Using iMessage to send text messages, photos, videos, and other files to other Apple users for free over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Using Wi-Fi calling to make and receive phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network.
- Using cellular data to make and receive phone calls using a SIM card or an eSIM card.
- Using third-party apps that use VoIP or Wi-Fi calling to make and receive phone calls to anyone.
Android Tablets
Android tablets are made by various manufacturers that run on the Android operating system. These Android tablets can be used as phones in several ways, such as:
- Using Google Duo to make voice or video calls to anyone for free over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Using Google Messages to send text messages, photos, videos, and other files to anyone for free over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Using Wi-Fi calling to make and receive phone calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network.
- Using cellular data to make and receive phone calls using a SIM card or an eSIM card.
- Using third-party apps that use VoIP or Wi-Fi calling to make and receive phone calls to anyone.
Windows Tablets
Windows tablets are made by various manufacturers operating on the Windows operating system. These tablets can be used as phones in several ways, such as:
- Using Skype to make voice or video calls to anyone for free or at low rates over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Use Microsoft Teams to make voice or video calls and chat with your colleagues or friends for free over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Using cellular data to make and receive phone calls using a SIM card or an eSIM card.
- Using third-party apps that use VoIP or Wi-Fi calling to make and receive phone calls to anyone.
What Are The Most Popular Calling Apps For Tablets?
There are many apps that you can use to make and receive phone calls on your tablet. Some of the most popular ones are:
Google Voice
Google Voice is a service that gives you a free phone number that you can use to make and receive phone calls on your tablet. You can also use Google Voice to send and receive texts, voicemails, and faxes. Choose your area code and customize your settings, such as call forwarding, blocking, screening, etc. You can use Google Voice on your tablet by downloading the Google Voice app from the app store of your tablet.
Skype
Skype is one of the most popular VoIP apps that lets you make voice or video calls to anyone for free or at low rates over the Internet. You can also use Skype to send and receive text messages, photos, videos, and other files. Create group calls with up to 50 people and share your screen with others. You can use Skype on your tablet by downloading the Skype app from the app store of your tablet.
Viber
Viber is another popular VoIP app that lets you make voice or video calls to other Viber users for free over the Internet. You can also use Viber to send and receive text messages, photos, videos, stickers, and other files. Create group chats with up to 250 people and join public conversations with celebrities, brands, and communities. You can also make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles using Viber Out. You can use Viber on your tablet by downloading the Viber app from the app store of your tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about using a tablet as a phone:
Conclusion
Using a tablet as a phone is possible and convenient in many situations. You can use different types of tablets and methods of communication to turn your tablet into a phone. You can also use various apps that offer free or low-cost calling services on your tablet. However, before you use your tablet as a phone, back up your data and check the compatibility and security of your device and apps. This article has helped you learn how to use a tablet as a phone and enjoy the benefits of this feature.