Make Phone Calls on an iPad with the Phone App

Introduction

Did you know your iPad can make and receive phone calls? This was introduced with iPadOS 26. With a few simple settings, your iPad can work seamlessly with your iPhone to handle calls, manage favorites, and even use advanced features like Live Voicemail. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the Phone app on your iPad to stay connected without needing to reach for your iPhone every time it rings.

Interface

The Phone app interface on the iPad is familiar and easy to navigate. You’ll find tabs for Favorites, Recents, Contacts, Keypad, and Voicemail. These sections mirror what you’d see on an iPhone, making it simple to find recent calls, search contacts, or manage voicemail messages.

Each tab is designed to give you quick access to essential features — for instance, the Recents tab shows a list of incoming, outgoing, and missed calls, while the Favorites tab lets you connect instantly with the people you contact most often.

Add a Favorite

If you have certain contacts you call often, you can add them to your Favorites list for easy access. To do this, open the Phone app, go to the Favorites tab, and tap the plus icon. Then, choose a contact and select the specific number you want to add, such as their mobile or home phone. Once added, that contact will appear at the top of your Phone app for one-tap calling.

Manage Recents

The Recents tab keeps track of all your incoming and outgoing calls. You can quickly see who you’ve spoken with and when. Tapping the “i” icon next to a recent call displays additional options — such as sending a message, starting a FaceTime call, or adding the number to your contacts.

Callback Options and Reminders

From a recent call, you can easily call back a missed number or set a reminder to return the call later. Tap the contact or phone number in Recents, and you’ll find options like “Call Back” or “Remind Me.” The reminder feature integrates with the Reminders app, making it easy to stay on top of calls you intend to return.

Contact Details and Name Sharing

Tapping on a contact reveals detailed information — including all available numbers, email addresses, and more. You can also enable Name and Photo Sharing, allowing others to see your customized contact photo and name when you call them. This adds a personal touch to every call and makes your contact info easier for others to recognize.

Edit Favorites and Filter Recents

You can rearrange or remove entries in your Favorites list anytime by tapping Edit. Likewise, in the Recents tab, you can swipe left to delete individual call records or filter your call history to show All Calls or just Missed Calls — helpful if you need to catch up on the calls you’ve missed.

Number Pad and Search

The Keypad tab lets you dial any number directly. You can also use the search bar at the top of the screen to find contacts quickly. Whether you’re calling a saved contact or typing in a new number, everything is designed for quick, efficient use.

Phone App Settings

Within Settings > FaceTime, you can manage your calling preferences. From here, you can enable Wi-Fi calling, link your iPhone to make and receive calls on your iPad, and customize how calls appear. You’ll also find options for features like Hold Assist Detection and Live Voicemail, both of which make calling more convenient.

Record Phone Calls and Hold Assist Detection

While Apple doesn’t natively allow call recording, some regions or apps may support it depending on local laws. The new Hold Assist Detection feature is particularly useful — it listens for when a hold ends and notifies you when the person returns to the call, saving you from endless hold music.

Live Voicemail

One of the standout features is Live Voicemail. When someone leaves a voicemail, you can watch their message appear as real-time text on the screen. This allows you to decide whether to answer immediately or let them finish leaving a message. It’s like visual voicemail but live, making it easier to screen calls without missing important messages.

Wrap Up

The iPad’s ability to handle phone calls makes it much more than just a tablet. Whether you’re managing contacts, reviewing recent calls, setting reminders, or using Live Voicemail, the Phone app brings convenience and flexibility to your communication. Once set up, you’ll find it’s one of the most practical ways to stay connected while working or relaxing on your iPad.