Yes, you can use an Android tablet as a phone, and there are two reliable paths to get there. If you have a Wi-Fi-only tablet, you can install a free VoIP app like Google Voice or WhatsApp to make calls and send texts over the internet; if you have an LTE-enabled tablet with a SIM slot, you can activate cellular service and use the built-in dialer just like a smartphone. This guide covers both routes, including step-by-step setup for Samsung’s built-in calling feature, Google Voice, WhatsApp, other VoIP apps, and LTE SIM activation, so you can choose the method that fits your tablet and your needs.
Can you really use an Android tablet as a phone?
Yes, but the method depends on your tablet’s hardware. Most Android tablets fall into one of two categories: Wi-Fi-only models (which lack a SIM slot) and LTE-capable models (which have a SIM slot and can connect to cellular networks). For Wi-Fi-only tablets, you’ll rely on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps that route calls and texts over an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot. For LTE tablets, you can insert a physical SIM card and use the tablet’s native dialer and messaging apps, exactly like a phone. This guide will walk you through both paths, from checking your tablet’s capabilities to setting up the right apps and managing calls, texts, and data.
Use your Samsung Galaxy tablet with Call & text on other devices
Samsung Galaxy tablets have a free, built-in feature called “Call & text on other devices” that lets you make and receive calls and messages on your tablet using your Samsung phone’s number. This works over Wi-Fi, so you don’t need a SIM card in the tablet. To enable it, sign into the same Samsung account on both your phone and tablet. Then, on your tablet, go to Settings > Connected devices > Call & text on other devices, and toggle the switch to turn it on. You’ll see a list of your other Galaxy devices, make sure your phone is listed and connected. Once enabled, you can use the tablet’s Phone and Messages apps to call and text using your phone’s number. This feature is ideal if you already own a Samsung phone and want seamless integration without extra apps.
Set up Google Voice for a free US phone number
Google Voice gives you a free US phone number that works on any Android tablet, including the Pixel Tablet, over Wi-Fi or mobile data. To get started, install the Google Voice app from the Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Voice number yet, tap “Get a Voice number” and follow the prompts to choose your area code and number. Google will ask you to verify an existing phone number (it can be your mobile or landline) to complete setup. Once your number is active, the app syncs your calls, texts, and voicemail across all devices where you’re signed in. You can make calls by opening the app, tapping the dial pad, and entering a number, or by selecting a contact. Texting works similarly: go to the “Messages” tab, start a new conversation, and type your message. Voicemail is automatically transcribed and appears in the app’s “Voicemail” tab. If you ever need to check which number is assigned to your tablet, you can find tablet phone number in the app’s settings. Google Voice is perfect for Wi-Fi-only tablets because it requires no cellular plan, just an internet connection.
Link WhatsApp to your tablet
WhatsApp is another excellent option for turning your Android tablet into a phone, and it works on both Wi-Fi-only and LTE tablets. To use WhatsApp on your tablet, you have two choices: link it to your existing phone number or register a new account with a different number. A QR code will appear on the tablet screen. On your phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Linked devices > Link a device, and scan the QR code. Your chats and contacts will sync to the tablet, and you can make calls and send messages from the tablet’s WhatsApp app. Keep in mind that your primary phone must stay connected to the internet for the linked tablet to work. WhatsApp uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) for calls and texts, so you won’t need a traditional phone plan.
Other VoIP apps that turn your tablet into a phone
Beyond Google Voice and WhatsApp, several other VoIP apps can make your Android tablet act like a phone. Skype lets you make voice and video calls to other Skype users for free, and to landlines or mobiles with a paid subscription. Google Meet is great for video calls, and you can use it with your Google account for free. Zoom supports one-on-one and group video calls, and it’s widely used for business meetings. Facebook Messenger offers free voice and video calls between Messenger users, and it also supports SMS on some devices. Telegram provides encrypted voice calls and messaging, and it works across all your devices with the same phone number. Signal is another privacy-focused option that supports voice and video calls. All of these apps are available on the Google Play Store, and they all require an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular data. To use any of them, simply download the app, create an account or sign in, and grant the necessary permissions (microphone, camera, contacts). You can then make calls by tapping a contact or dialing a number within the app. These apps are especially useful if you want to avoid carrier fees and use your tablet as a communication hub over any internet connection.
Make cellular calls with an LTE tablet and SIM card
If your Android tablet has a SIM card slot and supports LTE or VoLTE (Voice over LTE), you can make traditional cellular calls directly from the tablet’s dialer. First, check your tablet for a SIM slot, it’s usually on the side or top edge, and you may need a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to open the tray. If you’re unsure whether your tablet supports LTE, look up the model online or check the manufacturer’s specs; for example, some Lenovo tablets with LTE or VoLTE support can make calls with a SIM card. Insert a compatible SIM card from your carrier (if your tablet is unlocked, you can use any carrier; if it’s locked, you’ll need that carrier’s SIM). Power on the tablet and go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network to confirm the SIM is recognized. Then, contact your carrier to activate cellular service on the tablet’s SIM, they may require the SIM card number (ICCID) and your account details. Once activated, open the tablet’s built-in Phone app (often called “Phone” or “Dialer”) and make a test call. You’ll also be able to send SMS using the default Messages app. This method gives you a true phone experience with your tablet’s native apps, but it requires a cellular data plan that includes voice calling.
Send text messages from your tablet
Sending text messages from your Android tablet is straightforward, and the method depends on how you’ve set up your calling service. If you’re using Google Voice, open the app and go to the “Messages” tab, then tap the compose icon (usually a pencil or plus sign). Enter the recipient’s number or select a contact, type your message, and hit send. If you’re using a VoIP app like WhatsApp, Skype, or Telegram, navigate to the app’s chat section, start a new conversation, and type your message, these apps send over the internet, not through SMS, but they still reach your contacts’ apps. For an LTE tablet with a SIM card, open the default Messages app (often called “Messages” or “Samsung Messages” on Galaxy devices). Tap the compose icon, enter the phone number, type your message, and send. On Samsung tablets linked to a Galaxy phone via “Call & text on other devices,” you can also use the Samsung Messages app on the tablet to send texts using your phone’s number. Remember that SMS via a cellular SIM requires an active voice or messaging plan, while VoIP apps only need an internet connection. If you’re using a Wi-Fi-only tablet, Google Voice or WhatsApp are your best bets for texting without a SIM.
Manage contacts, call history, and mobile data
Once your tablet is set up as a phone, you’ll want to manage your contacts and call history efficiently. Most calling apps, including Google Voice and the default dialer, automatically sync contacts from your Google account. To add or edit contacts, open the Contacts app (or the app within your calling app), tap the plus icon to create a new contact, and enter their name, phone number, and other details. You can also import contacts from your SIM card or a stored file. Call history is usually accessible from the calling app’s “Recents” or “Call history” tab, you’ll see incoming, outgoing, and missed calls with timestamps and durations. Some apps let you filter by call type or clear your history entirely. For mobile data, if you’re using an LTE tablet, go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network and toggle “Mobile data” to enable it. You can set data limits by going to Settings > Network & internet > Data usage, where you can set a warning or hard limit, and restrict background data for specific apps to save bandwidth. If you want to share your tablet’s cellular connection with other devices, enable the Mobile hotspot or Tethering option in the same settings menu. This turns your tablet into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing other devices to connect to the internet through your tablet’s data plan. Managing these settings ensures you stay connected without exceeding your data limits.
Important note: While using your tablet as a phone is convenient, it’s not a full replacement for a traditional phone in all situations. Always check with your carrier and keep a separate phone available for emergencies. For more help, see our guides on porting your existing number, finding your tablet’s phone number, and improving Wi-Fi call quality.
Related guides:
- How To Make A Phone Call From My Tablet
- How To Get A Phone Number On A Tablet
