Unlock Tablet Communication: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Calls
While tablets are primarily known for their media consumption, productivity, and portability, many users are unaware of their potential for making phone calls. Although not all tablets come with native cellular calling capabilities, several methods allow you to make voice and video calls using your tablet. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to use your tablet for communication, providing detailed steps and instructions for each method.
## Understanding Tablet Calling Capabilities
Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand the different types of tablets and their calling capabilities:
* **Cellular Tablets:** These tablets have a SIM card slot and can connect to cellular networks (3G, 4G, or 5G) just like a smartphone. They typically support making and receiving regular phone calls using the tablet’s built-in dialer app, if provided by the manufacturer. You’ll need a data plan with voice calling capabilities from your mobile carrier.
* **Wi-Fi-Only Tablets:** These tablets can only connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. They don’t have a SIM card slot and cannot directly make cellular calls. However, you can still make calls using various apps that rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
## Methods for Making Calls on Your Tablet
Here are several methods you can use to make calls on your tablet, regardless of whether it’s a cellular or Wi-Fi-only model:
### 1. Using Cellular Calling (Cellular Tablets Only)
If you have a cellular tablet with a SIM card slot and a voice-enabled data plan, making calls is straightforward:
**Steps:**
1. **Insert SIM Card:** Ensure your tablet is powered off. Locate the SIM card slot (usually on the side or back of the tablet) and insert your SIM card according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You might need a SIM ejector tool (a small pin) to open the SIM tray.
2. **Power On and Connect to Network:** Turn on your tablet. It should automatically detect your SIM card and connect to your mobile network. Check the signal strength indicator in the notification bar to confirm connectivity.
3. **Use the Dialer App:** Look for the built-in dialer app on your tablet. It usually resembles a phone icon. If your tablet doesn’t have a default dialer app, check the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) for a suitable dialer application. There are many free dialer apps available.
4. **Dial the Number:** Open the dialer app and enter the phone number you want to call. You can either type the number using the on-screen keypad or select a contact from your contacts list.
5. **Make the Call:** Tap the call button (usually a phone icon) to initiate the call. The tablet will use the cellular network to connect to the recipient.
6. **End the Call:** Tap the end call button (usually a red phone icon) to disconnect the call.
**Tips for Cellular Calling:**
* **Ensure Adequate Signal Strength:** A strong cellular signal is crucial for clear call quality. If you’re experiencing poor call quality, try moving to a location with better signal strength.
* **Monitor Data Usage:** Cellular calls can consume data, especially if you’re on a limited data plan. Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid exceeding your limit.
* **Check Carrier Compatibility:** Make sure your tablet is compatible with your mobile carrier’s network bands and frequencies. This is particularly important if you purchased your tablet from a different region.
### 2. Using VoIP Apps (Wi-Fi or Cellular)
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps allow you to make calls over the internet using Wi-Fi or cellular data. These apps are a great option for Wi-Fi-only tablets or for making international calls at a lower cost.
**Popular VoIP Apps:**
* **Skype:** A widely used VoIP app that offers voice and video calls, instant messaging, and screen sharing. Skype is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
* **WhatsApp:** A popular messaging app that also supports voice and video calls. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to ensure privacy.
* **Google Voice:** A service that provides a free phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail. Google Voice can be used on Android, iOS, and web browsers.
* **Viber:** Another messaging app with voice and video calling features. Viber offers end-to-end encryption and supports group calls.
* **Facebook Messenger:** Integrated with Facebook, Messenger allows you to make voice and video calls to your Facebook friends and contacts.
**General Steps for Using VoIP Apps:**
1. **Download and Install the App:** Go to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and search for the VoIP app you want to use. Download and install the app on your tablet.
2. **Create an Account or Sign In:** Open the app and create an account or sign in with your existing credentials. You may need to verify your phone number or email address.
3. **Add Contacts:** Add contacts to the app by importing them from your phone’s contact list or by manually adding their phone numbers or usernames.
4. **Make a Call:** Select a contact and tap the call button (usually a phone icon) to initiate a voice or video call. Some apps may have separate buttons for voice and video calls.
5. **End the Call:** Tap the end call button to disconnect the call.
**Detailed Instructions for Specific VoIP Apps:**
#### Skype
1. **Download and Install Skype:** Download Skype from the Play Store or App Store and install it on your tablet.
2. **Create an Account or Sign In:** Open Skype and create a new account or sign in with your existing Microsoft account.
3. **Add Contacts:** Search for contacts by name, username, or email address. You can also import contacts from your phone’s contact list.
4. **Make a Call:** Select a contact and tap the audio call or video call button to initiate a call.
5. **Use Skype Credit (Optional):** To call landlines or mobile phones outside of Skype, you’ll need to purchase Skype Credit or subscribe to a calling plan.
**Skype Tips:**
* **Check Your Audio and Video Settings:** Before making a call, go to Skype’s settings and adjust your audio and video settings to ensure optimal call quality.
* **Use Headphones or a Headset:** Using headphones or a headset can improve audio quality and reduce background noise.
* **Be Aware of Data Usage:** Skype calls can consume data, especially video calls. Monitor your data usage to avoid exceeding your limit.
1. **Download and Install WhatsApp:** Download WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store and install it on your tablet.
2. **Verify Your Phone Number:** Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number by entering the verification code sent to your phone via SMS. Note: while WhatsApp is designed to be used with a phone number, you can use a Google Voice number, or a landline through a workaround involving SMS forwarding if your tablet doesn’t have a SIM.
3. **Add Contacts:** WhatsApp automatically detects contacts from your phone’s contact list who are also using WhatsApp.
4. **Make a Call:** Select a contact and tap the call button (phone icon) to initiate a voice call or the video call button (camera icon) to initiate a video call.
**WhatsApp Tips:**
* **Ensure Your Contacts are Using WhatsApp:** You can only call other WhatsApp users using WhatsApp’s calling feature.
* **Use a Stable Internet Connection:** A stable internet connection is essential for clear call quality. Try using Wi-Fi for better performance.
* **Be Mindful of Privacy:** WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect your calls and messages. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your privacy and security.
#### Google Voice
1. **Download and Install Google Voice:** Download Google Voice from the Play Store or App Store and install it on your tablet.
2. **Sign In with Your Google Account:** Open Google Voice and sign in with your Google account.
3. **Choose a Google Voice Number:** Select a Google Voice number from the available options. You can choose a number based on your area code or a specific keyword.
4. **Verify Your Existing Phone Number:** Verify your existing phone number by entering the verification code sent to your phone via SMS. This is required for Google Voice to route calls and messages correctly.
5. **Make a Call:** Open the Google Voice app and dial the phone number you want to call. You can also select a contact from your contacts list.
**Google Voice Tips:**
* **Forward Calls to Your Existing Phone:** You can forward calls from your Google Voice number to your existing phone number so you don’t miss any calls.
* **Use Voicemail Transcription:** Google Voice provides voicemail transcription, which converts your voicemails into text so you can read them instead of listening to them.
* **Customize Voicemail Greetings:** You can customize your voicemail greeting for different callers or groups of callers.
### 3. Using Third-Party Calling Apps
In addition to VoIP apps, there are other third-party calling apps that allow you to make calls using your tablet. These apps may offer unique features or cater to specific needs.
**Examples of Third-Party Calling Apps:**
* **TextNow:** A free calling and texting app that provides a free phone number. TextNow allows you to make calls and send texts to other TextNow users for free, and you can also call regular phone numbers using credits or a paid subscription.
* **Talkatone:** Another free calling and texting app that provides a free phone number. Talkatone offers unlimited calling and texting to US and Canadian numbers.
* **Freetone:** A free calling app that provides a free phone number and allows you to make calls and send texts to other Freetone users for free. You can also call regular phone numbers using credits or a paid subscription.
**General Steps for Using Third-Party Calling Apps:**
1. **Download and Install the App:** Go to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and search for the third-party calling app you want to use. Download and install the app on your tablet.
2. **Create an Account:** Open the app and create an account. You may need to provide your email address or phone number.
3. **Get a Free Phone Number (if applicable):** Some apps provide a free phone number that you can use to make and receive calls and texts.
4. **Make a Call:** Open the app and dial the phone number you want to call. You can also select a contact from your contacts list.
**Tips for Third-Party Calling Apps:**
* **Read the Terms of Service:** Before using a third-party calling app, carefully read the terms of service to understand how the app works and what limitations or restrictions apply.
* **Be Aware of Advertising:** Some free calling apps may display advertisements to generate revenue. Be prepared to see ads while using the app.
* **Check Call Quality:** Call quality may vary depending on the app and your internet connection. Test the app before relying on it for important calls.
### 4. Using Bluetooth Headsets or Headphones
Whether you’re using cellular calling or VoIP apps, using a Bluetooth headset or headphones can significantly improve your call experience. A Bluetooth headset allows you to make calls hands-free, which is especially useful if you’re multitasking or on the go. Headphones can provide better audio quality and reduce background noise.
**Steps for Connecting a Bluetooth Headset or Headphones:**
1. **Enable Bluetooth on Your Tablet:** Go to your tablet’s settings and enable Bluetooth. The location of the Bluetooth settings may vary depending on your tablet’s operating system.
2. **Put Your Bluetooth Headset or Headphones in Pairing Mode:** Refer to your Bluetooth headset’s or headphones’ user manual for instructions on how to put it in pairing mode. This usually involves pressing and holding a button on the headset.
3. **Scan for Available Devices:** On your tablet, scan for available Bluetooth devices. Your Bluetooth headset or headphones should appear in the list of available devices.
4. **Pair the Devices:** Select your Bluetooth headset or headphones from the list and tap the pair button. You may be prompted to enter a PIN code (usually 0000) to complete the pairing process.
5. **Test the Connection:** Once the devices are paired, test the connection by making a test call or playing audio. Make sure the audio is being routed through your Bluetooth headset or headphones.
**Tips for Using Bluetooth Headsets or Headphones:**
* **Charge Your Bluetooth Headset or Headphones:** Make sure your Bluetooth headset or headphones are fully charged before using them for calls.
* **Keep the Devices Within Range:** Bluetooth devices have a limited range (usually around 30 feet). Keep your tablet and Bluetooth headset or headphones within range for optimal performance.
* **Troubleshoot Connection Issues:** If you’re experiencing connection issues, try turning Bluetooth off and on again or restarting your tablet and Bluetooth headset or headphones.
## Optimizing Call Quality on Your Tablet
Regardless of the method you use to make calls on your tablet, there are several things you can do to optimize call quality:
* **Use a Strong Internet Connection:** If you’re using VoIP apps, a strong and stable internet connection is essential for clear call quality. Try using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data, especially for video calls.
* **Reduce Background Noise:** Minimize background noise by moving to a quiet location or using a noise-canceling microphone or headset.
* **Position Yourself Properly:** Make sure your tablet’s microphone is not obstructed and that you’re speaking directly into it.
* **Adjust Volume Settings:** Adjust the volume settings on your tablet and headset to a comfortable level.
* **Close Unnecessary Apps:** Close any unnecessary apps that may be consuming resources and affecting call quality.
* **Update Your Tablet’s Software:** Keep your tablet’s operating system and apps up to date to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
## Conclusion
Making calls on your tablet is a convenient way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you have a cellular tablet or a Wi-Fi-only tablet, there are several methods you can use to make voice and video calls. By following the steps and instructions outlined in this guide, you can unlock the communication potential of your tablet and enjoy clear and reliable calls. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences, and always prioritize call quality and data usage. Enjoy your tablet calling experience!