Make FaceTime calls on iPad

With an internet connection and an Apple ID, you can make and receive calls in the FaceTime app .

Note: You must set up FaceTime before you can make and receive calls.

On iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models, you can also make FaceTime calls over a cellular data connection, which may incur additional charges. To turn this feature off, go to Settings > Cellular, then turn off FaceTime. See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).

Make a FaceTime call

Open the FaceTime app on your iPad, then tap New FaceTime near the top of the screen.
Type the name or number you want to call in the entry field at the top, then tap to make a video call or to make a FaceTime audio call (not available in all countries or regions).
Alternatively, you can tap to open Contacts and start your call from there; or tap a suggested contact in your call history to quickly make a call.

To call multiple people, see Make a Group FaceTime call on iPad.

You can use Siri. Say something like: “Make a FaceTime call” or “Call Eliza’s mobile.” Learn how to use Siri.

Tip: To see more during a FaceTime video call, rotate iPad to use landscape orientation. See Change or lock the screen orientation.

Record a video message

If someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime video call, you can record a video message to convey exactly what you want to say.

Tap Record Video, wait for the countdown (from 5 to 1), then record your message.
Tap to send your recorded message, or tap Retake to rerecord the message. You can also tap Save to save it to Photos.
After you send your video message, the recipient is notified.
Note: You can receive video messages only from saved contacts, people you’ve called, and people suggested by Siri.
See Listen to a video or audio message.

Leave a voicemail

If someone doesn’t answer your FaceTime audio call, and the person you’re calling has Live Voicemail turned on in Settings > Phone on an iPhone signed into FaceTime with the same Apple ID as their iPad, you’re prompted to leave a voicemail.

Note: Live Voicemail is available only in English in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) and Canada.

Call again

To call someone again in FaceTime, do any of the following:

Tap Call Again on the Record Video screen.
In your call history, tap the name or number of the person (or group) you want to call again.

In your call history, tap the name or number of the person (or group) you want to call again.

Start a FaceTime call from a Messages conversation

In an iMessage conversation, you can start a FaceTime call to the person you’re chatting with.

Tap at the top right of the Messages conversation.
Do any of the following:
- Tap FaceTime Audio.
- Tap FaceTime Video.

Important: In iPadOS 17.4 or later, if you remove the FaceTime app from your iPad, or if you removed FaceTime in an earlier version of iPadOS, you won’t be able to make or receive FaceTime calls or join SharePlay sessions on your iPad unless you redownload the app. Settings and contact cards won’t show FaceTime options.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide