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All iPads FaceTime with data only number

hungx

hungx

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 8, 2012
346
47
Davis, CA
My aunt got a cellular iPad Air and wants to FaceTime with the cellular number assigned to the SIM card. Is this possible? I've never needed to do this, and a Google search didn't return anything useful.
 
I don't see how that is any more convenient. FaceTime is pretty simple, open the app and touch a contact name. The process would be the same with the Apple ID or a phone number.
 
TWO2SEVEN said:
I don't see how that is any more convenient. FaceTime is pretty simple, open the app and touch a contact name. The process would be the same with the Apple ID or a phone number.
Click to expand...

The problem isn't with making FaceTime calls. They want to use the number to receive calls. They're paying extra for data and wanted to use the number since the data plan is pretty much useless for them as they don't bring the iPad out of the house.
 
They can't use the iPad natively for normal calls. If they don't actually need data on it, might as well just cancel the data plan instead of wasting money every month.
 
rui no onna said:
They can't use the iPad natively for normal calls. If they don't actually need data on it, might as well just cancel the data plan instead of wasting money every month.
Click to expand...

I'm not talking about making cellular calls on the iPad. I was asking if they can receive FaceTime calls using the number tied to the iPad. It seems that this is not possible.
 
It is my understanding that the "phone number" associated with the iPad is just for tracking the account. It is not the same as a voice plan.

As some one else said, I would cancel the data if they don't intend to use it.
 
hungx said:
I'm not talking about making cellular calls on the iPad. I was asking if they can receive FaceTime calls using the number tied to the iPad. It seems that this is not possible.
Click to expand...
What's the point of using the number for FaceTime/iMessage when the Apple ID works just as well? It's not like you have voice or SMS fallback anyhow. That said, iOS doesn't give you the option of using the iPad's number for FaceTime or iMessage.
 
FaceTime also only works with other iOS devices. If she wants to use the iPad to communicate with non-iOS devices she can use another app like Skype.
 
hungx said:
The problem isn't with making FaceTime calls. They want to use the number to receive calls. They're paying extra for data and wanted to use the number since the data plan is pretty much useless for them as they don't bring the iPad out of the house.
Click to expand...

The iPad isn't enabled for phone use, so the phone number can'tbe used for voice calls. Addiaitonally, there's no guarantee that the phone will be permanent. The number is assigned only for compatibility with legacy method that GSM and UMTS uses for assigning data circuits. Over time, this could go away, and the number could go with it.
 
I have an update on this issue.

It is possible to use the iPad number for FaceTime/iMessage, though you need to first put the tablet SIM into a FaceTime/iMessage compatible iPhone. You can then associate the number with your Apple ID and receive iMessages/FaceTime calls on any of your Apple devices.

I tried this on an old iPhone 4 using a T-Mobile SIM with 200mb free data. Under FaceTime and iMessage settings, the cellular data number is now listed.
 
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