What to Know

• Your device must be connected to the internet to use FaceTime.Wi-Fi or cellular data works.
• Open theFaceTimeapp and tapNew FaceTime. Search for a contact to call.
• Tap thephoneicon to start an audio call, or tapFaceTimeto begin a video call.

One of the benefits of owning an iPad is the ability to place phone calls through the device, and one popular way of doing so is through FaceTime. You can use FaceTime for video conferencing and to place voice-only calls. These instructions apply to iOS 10 and later.

How to Use FaceTime on the iPad

You don't need to do anything special to set up FaceTime. The phone call app is already installed on your iPad, and because it works through your Apple ID/Apple Account, you are ready to place and receive phone calls at any time. Because FaceTime works through Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, however, you can only call friends and family that have one of these devices.

FaceTime is easy to use and takes just a couple of taps to get you in touch with your friends and family. Here's how to use it.

1. Tap the FaceTime app icon to launch it. If don't see it, download it from the App Store for free.

   

2. TapNew FaceTimeat the top of the menu.
   

   

   An internet connection is required to make FaceTime calls. While only Apple devices can trigger a call, a FaceTime link can be created to call other devices.

3. Begin typing the name of the person you want to call, and then tap their name when it shows up. They will need to be in your contacts list for you to call them by name; if they aren't, type in their phone number.

   

4. Once you have all of the contacts added (you can start calls with multiple people), tap thephoneicon to initiate an audio call or chooseFaceTimefor a video call.

   

How to Use FaceTime With the Same Apple ID/Apple Account

You may want to place calls between two iOS devices using the same Apple Account, like if you're a parent calling a child who doesn't have their own account.

By default, all devices connected to the same Apple Account utilize the primary email address associated with that account. They will all ring when a FaceTime call comes to that email address. You also can't place a call between two devices, just as you can't use one home phone to place a call to your house and answer it with another phone on the same phone line.

Apple has provided a workaround for using FaceTime on different devices connected to the same Apple Account.

1. Open the iPad's Settings app by tapping it on the Home Screen.

   

2. On the left-side menu, scroll down and tapFaceTime.

   

3. In the middle of the FaceTime settings is a section calledYou Can Be Reached By Facetime At. Check the phone number or email address you want to use when using the device.

   

Separating FaceTime Calls That Use the Same Apple ID/Apple Account

If you and your spouse use the same Apple Account, and you want your FaceTime calls to go to your iPad and their FaceTime calls to go to their iPad, make sure each device has its FaceTime tied to a unique email or number and that you only select one of them on the individual devices.

For example, one person can use the email address, and the other can use the phone number.

You can also turn off FaceTime calls to your phone number from being routed to your iPad. However, if you have FaceTime turned on, you will need to have one option checked in the "You Can Be Reached..." section. So if the phone number is checked and grayed out, it's because it is the only option checked.