You can use your Android tablet as a phone by installing a Wi-Fi calling app like Google Voice, which lets you make calls and send texts over the internet without needing a cellular plan or SIM card. This method works on any Android tablet with a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, turning your device into a fully functional communication tool for mobile phone basics and how they work.
What you need to use your Android tablet as a phone
Most Android tablets do not have a SIM card slot for cellular calls, so the primary way to use them as a phone is through internet-based calling apps. To get started, you need a Google account, a stable Wi-Fi connection (or mobile data if your tablet supports it), and the Google Voice app installed from the Google Play Store. No cellular plan or SIM card is required for this method.
Set up Google Voice on your Android tablet
- Install the Google Voice app from the Google Play Store on your tablet.
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account.
- Tap the menu icon, go to Settings, then Calls, then Making and receiving calls, and select Prefer Wi‑Fi and mobile data to route calls over the internet.
- To link a phone number for verification, tap Menu, Settings, Account, Devices and numbers, then New linked number. Enter a phone number you can receive a code on, then enter the verification code Google Voice sends. The linked-number setup page is documented for Android specifically.
- If you want calls started from your tablet’s normal phone app to go through Google Voice, open Voice, tap Menu, Settings, Calls started from this device’s phone app, then choose Yes (all calls) or Yes (international only). The setting lists only 'Yes (all calls)' and 'Yes (international only)' as choices.
Make calls from your tablet with Google Voice
- Open the Google Voice app on your Android tablet. Call steps are also documented for iPhone and iPad on a separate help page.
- Tap the Calls tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Search a saved contact by typing their name in the search bar, or tap Dial to enter a phone number manually.
- Tap the Call button to place the call. The call uses your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, not a cellular network. Google Voice says to use Wi‑Fi for a call by starting the call from the Voice app.
Send text messages on your tablet
Google Voice supports sending and receiving text messages on Android tablets. To send a text, open the Voice app and go to the Messages tab. You can compose a new message to any contact or phone number.
Alternative: Samsung call and text on other devices
Samsung offers a feature called Call & text on other devices for eligible Galaxy tablets and phones. This allows you to make calls and send texts from your tablet using your Samsung phone’s number and cellular connection. The retrieved Samsung pages do not provide the specific calling or texting menu path for tablets.
Troubleshooting common issues
Wi-Fi connection problems: Ensure your tablet is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. If calls drop or fail, try moving closer to the router or restarting your tablet and router.
App permissions: Google Voice needs permission to access your microphone and make phone calls. Go to your tablet’s Settings, Apps, Google Voice, Permissions, and enable Microphone and Phone if they are off.
Linked number verification failures: If you cannot verify a linked number, make sure you enter the correct phone number and that you can receive SMS or calls at that number. Try resending the verification code from the Devices and numbers menu in Google Voice settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my tablet’s existing phone number to make calls?
If your tablet has its own SIM card and cellular plan, you can use that number with the tablet’s native dialer. For tablets without cellular service, Google Voice gives you a new number that you can use for calls and texts.
Do I need a data plan to use my tablet as a phone?
No, you only need a Wi-Fi connection to use Google Voice for calls and texts. If your tablet has mobile data capability, you can use that as well, but a cellular plan is not required.
Can I receive calls on my tablet without opening the app?
Yes, if you set Google Voice to Prefer Wi‑Fi and mobile data, incoming calls will ring on your tablet even when the app is in the background, as long as you have notifications enabled.
Will Google Voice work on any Android tablet?
Google Voice works on any Android tablet that can install apps from the Google Play Store. There is no specific model or Android version requirement beyond what the app itself supports.
Can I video call using Google Voice on my tablet?
Google Voice does not support video calling. For video calls, use a separate app like Google Duo, Skype, or WhatsApp, which are available for Android tablets.
