WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. Its features like free messaging, voice and video calls have made it a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family.
A common question many iPad users have is – can I use WhatsApp calling features on an iPad? The short answer is yes, WhatsApp calls can be used on iPads, but there are some limitations.
Making WhatsApp Calls on iPad
To make WhatsApp calls on an iPad, you need to first download and install the WhatsApp app from the App Store. WhatsApp is available as a free download for iPads running iOS 10 or later.
Once you install WhatsApp, you can login using your phone number and verify it just like on a smartphone. The app will sync your WhatsApp account associated with that number.
After logging in, you can access your WhatsApp contacts and groups. To make a call, simply tap on the phone icon on top of an individual or group chat. This will initiate a WhatsApp call to that contact over WiFi or cellular data.
If your contact is also online on WhatsApp for iPad or their smartphone, they will get an incoming WhatsApp call notification. They can answer the call directly from the app itself.
Video calls
Along with voice calls, you can also make free WhatsApp video calls to individuals or groups on your iPad. The process is the same – open a chat, tap the video call icon and if the recipient answers, you’ll be connected over video.
The call quality depends on the internet speeds on both sides. On fast WiFi, video quality is usually excellent. The WhatsApp call interface is simple with options to mute, speaker and end call available.
Group calls
WhatsApp has also introduced the ability to make group voice and video calls. On iPad, you can start a group call with up to 8 participants at once. To start a group call:
- Open a WhatsApp group
- Tap the phone or video icon at the top
- Select the participants you want to call from the group members list
- Tap the call button and all selected members will get a notification to join the call
This is useful for a family catch-up, group chat with friends or discussing work projects.
Limitations of WhatsApp Calls on iPad
While WhatsApp calling is fully functional on the iPad, there are some limitations to be aware of:
No cellular calling
WhatsApp calls on iPad can only be made over WiFi. There is no option to make calls over cellular data networks on an iPad yet. On iPhone, you can make WhatsApp calls over LTE or 5G as well.
No call support in multi-device beta
WhatsApp’s new multi-device ability allows using WhatsApp Web and other devices without the phone always needing to be online. However, call functionality isn’t supported on non-phone devices in the multi-device beta yet.
Cannot set call forwarding
On Android & iOS phones, you can set call forwarding to forward unanswered WhatsApp calls to another number. But this call forwarding option isn’t available on WhatsApp for iPad.
Battery optimization limitations
To save battery, iOS can restrict apps running in the background. If WhatsApp is closed fully, you may miss calls as it cannot run continuously in the background.
Keeping WhatsApp open or minimizing it can help avoid missing calls. But background app limitations on iPadOS may affect ability to receive some calls.
Using WhatsApp Web to Make Calls
As an alternative to the iPad app, you can also use WhatsApp Web to make and receive calls on an iPad through a web browser.
To use it:
- Open web.whatsapp.com in Safari or any browser on your iPad
- Scan the QR code using your phone’s WhatsApp to link the account
- You can now make calls to WhatsApp contacts from the browser itself
WhatsApp Web calls work the same way by using your phone as the primary device. The advantage is browser tabs aren’t affected by background app limitations on iPadOS.
But remember your phone will need an active internet connection and be turned on to get WhatsApp Web calls. Voice and video quality may also be affected depending on phone-to-iPad connection.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
WhatsApp has been testing multi-device capabilities that allow using WhatsApp Web, Facebook Portal and iPad/Android tablets without needing the phone always active and connected.
Once this rolls out to general users, the experience on iPads and WhatsApp Web will improve further. You’ll be able to continue receiving messages and calls on your linked devices even if your phone’s battery dies.
Multi-device is already being tested by some beta users. So it is expected to roll out for all users soon, which should improve WhatsApp calling from iPads and other devices.
Conclusion
To conclude, while WhatsApp calling is supported on the iPad, the experience has some limitations compared to using it on smartphones.
Making and receiving WhatsApp calls works reliably over WiFi, but lack of cellular calling support and background restrictions are the main issues.
For iPad users who want to use WhatsApp messaging and calls seamlessly, upcoming multi-device improvements could make it possible to use an iPad as your main WhatsApp device in the future.
But for now, the best WhatsApp calling experience remains on iPhone and Android phones. iPad and WhatsApp Web provide a decent alternative, but the phone is required to be on and connected.
Hope this detailed guide has answered your question ‘can I use WhatsApp calls on my iPad?’ If you are an avid iPad user, stay tuned for WhatsApp multi-device updates that could finally unlock the full potential of using WhatsApp on tablets.