iPad - need advice

[Hollyoaksfan]

Hi, 

I got a new iPad - Apple iPad Air 13-inch (2025) last week, and when I set it up, it seemed stranged that no option where it says phone, it just said messages, now, I just activated my eSIM, but it's still doing the same. I have attached picture, so you know. To make calls, I got to go in my contact list, but is this right? or has Sky given me a faulty one? does anyone have this? and if yes, does yours have a phone button? under P apps, it doesn't say phone. I am confused. 

I restarted the iPad, but still doing the same. 

[PandJ2020]

iPad's are not phones.  They do not have the hardware to support standard calls and SMS.  They do not have the phone app.

However, you can use services that provide such services over data, e.g. FaceTime or WhatsApp etc. but the recipient needs the same  (the messages app will only use data / not SMS)

(unlimited calls and texts are not available on an iPad)

[Hollyoaksfan]

Hi, 

Are you sure about that? because I can send text messages on the iPad, and I just made some calls on it, through my contact list. 

[Hollyoaksfan]

Also, when I activated my eSIM an hour ago, a few minutes later, I got a email from Sky, with my new number on the iPad, so why Sky sent me an email with my new number, if we can't make calls and texts from iPad? 

[PandJ2020]

All sims have an associated 'phone number' but for an iPad the sim provides cellular data only.

You need to understand that there are different protocols for calls and messages.  The iPad doesn't have the hardware like an iPhone to make calls and SMS.

But you can make calls and messages over data services.  This will be over WiFi if connected at home or over cellular if outside.