Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Texting on cellular ipad but no iPhone?

If I do not own an iPhone but have a Mac and a cellular ipad, can I send and receive text on my ipad?


will I also see the same texts on my Mac?

Posted on Jul 13, 2021 3:13 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 13, 2021 3:37 AM

An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. An iPad is not, and can never be, a standalone substitute for an iPhone.


Without benefit of an iPhone, iPad can only access proprietary iMessage services - this being limited to Apple devices.


When paired with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and SMS/MMS Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad/Mac over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.


More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:


Continuity

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support


SMS/MMS Messaging

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac - Apple Support


WiFi Calling

Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling – Apple Support


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 13, 2021 3:37 AM in response to Poncho1

An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. An iPad is not, and can never be, a standalone substitute for an iPhone.


Without benefit of an iPhone, iPad can only access proprietary iMessage services - this being limited to Apple devices.


When paired with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and SMS/MMS Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad/Mac over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.


More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:


Continuity

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support


SMS/MMS Messaging

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac - Apple Support


WiFi Calling

Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling – Apple Support


Texting on cellular ipad but no iPhone?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.