Can I use my current phone number for calls on an iPad 11 Generation (A16) 5G with eSIM?

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. If you have added an eSIM or physical DataSIM and Cellular plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the eSIM/SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is cannot used for making calls or sending messages; an iPad is not, and can never be, a standalone substitute for an iPhone.

However, when coupled with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features. As such, cellular calling and messaging capabilities of the iPhone are extended to the associated iPad.

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

For calling, the settings that you need to change/verify on your iPhone and iPad are:

On your iPhone

Settings > Mobile Data >WiFi Calling > 

• WiFi Calling on This iPhone - set to ON
• Add WiFi Calling for Other Devices - set to ON

Settings > Mobile Data > Calls on Other Devices > 

• Allow Calls on Other Devices - set to ON
• [Allow Calls On] - explicitly enable your new iPad from the list of devices.

On your iPad

Settings > FaceTime > Calls from iPhone > Calls from iPhone - set to ON

When correctly configured, the iPad FaceTime App provides access to Cellular Voice Calling features - whilst Messages supports SMS/MMS messaging services.

In conclusion, in conjunction with an iPhone, it is theoretically possible to configure WiFi Calling service for your iPad. After WiFi Calling is enabled and configured, your iPad can make and receive cellular calls whilst connected to a WiFi network (caveat: any associated firewall must not block WiFi Calling or VoIP services) - even in absence of the iPhone.

No, you cannot directly use your existing phone number for calls on your iPad 11 Generation (A16) 5G with eSIM. Each device with cellular connectivity, including iPads, requires its own unique phone number. While you can't use the same eSIM, you can still make and receive calls on your iPad by enabling the "Calls on Other Devices" feature on your iPhone and using your iPhone's number. 

you can't make normal non facetime calls on the iPad by any means other than having an iPhone connected with the same appleID, the fact that it's a cellular iPad have no bearing

zman2102 wrote:

my question is if I activate the E-Sim will my current number be able to receive calls through the iPad or is it only for Data like previous generations?

It is only for data (on any iPad).