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How to sync messages between iPhone and iPad

how do I set iPad message up with cell number?

Posted on Nov 24, 2016 7:58 PM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 25, 2016 2:19 PM in response to mpmc10

Hey mpmc10,

I understand you have some questions about cell service on your iPad. I'd be happy to help you out.

There are two different types of iPad that Apple makes: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular. If you have a Wi-Fi model, there isn't any way to make it cellular compatible. There are some steps involving your Apple ID that you can take to link your iPad with an iPhone you might have. Here's some information about that:

If you have an iPhone, the text messages that you send and receive on your iPhone can appear on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch as well. You can then continue the conversation from whichever device is closest to you.

Set up SMS and MMS messaging

Use this feature with any Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that meets the Continuity system requirements. Make sure that your devices are set up as follows:

  • Each device is signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Make sure that the Apple ID at the top of the screen is the same Apple ID that you're using for iMessage on your other devices. Add a check to your phone number and email address, so that you can be reached by iMessage at both. Do the same on your iPad or iPod touch.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding, then choose which devices to allow to send and receive text messages from this iPhone. A verification code then appears on each device. Enter that code on your iPhone.
On Mac, open Messages, then choose Messages > Preferences. Click Accounts, then select your iMessage account. Make sure that the Apple ID shown here is the same Apple ID that you're using on your other devices. Add a check to your phone number and email address.

Use SMS and MMS messaging


User uploaded file

To use this feature, just start conversations as normal in the Messages app on any of your devices. You can also start a conversation by clicking a phone number in Safari, Contacts, Calendar, or other apps that detect phone numbers. All of your incoming and outgoing messages appear on all of your devices.

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

Of course, if you did purchase an iPad that's designed to receive cellular service, just follow up with your carrier and they should be able to help you with getting it configured with a number.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!

How to sync messages between iPhone and iPad

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