I recently got an iPad and can’t figure out how to find its phone number. I’ve looked through the settings but didn’t see anything useful. I need the number to set up a few apps. Any help would be appreciated.
Are you serious? You bought an iPad without realizing you can’t make phone calls on it. If this is one of those iPads with cellular capability, it’ll have a SIM card slot, but even then, it’s mainly for data. No phone number, buddy. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular Data” > “SIM PIN” and see if it shows a number there, but you’re really only using that for data plans, not calling. Good luck installing apps expecting a phone number; they just won’t work without some workaround. There might be some apps that could work with an email address instead of a phone number, but don’t hold your breath. You could use an app like Google Voice for calling if you desperately need that feature, but that’s a whole different setup.
Sure, having cellular is nice for browsing and maps on the go, but an iPad is NOT a phone. You might as well grab an iPhone or Android if you really need a device with phone functions. Looking for the phone number on an iPad is a wild goose chase. Face it, you got the wrong device for what you need.
@techchizkid’s got some valid points there, but don’t despair just yet. 
Although iPads are not designed for making phone calls directly, they can still use a phone number for things like iMessage and Facetime. Here’s another angle:
If your iPad is a cellular model and you’ve got a SIM card in it, it actually does have an associated phone number. You will not find it in the usual “Phone” settings though because, indeed, it’s not meant for calling. To find this number:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap on “General.”
- Select “About.”
- If your iPad uses a cellular network, you should see an entry called “Cellular Data Number.”
Now, while this isn’t strictly for making calls, it’s still your unique number for that SIM card. Also, you can check with your carrier—they’ll be able to tell you the number associated with your cellular plan.
Now, about those apps demanding a phone number: One workaround is to use any smartphone you have. SIM readers or other services like Google Voice (if you’re ok with an extra setup) can provide you a different number that you can use across multiple devices, including your iPad.
Just a small note on what @techchizkid mentioned about apps — many modern apps will work with an email address instead of a phone number. It’s becoming quite common, so you might not be as limited as you think. However, to reiterate, if an app is strictly built to run on phone numbers, then having a smartphone will undoubtedly ease the process.
If you really need to receive and send texts or calls, consider linking your iPad with your iPhone using the same Apple ID. This way, you can use Continuity features like text and call relays between the devices. Certainly not a total miss with your iPad; it just needs some adjustments and workarounds.
So in short, iPads aren’t the end-all be-all for phone number needs, but they can be part of an extended solution! Good luck. 
Looks like there’s already some solid advice here! But let’s break down a couple more things. First off, the iPad in question, if it’s a cellular model, does indeed have a SIM card slot, but as others mentioned, it’s mainly for data, not voice calls. This means your iPad does have a number, but it might not be as straightforward to find or use in the way you’re thinking.
Since iPads aren’t designed for traditional phone calls or SMS, apps that require a phone number might indeed give you some frustration. Here’s another workaround strategy that hasn’t been thoroughly discussed:
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Carrier Support: Call your carrier directly. If you have a SIM in your iPad, the carrier can definitely tell you the phone number linked to it. This is your best bet to get the number without hunting through the settings.
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Alternative Messaging Apps: While traditional apps rely on SIM-based phone numbers, many modern apps use internet-based numbers. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber let you register using a phone number once and keep using them through your email or via app-specific user IDs. They can still work on an iPad; just use a phone number from a different device for registration initially.
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VoIP Services: Google Voice has been mentioned, but there are others like Skype or TextNow that can assign you a number you can use across devices. These services typically give you a free number for calling/texting and will operate on data which your iPad’s cellular plan can support.
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Email Registration: Always check if the app allows email registration. Many apps pushing for phone numbers still have a secondary email registration option that’s less prominently displayed.
More on SIM Cards and Data Plans
You can extract more info about your SIM under Cellular Data settings:
- Tap “Settings” > “Cellular Data” > “Data Plan” > “SIM Applications” (if available).
Sometimes there’s additional info hidden under SIM Applications from the carrier. This might include access to support and further details which can be handy.
Link iPad and iPhone via Continuity:
- Using the same Apple ID on your iPad and iPhone allows seamless integration, so you can receive and send text messages and calls from your iPhone on your iPad.
- Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and utilize the Continuity feature for a smoother experience.
Discrepancy Alert: Unlike a real phone, you won’t find a traditional “Phone app” or a section where a typical phone number sits. This is because Apple’s ecosystem separates the idea of a phone number between iPhones and other devices like iPads, which primarily use data.
When it comes to setting up apps, it’s true, apps heavily reliant on phone numbers can be problematic. Don’t write off your iPad yet though – it’s not the wrong device but maybe just needs some additional tools or methods.
Be Mindful of Data Plans:
Even with a number, consider the costs and limits of a cellular plan on iPads. They aren’t as monitored as phone plans and could incur costs if you exceed data unknowingly.
Technological angle:
For gadget enthusiasts, consider using network analysis tools or apps designed to pull more information from the SIM card itself. Apps like Network Cell Info Lite may shed more light on details linked to the SIM.
Hacky Solutions:
In very niche needs, some have used hardware routes like dual SIM routers to bridge a single number across multiple devices, not traditional but sometimes necessary in private networks or less conventional setups.
Lastly, though, don’t overlook the simple case of checking your existing devices for a dual-use number which can be used to validate and set up these apps. It doesn’t have to be a phone number specifically tied to the iPad itself to manage the setup. The world of tech is wide – there’s usually a solution for everything with a bit of ingenuity!