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Wi-Fi iPad for FaceTime calls under the same roof

I have my granddaughter living with me. She needs to have a tutor and they both need FaceTime access. I’m looking at getting her a little iPad. I don’t know if that iPad needs to be wireless or with cell service so that I can continue to have access to using my iPad for Zoom calls while she’s doing her lessons with a tutor, can we both be under the same roof with Wi-Fi and does she need to have a Wi-Fi with cell service or can she receive FaceTime calls with just a wireless iPad?




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 6:14 AM

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6 replies

Jan 10, 2025 11:06 AM in response to Debzdesign

An iPad Wi-Fi “only” will be sufficient if she only needs to access FaceTime with a Wi-Fi network. If no Wi-Fi network is available (let’s say outdoors, for instance), then a Wi-Fi + Cellular model would be appropriate.


Now, all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi can perfectly cohabitate. She could be on FaceTime for her tutoring while you are browsing the internet (for instance) on your own device. The only thing is that if you both use video-intensive applications at the same time, your Wi-Fi network might be overwhelmed and slow down. This would not occur if you have a broadband or fiber optic internet service provider.

Jan 10, 2025 4:26 PM in response to Debzdesign

If I purchased an Ipad mini w cellular then it would have its own phone line when wifi is not available

Yes. Understand that an iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular does not have a phone number when you have a cellular plan. The cellular plan for an iPad is data only.


But would still be sharing house wifi resources when not on cellular.So, Its just a matter of wifi availability correct?

Yes. The iPad would always try to connect to a Wi-Fi network in priority. If none are available, it would use the cellular network.


The Face time capability is available with or without a cellular plan, correct?

Yes. FaceTime can be used exclusively on Wi-Fi.


Would she need her own email address if device is wifi only?

It is highly recommended that she gets her own Apple Account. In fact that would be a requirement if people are to call her on FaceTime. You wouldn't want the call to be routed to you, for instance.

Jan 10, 2025 4:37 PM in response to Debzdesign

Just a clarification...


> If I purchased an Ipad mini w cellular then it would have its own phone line when wifi is not available


yes, but...


As 6x6 pointed out, the iPad cellular connection is for data-only, and won't accept incoming phone calls (but FaceTime will work since that's a data service, not a phone service). the point being you don't have a phone number, per se., attached to the iPad.


More importantly, the iPad with WiFi can only connect to WiFi networks and will not work when out of range of a WiFi network.

The iPad with WiFi and Cellular can connect to both WiFi (preferred) and Cellular (fallback) networks, so can continue to work remotely.


However, the cellular service requires a subscription from a cell provider, which costs money.

If you know you don't need cellular at all, go for the WiFi version.

If you're not sure if you need cellular, or may want it in the future, get the WiFi & Cellular iPad. You can not subscribe to service, and not pay anything, but you then have the option of adding cellular service at a later date, if you find you need/want it.


The iPad (WiFi) doesn't have the hardware for connecting to a cellular network, and it cannot be added later, so it's not an option at any point.

Jan 10, 2025 1:05 PM in response to 6x6

Makes sense. Just to be sure I'm clear….

If I purchased an Ipad mini w cellular then it would have its own phone line when wifi is not available. But would still be sharing house wifi resources when not on cellular. So, Its just a matter of wifi availability correct? The Face time capability is available with or without a cellular plan, correct? Would she need her own email address if device is wifi only?Appreciate the help.

Wi-Fi iPad for FaceTime calls under the same roof

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