Just like this question, except using iCloud Wi-Fi calls on other devices instead of local Wi-Fi. Does it work any differently, or does the absence of a SIM card in an iPhone absolutely prohibit the making of phone calls through another iPhone using FaceTime audio? This will turn out to be a deciding factor in picking my next carrier if there's a difference, so any experience is most welcome. Ta!
iPhone SE (Gen 3)
I suspect that it won’t let you. Not in the way you want. If you have the second iPhone logged into iCloud no matter what it will be recognized as an iPhone. You could always test it out if you haven’t already but I think the issue may be there isn’t a real way to do it the way you are describing while managing to trick the Wi-Fi calling setup to thinking your iPhone is just another iPad since iCloud alone will identify what type of device it is.
I suspect that it won’t let you. Not in the way you want. If you have the second iPhone logged into iCloud no matter what it will be recognized as an iPhone. You could always test it out if you haven’t already but I think the issue may be there isn’t a real way to do it the way you are describing while managing to trick the Wi-Fi calling setup to thinking your iPhone is just another iPad since iCloud alone will identify what type of device it is.
I want to use a second iPhone, without a SIM or ESIM in it, to place calls through my primary iPhone, which does. In other words you can think of the intended use of the second iPhone as equivalent to a non-cellular iPad. Normally, if you try to enable calls on other devices "when nearby" for a second iPhone, it simply doesn't work: the second iPhone just fails the call because there is no SIM card. I am asking if the situation is any different when the calls are placed using Wi-Fi calling instead, i.e. when the second iPhone is granted permission as an iPad would be, following this procedure.
Thank you, yes, and I'll see about obtaining a second ESIM for the account, as a potential solution. But my question is about Wi-Fi calling in particular, just as it would function on an iPod Touch or iPad without cellular capability, which of course support neither SIM nor ESIM (which are equivalent for this question).
Well…Wi-Fi calling is a carrier supported feature and still is associated with the phone number. Using an app to make calls on Wi-Fi is different…as you can be assigned a virtual phone number (for example Google used to do this but not even sure that service still exists….when an iPad (non-cellular version) makes calls it is piggybacking off of your phone. So I guess I’m trying to understand what you are trying to accomplish. Actually using the Wi-Fi calling feature in an instance where cellular coverage isn’t strong…or you’re just wanting to find a way to make phone calls without having active cellular service? Or are you asking if you can use another devices hotspot as the Wi-Fi connection for Wi-Fi calling on your device
I expect you’re right, sadly. After all, in the Apple imaginary, why wouldn’t every iPhone always have a SIM card installed? It’s just unfortunate for those of us who wish to use our spare iPhones as de facto iPod Touches, particularly given the misleading UI in the Settings app which makes it appear to be possible. But you’re right that in the end I will probably have to test this setup out for myself to find out. I don’t hold out much hope though.
An iPhone with an eSIM will work and function in the exact same manner as an iPhone with a physical SIM card. Nothing different except the SIM technology.
Axel F.
Wi-Fi Call Using iCloud From Another SIM-Free iPhone
