How Do I Use FaceTime iPad to iPad: The Setup Nobody Tells You About

Honestly, using FaceTime between two iPads should be the easiest thing in the world. You’ve both got the same hardware, the same software, and probably the same frustration when the "Call Failed" screen pops up for no reason.

Basically, the magic of the Apple ecosystem is supposed to just work. But when you're staring at a spinning wheel, it doesn't feel very magical.

If you're asking how do I use FaceTime iPad to iPad, you've probably realized it's not just about hitting a green button. It’s about Apple IDs, email aliases, and making sure your settings aren't actively fighting each other.

Getting the Basics Out of the Way

Before you even think about calling, you need to verify the "boring" stuff. Most people skip this and then wonder why their iPad is silent while the other person is supposedly calling them.

First, check your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID). You cannot FaceTime an iPad using a phone number unless that iPad is specifically linked to an iPhone. If you're calling from one iPad to another standalone iPad, you are almost certainly using an email address.

Go into Settings, then tap Apps, and find FaceTime.

Look at the section that says "You can be reached by FaceTime at." If there isn't a checkmark next to your email, you’re invisible. Seriously. You could be sitting right next to the other person and they won’t be able to find you. Make sure that email is active.

The Connection Factor

You need internet. Obviously. But specifically, FaceTime is a data hog. If you're on a public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop and it’s struggling to load a basic webpage, your FaceTime call is going to look like a Lego movie from 1995.

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, ensure your cellular data is toggled on for FaceTime. You'd be surprised how many people turn this off to save data and then forget why they can't call Grandma from the park.

How Do I Use FaceTime iPad to iPad Step-by-Step

Let's get into the actual "how-to" part. You’ve got your iPad, they’ve got theirs.

1. Open the FaceTime App. It’s the green one with the white camera icon.
2. Tap "New FaceTime." This is at the top of the sidebar.
3. Type the Contact. This is the tricky part. You need to type the exact email address or phone number associated with their iPad’s FaceTime settings. If they have an iPhone too, their phone number usually works. If they only have an iPad, use their Apple Account email.
4. Choose Video or Audio. Tap the "FaceTime" button for video or the little phone icon for just audio.

Once the call starts, you'll see a bunch of icons. If they don't appear, just tap the screen.

The "Flip" icon (two arrows in a square) switches to the back camera. This is great for showing off your new cat or the mess you haven't cleaned up. The "Mute" button is your friend when you need to cough or yell at someone in the room without the person on the other end hearing you.

Handing Off Calls

This is a feature most people ignore, but it's cool. If you start a call on your iPhone while walking into your house, you can "hand it off" to your iPad. You’ll see a little FaceTime icon at the top of your iPad screen. Tap it, hit "Switch," and suddenly you’re on the big screen without hanging up.

Advanced Features You're Probably Missing

Apple Intelligence and the latest iPadOS updates (like the Liquid Glass design shifts in recent versions) have added layers to this.

Center Stage is a big one. If you have a supported iPad (like the M4 Pro or the latest Air), the camera will literally follow you around the room. You can be folding laundry and walking back and forth, and the iPad will pan and zoom to keep you in the frame. It’s a little creepy at first, but incredibly useful.

To toggle this, open Control Center (swipe down from the top right) while on a call, tap Video Effects, and hit Center Stage.

Live Translation and Captions

If you're talking to someone who speaks a different language, or if you're in a loud environment, use the new Live Translation features. You can actually see captions of what the other person is saying in real-time.

• Tap the "More" button (the three dots) during a call.
• Select Live Translation.
• Choose your languages.

It's not perfect—sometimes it thinks "How are you" is "How a shoe"—but it’s better than nothing.

When Things Go Wrong (Troubleshooting)

If you're following the steps for how do I use FaceTime iPad to iPad and it’s still failing, don't throw the tablet.

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Check the "Silence Unknown Callers" setting. If the person calling you isn't in your contacts, and you have this on, your iPad won't even tell you they're calling. It just goes straight to "Missed Call."

Another common culprit? Date & Time. I know, it sounds stupid. But if your iPad's internal clock is off by even a few minutes compared to Apple's servers, FaceTime will refuse to activate. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure Set Automatically is toggled on.

The Nuclear Option: Reset Network Settings

If you've tried everything—restarting, signing out of iCloud, toggling the FaceTime switch—and it still won't work, you might need to reset your network settings.

This will wipe your Wi-Fi passwords, so have them handy.
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This fixes about 90% of "unexplainable" connection errors.

Making the Most of the Experience

Don't just sit there and stare at the screen. Use SharePlay.

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You can watch a movie together on the Apple TV app or listen to a playlist on Apple Music. When you're on the call, just open a supported app, and it’ll ask if you want to SharePlay. It syncs the playback so you're both seeing the same thing at the exact same time.

Also, try the Screen Sharing feature if you're trying to help your parents figure out how to use an app. You can see their screen and even draw on it to show them where to click. It’s a lifesaver for tech support.

Actionable Next Steps

To get the best FaceTime experience today, do these three things:

• Audit your "Reached At" list: Go to Settings > Apps > FaceTime and ensure only the email addresses you actually use are checked.
• Update your software: Ensure you're on the latest version of iPadOS to access the newest AI-driven audio isolation features that filter out background noise.
• Test your camera position: If you have an iPad with the camera on the short side (the top when held vertically), try rotating it to landscape. Newer iPads have moved the camera to the long side specifically for better FaceTime calls.