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You can set up call waiting on iPad if you have cellular service through a GSM network, and if your cellular service is through a CDMA network, your carrier has information about setting up call waiting. Without it, incoming calls go directly to voicemail while you’re on a call.

On models with Dual SIM, it works only for calls on the same line, except when the other line has Wi-Fi Calling on and a data connection is available. You can also change your voicemail greeting and settings.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
  3. Tap Call Waiting, then turn on Call Waiting.

    If you’re on a call and call waiting is turned off, incoming calls go directly to voicemail.

    On models with Dual SIM, call waiting works only for incoming calls on the same line, unless the other line has Wi-Fi Calling turned on and a data connection is available. See Set up cellular service.

See also

Tag: Phone

You can set up call forwarding on iPad if you have cellular service through a GSM network, though on a CDMA network, you’ll contact your carrier for information. When call forwarding is on, its icon appears in the status bar, and you need to be in range of the cellular network for calls to be forwarded.

If your carrier supports conditional call forwarding for when the line is busy or not in service, they have the setup information. You can also set up call waiting on iPad.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
  3. Tap Call Forwarding, then turn on Call Forwarding.

    The Call Forwarding icon appears in the status bar when call forwarding is on.

  4. Tap Forward To, enter the number you want to redirect to, and tap Back.

You need to be in range of the cellular network when setting iPad to forward calls, or calls won’t be forwarded.

If your carrier supports conditional call forwarding, which works when the line is busy or not in service, reach out to them for setup information.

See also

Tag: Phone

When your iPad has a low cellular signal, use Wi-Fi Calling to make and receive calls through a Wi-Fi network. When it’s available, you’ll see “Wi-Fi” after your carrier name in the status bar, and your calls go through Wi-Fi. Emergency calls go through cellular service when it’s available, though.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Cellular, tap Wi-Fi Calling, and then turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPad.
  3. Tap Enable and then follow the onscreen instructions.

    Note: Emergency calls on your iPad are routed through cellular service when available. In the event that cellular service isn’t available, and you have enabled Wi-Fi Calling, emergency calls may be made over Wi-Fi, and your device’s location information may be used for emergency calls to aid response efforts, regardless of whether you enable Location Services. Some carriers may use the address you registered with the carrier when signing up for Wi-Fi Calling as your location. When connected to Wi-Fi calling, your iPad may not receive emergency alerts.

With Wi-Fi Calling available, all your calls go through Wi-Fi, and you’ll see “Wi-Fi” after your carrier name in the status bar.

Note: If the Wi-Fi connection is lost when you make calls, calls switch automatically to your carrier’s cellular network using VoLTE (Voice over LTE), if available and turned on. See View or change cellular data settings. (VoLTE calls also switch to Wi-Fi when a Wi-Fi connection becomes available.) Contact your carrier for feature availability.

See also

Tags: Phone, Wi-Fi

The icons in the status bar at the top of the screen provide information about iPad. When Stage Manager or Windowed Apps is on, you’ll see additional icons in the menu bar. They cover privacy indicators, battery, connectivity, active sessions, and Stage Manager and multitasking.

An icon can tell you that an app is using your camera or microphone, that the iPad battery is charging, or that iPad is recording your screen. The more Wi-Fi bars, the stronger the connection, and when the battery icon is yellow, Low Power Mode is on.

Note: If you turn on a Focus, the status bar shows its icon.

Privacy Indicators

Status icon What it means
The Camera In Use icon. Camera in use. An app is using your camera.

If you’re not actively using a camera, check which app is running. See Control which apps have access to the camera and microphone.

The Microphone In Use icon. Microphone in use. An app is using your microphone.

If you’re not expecting an app to use your microphone, check which app is running. See Control which apps have access to the camera and microphone.

The Location Services status icon. Location services. An app is using Location Services. See Control which apps can use the location.
The Lock status icon. Lock. iPad is locked. See Wake, unlock, and lock iPad.

Battery

Status Icon What it means
The Battery status icon. Battery. Shows the iPad battery level. When the icon is yellow, Low Power Mode is on. See Show the iPad battery percentage.
The Battery Charging icon. Battery charging. The iPad battery is charging. When the icon is gray, charging is paused. See Charge the iPad battery.
The Bluetooth battery status icon. Bluetooth battery. Shows the battery level of a paired Bluetooth device. See Connect iPad to Bluetooth accessories.

Connectivity

Status icon What it means
The Wi-Fi status icon. Wi-Fi. iPad has connected to the internet over a Wi-Fi network. The more bars, the stronger the connection. See Connect iPad to the internet.
The cellular signal strength status icon (four bars). Cell signal. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is in range of the cellular network. If there’s no signal, “No service” appears.
The Airplane Mode status icon. Airplane Mode. Airplane Mode is on. Nonwireless features are available, but wireless functions may be disabled. See Choose iPad settings for travel.
The 5G status icon. 5G. Your carrier’s 5G network is available, and Models that support 5G can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).
The 5G status icon. 5G UC. Your carrier’s 5G UC network is available, which can include your carrier’s higher frequency version of 5G. Models that support 5G can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).
The 5G+ status icon. 5G+. Your carrier’s 5G+ network is available, which can include your carrier’s higher frequency version of 5G. Models that support 5G can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).
The 5G UW status icon. 5G UW. Your carrier’s 5G UW network is available, which can include your carrier’s higher frequency version of 5G. Models that support 5G can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).
The 5G E status icon. 5G E. Your carrier’s 5G E network is available, and Models that support 5G can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions). See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The LTE status icon. LTE. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is connected to the internet over a 4G LTE network (not available in all countries or regions). See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The 4G status icon. 4G. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is connected to the internet over a 4G network (not available in all countries or regions). See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The 3G status icon. 3G. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is connected to the internet over a 3G network. See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The EDGE status icon. EDGE. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is connected to the internet over an EDGE network. See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The GPRS status icon. GPRS. iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) is connected to the internet over a GPRS network. See View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).
The Personal Hotspot status icon. Personal Hotspot connection. iPad is connected to the internet through the Personal Hotspot of another device. See Join a Personal Hotspot.
The VPN status icon. VPN. iPad is connected to a network using VPN.
The Network Activity status icon. Network activity. Shows that there’s network activity. Some third-party apps may also use it to show an active process. See Connect to the internet.

Active Sessions

Status icon What it means
The Call Indicator icon. Phone call. iPad is on a phone call. See Make calls using Wi-Fi.
The FaceTime Indicator icon. FaceTime. iPad is on a FaceTime call. See Make FaceTime calls.
The Recording Indicator icon. Screen recording. iPad is recording your screen. See Take a screen recording.
The Personal Hotspot Indicator icon. Personal Hotspot. iPad is providing a Personal Hotspot. See Share your internet connection from your iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) with Personal Hotspot.
The Navigation Indicator icon. Navigation. iPad is providing turn-by-turn directions. See Get driving directions in Maps.
The Syncing status icon. Syncing. iPad is syncing with your computer. See Transfer files between your iPad and other devices.
The Do Not Disturb status icon. Do Not Disturb. Do Not Disturb is turned on. See Turn on or schedule a Focus.
The Portrait Orientation Lock status icon. Orientation lock. The screen orientation is locked.

To unlock your screen orientation, open Control Center and tap the Portrait Orientation Lock status icon. See Rotate your iPad screen.

The Alarm status icon. Alarm. An alarm is set. See Set an alarm.

Stage Manager and Multitasking

Status icon What it means
The Stage Manager icon. Stage Manager. Stage Manager is on. Apps appear in windows you can resize and overlap.
The Window Controls icons. Windowed Apps/menu bar. Windowed Apps or Stage Manager is on and a menu bar is available at the top of the screen.

Media

Status icon What it means
The Headphones connected status icon. Headphones connected. iPad is paired with Bluetooth® headphones that are turned on and within Bluetooth range. See Connect iPad to Bluetooth accessories.
The AirPlay status icon. AirPlay. AirPlay is on. See Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV 4K or a smart TV.

Accessibility

Accessibility icons

Status icon What it means
The Voice Control icon. Voice Control. Voice Control is turned on, and you can use Voice Control to interact with iPad.
The TTY status icon. RTT. RTT is turned on. See Set up and use RTT.

See also

Tag: iPadOS

You can find your serial number, IMEI, and model information, including the name, iPadOS software version, model name, model number, and number of songs, videos, photos, and apps. You can also view cellular data usage, and see Legal & Regulatory information, like legal notices and license, warranty, and RF exposure information.

Find your serial number, IMEI, and model information

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General and tap About. The items you can view include:
    • Name
    • iPadOS software version
    • Model Name
    • Model Number. To the right of Model Number, the part number appears. To see the model number, tap the part number.
    • Serial number
    • Network (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
    • Number of songs, videos, photos, and apps
    • Capacity and available storage space
    • Carrier (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
    • Cellular Data Number (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® addresses
    • ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier, or Smart Card) for GSM networks (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
    • MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) for CDMA networks (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)
    • Available SIM or SIMs (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)

Quick tip: To copy the serial number or other identifiers, touch and hold the one you want until Copy appears.

To see Legal & Regulatory information (including legal notices and license, warranty, and RF exposure information) and regulatory marks, go to the Settings app, tap General, then tap Legal & Regulatory.

View cellular data usage

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Cellular Data.

For more on cellular data settings, read our guide, View or change cellular data settings on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models).

View or turn off diagnostic information

To help Apple improve products and services, iPad sends diagnostic and usage data based on the settings you turn on. This data, Apple says, is anonymous, but may include location information.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security and tap Analytics & Improvements.

See also

Tag: iPadOS

When you log your menstrual cycle, you can check the predicted date for your next period or fertile window, receive notifications about when your next period or fertile window is expected to be approaching, view details about your cycle history, and more.

Your cycle summary shows your last menstrual period, typical period length, and typical cycle length, and you can send or save a PDF of your cycle history. You can also turn off period, fertility, and cycle deviation notifications.

View your cycle timeline

Tap the Browse button, then tap Cycle Tracking.

At the top of the screen, a timeline shows the following icons.

Icon Description
A predicted period day.
A predicted day of your fertile window.
A day you likely ovulated (requires Apple Watch Series 8 or later or any Apple Watch Ultra model to be paired with your iPhone; not available in all regions).
A day you logged a period.
A day you added information (for example, noting a headache or cramping).

To select different days, swipe the timeline.

Check the dates for your predicted next period and for your reported last period

  1. Go to the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Scroll to Highlights to see when your next period is likely to start.

    If you don’t see the estimate, tap Show All next to Highlights.

  4. Scroll to Summary to see the date of your last period and your typical cycle length.

If you don’t see a period prediction, make sure you have Period Predictions turned on in Options.

View your cycle history

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. To see a summary of your last three cycles, scroll down to Cycle History.
  4. To see summaries of all previous cycles, tap a cycle.

    To send or save a PDF of your cycle history, tap Export PDF, tap the Share button, then choose an option.

  5. To see details about a cycle, tap it.

    To change any details for the cycle, tap Edit.

    To send or save a PDF of the cycle details, tap Export PDF, tap the Share button, then choose an option.

If you receive a Cycle Deviation notification

If your logged cycle history shows a possible cycle deviation, you can receive a notification. Common cycle deviations include irregular periods, infrequent periods, prolonged periods, and persistent spotting, which may indicate an underlying condition or could be due to other factors.

When you receive a notification, do the following to review your logged cycle history:

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Review Cycle History in the Possible Cycle Deviation notification.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm, add, or edit the data in your cycle history.

If a cycle deviation is detected, a screen suggests what to do next.

View your cycle summary

A summary covers your last menstrual period, ongoing factors, typical period length, typical cycle length, and more.

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Scroll down then tap Summary.
  4. Scroll to view statistics of your last year of data.

Change cycle tracking notifications, cycle prediction displays, and other options

You can turn off period, fertility, and cycle deviation notifications and hide period and fertility predictions, among other things, and turn any of them on again at any time.

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Scroll down, tap Options, and then turn options on or off.

About your health data and privacy

Apple says the information you add about yourself in Health is yours to use and share. You can decide what information is stored in Health as well as who can access your data.

When your iPad is locked with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, all of your health and fitness data in Health, other than your Medical ID, is encrypted. Any health data synced to iCloud is encrypted both in transit and on Apple servers. And if you have a version of iPadOS, iOS, and watchOS (if you’re using iPhone and Apple Watch for cycle tracking) with default two-factor authentication and a passcode, your health and activity data is stored in a way that Apple can’t read it.

This means that when you use the Cycle Tracking feature and two-factor authentication, your health data synced to iCloud is encrypted end to end, and Apple doesn’t have the key to decrypt the data and therefore cannot read it.

See also

Tag: Health

When you log a pregnancy in the Health app, you can view your gestational age and log the symptoms frequently experienced during pregnancy.

The Health app can help you better understand your data during pregnancy by making adjustments and recommendations that reflect changes in your physical and mental health. You can log the first day of your last period, an estimated due date, or how many weeks along you are.

The Cycle Tracking screen with a pregnancy timeline for a week at the top of the screen. Light green ovals and purple dots mark the first 7 days on the timeline. Dashed light green ovals mark the other days on the timeline. Below the timeline is the pregnancy summary showing the gestational age, start date, and estimated due date. Below the pregnancy summary are options to add information about bleeding during pregnancy, symptoms, and more.

Log a pregnancy

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Scroll down and tap Factors. Then tap the Add button.
  4. Tap Pregnancy, then tap Begin.
  5. Do one of the following:

    • Log the first day of your last period: Tap Last Menstrual Period.
    • Log an estimated due date: Tap Estimated Due Date.
    • Log how far along the pregnancy is in weeks: Tap Estimated Gestational Age.
    • Log when the embryo was transferred during IVF: Tap Embryo Transfer Date.

    Note: To log a previous pregnancy, tap Log a Past Pregnancy.

  6. Tap Next, follow the onscreen instructions and tap Next.
  7. Tap Next and then do the following:

    • Turn on mental health questionnaire reminders (optional): Tap Turn On Notifications.
    • Add your pregnancy to your Medical ID (optional): Tap Turn On Notifications.
    • Review your medication information: Tap Learn More below a medication to learn about any potential impact on your pregnancy and tap Next.
  8. Review the Cycle Timeline and tap Done.

While logging a pregnancy, you get a variety of recommendations of notifications that should be turned on or off during and after pregnancy:

  • Walking Steadiness: Recommended to be turned on. Walking Steadiness can alert you more quickly during your third trimester, when the risk of falling can increase.
  • High Heart Rate (Apple Watch only): If your high heart rate notification threshold is set below 120 beats per minute (bpm), you’re asked to review and adjust it.
  • Cardio Fitness (Apple Watch only): Cardio Fitness notifications are recommended to be turned off during and until 12 weeks after the end of your pregnancy.

Log bleeding and other symptoms

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Swipe to select a day. Do any of the following:

    • Log bleeding: Tap Bleeding During Pregnancy, tap Had Bleeding, select a bleeding level, and then tap Done.

      Note: When you log bleeding during your pregnancy, you receive a notification recommending that you contact your doctor or care team.

    • Log symptoms or other information: Swipe the timeline to select a day, tap a category (below Other Data), supply the information, and then tap Done.

To add categories to the data logging screen, tap Options next to Log, then choose from the categories below Log.

View the pregnancy cycle timeline

Tap the Browse button, then tap Cycle Tracking.

At the top of the screen, a timeline shows the following icons.

Icon Description
A day you logged a pregnancy.
A future day where you may still be pregnant.
The day of your estimated due date.

To select different days, swipe the timeline.

Edit your pregnancy details

  1. Open the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Browse button and tap Cycle Tracking.
  3. Tap the Pregnancy area, then do any of the following:
    • Change the estimation method: Tap Change and tap an estimation method.
    • Edit your estimation method: Tap a field to make a change.
    • Delete your pregnancy information: Tap Delete Factor from Health.
  4. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

About your health data and privacy

The information you add about yourself in Health is yours to use and share, according to Apple. You can decide what information is stored in Health as well as who can access your data.

If you choose to add a pregnancy to Medical ID, your pregnancy status will be accessible on the Lock Screen if Show When Locked is enabled on iPhone. Your pregnancy status will also be shared with first responders during an emergency call if Share During Emergency Call is enabled. You can change your Medical ID settings at any time by going to your Health app Profile on your iPhone. You can remove or update your pregnancy status in Medical ID if your status changes.

When your iPad is locked with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, all of your health and fitness data in Health, other than your Medical ID, is encrypted. Any health data synced to iCloud is encrypted both in transit and on Apple servers. And if you have a version of iPadOS, iOS, and watchOS (if you’re using iPhone and Apple Watch for cycle tracking) with default two-factor authentication and a passcode, your health and activity data is stored in a way that Apple can’t read it.

This means that when you use the Cycle Tracking feature and two-factor authentication, your health data synced to iCloud is encrypted end to end, and Apple doesn’t have the key to decrypt the data and therefore cannot read it.

See also

Tag: Health

To personalize your experience, add your name, date of birth, sex, blood type, and other basic information to Health Details. When you first open Health, you’re asked to provide this basic information, and you can fill in anything you skipped later on the Health Details screen.

Fill out the Health Details screen

The first time you open Health, you’re asked to provide basic health information about yourself. Didn’t supply all of it? You can add the rest later on the Health Details screen.

  1. Go to the Health app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Summary in the sidebar and tap Profile next to your picture or initials at the top left.
  3. Tap Health Details and tap Edit.

    The Health Details screen, which includes fields for name, birth date, sex, blood type, and other information.

  4. To make a change, tap a field.
  5. When you’re finished, tap the Checkmark button. Then swipe down to exit.

See also

Tag: Health

You can set timers to count down from specified times.

You can give a timer a name, like “Take the cookies out of the oven,” and choose a sound to play when the timer ends. You can also set multiple timers, or set a timer to stop playing audio or video, and a timer keeps going even when iPad goes to sleep.

Here’s how to set timers in Clock on iPad.

Siri: Ask Siri something like: “Set the timer for 3 minutes.” Learn how to use Siri.

Set a custom timer

  1. Start the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Timers and then set a duration of time.
  3. Choose any of the following options:
    • Label: Give the timer a name, like “Take the cookies out of the oven.”
    • When Timer Ends: Choose a sound to play when the timer ends.
  4. Tap Start.

Note: The timer keeps going even if you open another app or iPad goes to sleep.

Any custom timer you set appears below Recent, so it’s there whenever you want to start the same timer again.

Set a timer to stop playing audio or video

The timer can also stop audio or video playback after a specific amount of time, which helps if you fall asleep while listening to the radio, for example.

  1. Start the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Set a custom timer, as above.
  3. Tap When Timer Ends and tap Stop Playing at the bottom of the list of sounds.
  4. Tap Set, then tap Start.

Set multiple timers

To keep track of different tasks at the same time, you can add more timers after you start a custom timer.

The Timers tab showing settings to set a timer. A recently created timer is below the timer settings. The World Clock, Alarm, Stopwatch, and Timers buttons are along the bottom.

  1. Start the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Timers, then start a timer.
  3. Tap the Add button at the top right and then do one of the following:

    • Add a custom timer: Set a duration of time, add a label or sound and tap the Start button.
    • Add a preset timer: Swipe left below Presets. Tap a preset duration of time (like 1, 5, or 10 minutes).
    • Add a recent timer: Tap the Start button next to a timer you’ve recently set.

      If you select a preset or recent timer, tap the timer to edit the label and sound.

Stop, pause, or remove a timer

When a timer ends, you get a notification at the top of your screen, no matter which app you’re using. Tap the Cancel button to clear the notification, or tap the Reset button if you want the timer to run again. You can also tap Repeat or Stop from the Lock Screen.

You can also pause or remove a timer early.

  1. Start the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Timers and then do any of the following:
    • Pause a timer: Tap the Pause button next to the timer to stop it momentarily. Tap the Start button to continue counting down.
    • Remove a timer: Swipe left, then tap the Trash button.
    • Remove several timers: Tap Edit and tap the Remove button. Then tap the Trash button.

From your Lock Screen, you can swipe left on a timer, then tap Clear.

See also

Tag: Clock

You can turn your iPad into an alarm clock, or simply ask Siri to set one for you. Alarms can be set for any time and repeated on specific days of the week, and you can adjust how long the snooze lasts.

You can give an alarm a label and choose a song or ringtone. You can also change the alarm’s volume, and turn off or remove an alarm whenever you like.

Siri: Ask Siri something like: “Set an alarm for 7 a.m.” Learn how to use Siri.

The Alarms tab in the Clock app, with settings to change the time of the alarm, choose whether the alarm repeats, add an alarm label, select an alarm sound, turn on snooze, and change the snooze duration.

Set an alarm

  1. Open the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Alarms and tap the Add button.
  3. Set the time and choose any of the following options:
    • Repeat: Choose the days of the week you want the alarm to repeat.
    • Label: Give the alarm a name, like “Water the plants.”
    • Sound: Choose a song or a ringtone.
    • Snooze: Turn on to see a Snooze button with your alarm.
    • Snooze Duration: Choose how long to pause the alarm.
  4. Tap the Done button.

To change the alarm, tap the alarm time. Or tap Edit at the top left, then tap the alarm time.

Change the alarm’s volume

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Sounds and then do any of the following below Alarms and Timers:
    • Turn off Match Ringtone Volume, then drag the volume slider.
    • Turn on Match Ringtone Volume.

Quick tip: If you’d like the volume buttons on your device to adjust the alarm volume, turn on Change with Buttons.

Your alarm sounds even when you:

  • Turn on Silent mode.
  • Turn on Do Not Disturb (or another Focus).
  • Connect headphones to your iPad. The alarm plays at a set volume through both the built-in speakers on your iPad as well as your headphones.

Turn off an alarm

  1. Open the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Alarms.
  3. Tap the button below the alarm time.

Remove an alarm

  1. Open the Clock app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Alarms.
  3. Tap Edit at the top right, tap the Delete button, and tap the Done button.

See also

Tag: Clock