On models that support eSIM, you can activate the cellular service from your iPad. You may also be able to travel abroad with iPad and sign up for cellular service with a local carrier in the country or region you’re visiting.
Note: eSIM isn’t available in all countries and regions, and not all carriers are supported.
Go to Settings > Cellular Data.
Do one of the following:
Set up the first cellular plan on your iPad: Select a carrier, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Add another cellular plan: Tap Add a New Plan.
Scan a QR code provided by a carrier: Tap Other, then position iPad so that the QR code provided by your carrier appears in the frame, or enter the details manually. You may be asked to enter a confirmation code provided by your carrier.
Alternatively, you can activate your cellular plan through your carrier’s app (if supported). Go to the AppStore, download your carrier’s app, then use the app to purchase a cellular plan.
You can store more than one eSIM on your iPad, but you can use only one eSIM at a time. To switch to another eSIM, go to Settings> Cellular Data, then tap the plan you want to use (below SIMs).
FAQs
If you can't connect to cellular data, go to Settings > Cellular Data and make sure that cellular data is on.
Can a Wi-Fi iPad be converted to cellular? ›
How do I turn my iPad into WiFi + cellular? If you have a WiFi only iPad, you don't. The WiFi only iPad lacks the cellular radio. If you want to use cellular, you will need to buy (and carry and keep charged) a separate WiFi hotspot or use your iPhone or other smartphone as a personal hotspot.
Can I add a cellular plan to my WiFi iPad? ›
If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, you can sign up for a cellular data plan. This helps you stay connected to the internet when you're away from a Wi-Fi network. The cellular connection requires a SIM and a wireless data plan from a carrier.
Does an iPad cellular need a SIM card? ›
The cellular connection requires a SIM and a wireless data plan from a carrier. iPad supports the following types of SIM: eSIM (on supported models; not available in all countries and regions) Physical SIM (not supported on iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) or iPad Pro 13-inch (M4))
Can I use my iPad as a cell phone? ›
After you set up your iPhone to allow calls on your other devices, you can make and receive phone calls on your iPad and Mac. Make a call: Tap a phone number in Contacts, Calendar, FaceTime, Messages, Search, or Safari. Or open FaceTime, tap or click New FaceTime, then enter a contact or phone number.
How do I connect my iPad to a network? ›
From your Home screen, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Turn on Wi-Fi. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to join.
Can you put a SIM in a Wi-Fi only iPad? ›
The WiFi-only iPad connects to the internet using wireless access. Because it is the only option for this particular iPad, you will only be able to connect to the internet when you are within range of a WiFi hotspot. None of the WiFi-only iPads support eSIM technology.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi cellular iPad? ›
Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi-Fi. Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi‑Fi.
How can I tell if my iPad is cellular capable? ›
Examine your iPad
If you see a tray that pops out, it's designed to hold a SIM card used for cellular connectivity. Model number: Flip your iPad over and locate the model number, printed in tiny font on the back. You can search online for the exact model specifications to confirm if it supports cellular data.
Do you need a separate plan for cellular iPad? ›
Yes. If you're planning on using your tablet mostly at home using your home internet Wi-Fi, or in other locations with ample, secure Wi-Fi access, you might not need a data plan for your tablet. Almost all tablets available today come in both cellular + Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi-only models.
On the previous generation models, the cellular versions of both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro included a physical SIM card slot. In the new devices, that's no longer the case. All cellular models now support eSIM only.
Do you pay monthly for Wi-Fi and cellular on iPad? ›
Unless you have a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad - and have added a Cellular plan to enable use of its Cellular features - no, you do not have any recurrent charges.
How to activate cellular on iPad? ›
Go to Settings > Cellular Data, then turn Cellular Data on or off for any app (such as Maps) or service (such as Wi-Fi Assist) that can use cellular data. If a setting is off, iPad uses only Wi-Fi for that service. Note: Wi-Fi Assist is on by default.
Why can't I get cellular data on my iPad? ›
Your device needs to connect to the nearest cellular station. If you can't find one, especially in a rural area, you won't get cellular data. Misconfiguration. If you get some settings incorrectly, like Airplane Mode turned on or data restrictions enabled, your cellular will not work.
Can you FaceTime on an iPad? ›
You can use FaceTime on any of these devices on Wi-Fi: iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling).
Why does my iPad have no service? ›
In Settings, tap Cellular. If you're using iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), tap Settings > Cellular Data. Tap to turn Cellular Data off and on, then verify that service bars have replaced the “No Service,” “Searching,” “SOS only,” or “SOS” message. Alternatively, you can turn Airplane Mode on and off.
How do I know if my iPad can get cellular data? ›
You can tell if your iPad is cellular by looking at the top of it. Does it have a black or white strip? If it does, it has cellular capabilities. It will also have a SIM slot, like a mobile phone, that you can put a nano-SIM card into.
How do I turn on cellular data? ›
How to turn on mobile data on Android phones
- Swipe down from the top of the home screen to get to the control panel.
- Tap 'Data Usage'
- Swipe to 'On'
What is the benefit of having an iPad with cellular? ›
Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi-Fi. Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi‑Fi.