About eSIM on iPad

Learn what an eSIM is, which iPad models support eSIM, and how to set up an eSIM on your iPad.

What is eSIM

An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can set up a cellular data plan on some iPad models using an eSIM. An eSIM is a convenient and secure way to connect to cellular data on your iPad when you're away from Wi-Fi.

On your iPad, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. When traveling internationally, you can roam with your existing carrier or purchase an eSIM from a local carrier that supports eSIM in the country or region you are visiting.

Learn more about cellular data on iPad

What you need

  • An iPad that supports eSIM:

    • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi Cellular*

    • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generation) Wi-Fi Cellular

    • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi Cellular*

    • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st through 4th generation) Wi-Fi Cellular

    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi Cellular*

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi Cellular*

    • iPad Air (3rd through 5th generation) Wi-Fi Cellular

    • iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi Cellular*

    • iPad mini (5th and 6th generation) Wi-Fi Cellular

    • iPad (7th through 10th generation) Wi-Fi Cellular

Activating a cellular data plan with eSIM in China mainland is only available with iPad models that support eSIM in China mainland. Contact China Unicom for more details.

Find out which iPad model you have

* iPad Pro (M4) Wi-Fi Cellular, iPad Air (M2) Wi-Fi Cellular, and iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi Cellular models are activated with an eSIM and do not have a physical SIM card.

Use an eSIM

There are multiple ways to activate cellular data on iPad using eSIM. To set up a cellular data plan using an eSIM on your iPad, use eSIM Carrier Activation, transfer your plan from another iPad, join an existing iPhone cellular plan, find a new plan, use a QR code, or use your carrier's iPad app.

iPad Pro screen displaying cellular data plan options for setting up eSIM.

Use eSIM Carrier Activation

If your provider supports eSIM Carrier Activation, they can assign a new eSIM to your iPad. If an eSIM was assigned to your iPad when you bought it, turn on your iPad and follow the onscreen instructions. Your eSIM will be installed through setup.

If you contacted your carrier for an eSIM after you set up your iPad, and they set up eSIM Carrier Activation:

  1. When a Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed notification appears, tap it.

  2. In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.

  3. Tap Continue.

If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM card, remove your SIM card, then restart your iPad.

Transfer your plan from another iPad

Some carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer, which transfers your SIM from your previous iPad to your new iPad without needing to contact your carrier. If you're asked to transfer your cellular plan during setup, follow the onscreen instructions.

You can also transfer your eSIM from another iPad after setup:

  1. Make sure your iPad is using the latest version of iPadOS.

  2. Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Transfer iPad Plan.

  3. If you see a Transfer button next to the line you want, tap it.

  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to transfer service. You might need to wait a few minutes for activation to complete.

If you don't see a Transfer button, or if you can't transfer a plan, you might need to contact your carrier.1

Join an existing iPhone plan

If supported by your carrier, you can set up a cellular data plan by adding your iPad to an existing iPhone cellular plan.

  1. Make sure your iPad is using the latest version of iPadOS.

  2. Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Join iPhone Plan, then follow the onscreen instructions.

If you can't select Join iPhone Plan, make sure that you enabled Wi-Fi on the iPad, and that you're signed in with the same Apple Account on both your iPhone and iPad.

Find and set up a new plan

Some carriers support purchasing and setting up a cellular data plan directly on your iPad. To see a list of local carriers available, make sure location services are on. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn on Location Services.

  1. Make sure your iPad is using the latest version of iPadOS.

  2. Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Find a New Plan.

  3. Select a carrier from the list of local carriers.

  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up and activate your new cellular data plan on your iPad.

Use a QR code

You can use a QR code from your carrier to activate an eSIM on your iPad.

Activate an eSIM using a QR code while setting up your iPad for the first time:

  1. When you get to the Set Up Cellular screen, tap Use QR code.

  2. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Activate an eSIM using a QR code after setting up your iPad:

  1. Contact your carrier to get a QR code.

  2. Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.

  3. If you're using an iPad with iPadOS 17.4 or later, and you get a QR from your carrier in an email or from the carrier's webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.

  4. Tap Continue.

  5. Tap Add Cellular Plan.

Your carrier may require the use of a confirmation code for additional authentication. Enter the confirmation code provided by the carrier when prompted.

Other eSIM activation methods

Some carriers may support other eSIM activation methods to help you to set up a cellular data plan on your iPad.

Use a link

If your carrier sends you a link to download and activate your eSIM:

  1. On your iPad with iPadOS 17.4 or later, tap the link.

  2. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.

  3. Tap Continue.

Use a carrier app

If your carrier supports activating eSIM using an app, download your carrier's app from the App Store and follow the onscreen instructions.

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPad

Learn about the options and benefits of using eSIM while traveling abroad.

  • Your existing carrier might include international roaming on select data plans without additional fees. Alternatively, your carrier might offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use at your destination. International roaming with an eSIM works the same as roaming with a physical SIM.

  • Many carriers offer data plan options that you can purchase directly on your iPad while traveling. To do this, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Find a New Plan to see available plans in your location. Carriers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

  • Carriers also offer prepaid data plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Depending on local regulations, you might be asked to show identification (like your passport) to purchase. Check with individual carriers for details.

  • In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you might wish to get a postpaid account if you plan to be in another place for an extended time. Carriers around the world that support eSIM offer postpaid plans. Depending on the country or region, you might need proof of local residency, an established local bank account, or credit card.

  • Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service on iPad.

1 Your iPad is subject to your wireless service provider’s policies, which may include restrictions on transferring a data plan. Contact your carrier for more details. If you aren't sure which carrier to call, go to Settings > Carrier on your iPad.

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