Set up eSIM on iPad

Learn about eSIM and how to set up an eSIM on your iPad.

What is eSIM on iPad?

An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPad, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This innovative feature enables you to switch between SIMs effortlessly, manage eight or more eSIMs, and activate new plans digitally. With eSIM, you enjoy greater flexibility, enhanced convenience, better security, and seamless connectivity, especially when traveling internationally.

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. Find wireless carriers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service on iPad in the country or region you are visiting.

Learn more about cellular data on iPad

What you need

  • A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

  • An iPad that supports eSIM:

    • iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular*

    • iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular*

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

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

    • iPad Air 13-inch (M2, M3, M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular*

    • iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular*

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

    • iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular*

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

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

    • iPad mini (5th and 6th 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. Find out which iPad model you have. Contact China Unicom for more details.

*iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular models and later, iPad Pro (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular models and later, iPad Air (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular models and later, and iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi + Cellular models and later are activated with an eSIM and do not have a physical SIM card.

How to activate an eSIM on iPad

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 on iPad

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, allowing you to transfer the SIM from your previous iPad to your new iPad without needing to contact them. 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 as follows:

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

  2. Open the Settings app.

  3. Tap Cellular Data, then tap Transfer iPad Plan.

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

  5. 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

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

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. Open the Settings app.

  3. Tap Cellular Data.

  4. Tap Join iPhone Plan and 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.

  1. View a list of local carriers available and make sure location services are on.

    1. Open the Settings app.

    2. Tap Privacy & Security.

    3. Tap Location Services.

    4. Turn on Location Services.

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

  3. Set up the new plan.

    1. Open the Settings app.

    2. Tap Cellular Data, then tap 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 as follows:

  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 as follows:

  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 might 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, follow these steps:

  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.

Traveling internationally with your iPad

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

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