If you have an iPad that supports cellular, you can connect to a plan from your wireless carrier using eSIM. Here’s how to get started.
How to Activate eSIM on your iPad
We’ll show you how to activate your cellular plan using eSIM carrier activation, how to transfer your plan from another iPad, how to join a plan connected to your iPhone, how to find a new plan, and how to use a QR code provided by your carrier.
Before you start, make sure you’re using a cellular-compatible iPad that supports eSIM. eSIM is compatible with iPad Pro with M4, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd through 6th generation, iPad Pro 11-inch, 1st through 4th generation, iPad Air with M2, iPad Air 3rd through 5th generation, iPad 7th through 10th generation, and iPad Mini 5th and 6th generation.
You’ll need to select a wireless carrier that supports eSIM, and you should also update your iPad to the latest version of iPad OS.
How to activate your cellular plan using eSIM carrier activation
If you purchased a plan from a supported carrier, your provider can send your eSIM plan directly to your iPad using eSIM carrier activation, which you can activate while setting up your iPad or at any time after setup.
- Once you’ve set up your iPad, your carrier will send you a notification that your cellular plan is ready to be installed.
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You can tap the notification, or when a badge appears on the Settings icon, just open Settings, tap Cellular Data, and tap the button for your cellular plan to install it. Then tap Continue, and follow the prompts to finish activating your plan until the cellular setup is complete.
Your eSIM will then be ready to use.
How to transfer your plan from another iPad
If you have a previous iPad with a cellular plan, and your carrier supports eSIM and offers eSIM quick transfer, you can transfer your service while setting up your iPad or any time after setup without contacting your provider.
We’re going to transfer after setup.
In Settings, on your new iPad, tap Cellular Data, then tap Transfer iPad Plan.
Tap the plan you would like to transfer, and tap Transfer.
Next, on your previous iPad, you’ll get a notification asking if you want to transfer your service.
Tap Transfer SIM, and on your new iPad, follow the on-screen prompts to finish transferring your service.
Then just wait for activation to complete. This might take a few minutes. When it’s done, cellular setup will be complete, and your eSIM will be ready to use.
How to join a plan connected to your iPhone
If your carrier supports it, you can set up an eSIM by adding your iPad to an existing iPhone cellular plan.
- In Settings, on your iPad, tap Cellular Data, and then tap Join iPhone Plan.
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Now you can tap Add next to the plan you’d like to join, and follow the on-screen prompts until cellular setup is complete.
Your eSIM will then be ready to use.
How to find a new plan
You can set up a new cellular plan directly on your iPad with supported local carriers.
- In Settings, tap Cellular Data, and then tap Find a New Plan.
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Your iPad will populate supported service providers based on your location. Just make sure your iPad has Location Services turned on in your Privacy and Security settings.
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If a carrier you’d like to use doesn’t appear, contact them directly. If it does appear, you can select the carrier you want to use, and follow the on-screen prompts to set up and activate your plan until the cellular setup is complete.
Your eSIM will then be ready to use.
How to use a QR code provided by your carrier
If you purchased a cellular plan from your carrier and were provided a QR code, you can use it to activate your eSIM while setting up your iPad or anytime after setup.
We’re going to activate a plan after setup.
- In Settings, tap Cellular Data.
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Tap Use QR Code. Then follow the prompts, which includes scanning the QR code with the camera on your iPad.
Your iPad will activate your service, and when the cellular setup completes, your eSIM will be ready to use.
Now you can get started with your wireless plan and stay connected with your iPad.
To learn more about your iPad, tap or click another article to keep reading.