Set up mobile data service on your iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular model
If you have an iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular model, you can sign up for a mobile data plan. This helps you stay connected when you're away from a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Use an eSIM
There are multiple ways to activate mobile data on iPad using eSIM. To set up a mobile data plan using an eSIM on your iPad, use eSIM Carrier Activation, transfer your plan from another iPad, join an existing iPhone mobile plan, find a new plan, use a QR code or use your carrier’s iPad app.
Find out more about eSIM on iPad
Find out more about mobile data on iPad
Find out which iPad model you have
In China mainland, activating a mobile data plan with eSIM from a local service provider is only available with iPad models that support eSIM in China mainland. Find out more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland.
Use a physical SIM card from your carrier
If your iPad supports it, you can use a physical SIM card from your service provider to activate a mobile data plan1. If you set up a mobile data plan using a physical SIM card at your local carrier, then the SIM card will be activated. Just open the SIM card tray and insert the SIM card from your carrier. If you have a SIM card from your previous iPad that you would like to transfer to your new iPad, remove the SIM card from your previous iPad and insert it into the SIM card tray on your new iPad.
If you can't connect to mobile data, go to Settings > Mobile Data and make sure that mobile data is on.
If you need help transferring a plan, or if you use a corporate or postpaid account, you might need to contact your service provider.2
Change your plan
To change or check the status of your plan, go to Settings > Mobile Data. If you set up your mobile data plan with a service provider, you might need to contact them directly to change your plan.
You can have multiple plans on your iPad by signing up on your iPad with multiple service providers, adding multiple eSIM plans and inserting a SIM card in the nano-SIM tray. To switch between active plans, go to Settings > Mobile Data and tap the plan you want to use under Mobile Data Plans.
Deactivate your plan
Some service providers allow you to deactivate your mobile data plan, which is either pre-paid or post-paid, on your device. To deactivate a prepaid plan, which is contract free, don't renew it at the end of the month.
Post-paid plans renew monthly. To deactivate a post-paid plan:
Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
Tap the name of your service provider and choose not to renew your plan.
If a message says that the account type isn’t supported or if you got a SIM from your carrier and you can’t see a Manage Carrier Account button, call your carrier and ask them to deactivate your account.
If you have an iPad with Apple SIM or embedded Apple SIM
As of 1 October 2022, Apple SIM technology is no longer available for activating new mobile data plans on iPad. Contact your service provider for details on how to activate a mobile data plan on iPad.
If you’re not sure if your iPad uses Apple SIM, find your iPad model and click the link for its tech specs.
1 iPad Pro (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPad Air (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular models purchased worldwide exclusively connect to mobile networks using eSIM and do not have a physical SIM card.
2 Your iPad is subject to your wireless service provider’s policies, which may include restrictions on transferring a data plan. Contact your service provider for more details. If you're not sure which carrier to call, go to Settings > Carrier on your iPad or remove the SIM card and check the card for the carrier’s name or logo.
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