About eSIM on iPad

Find out 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 mobile plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM. You can set up a mobile data plan on some iPad models using an eSIM. An eSIM is a convenient and secure way to connect to mobile data on your iPad when you’re away from a Wi-Fi network.

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

Find out more about mobile 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 to 6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• A wireless network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Activating a mobile 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

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 Network Provider Activation, transfer your plan from another iPad, join an existing iPhone mobile plan, find a new plan, use a QR code or use your network provider's iPad app.

Use eSIM Network Provider 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 the setup process.

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

1. When a Provider Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed notification appears, tap it.

2. In the Settings app, tap Provider Mobile Data 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 network providers support eSIM Quick Transfer, which transfers your SIM from your previous iPad to your new iPad without needing to contact your network provider. If you’re asked to transfer your mobile plan during the setup process, follow the onscreen instructions.

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

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

2. Go to Settings > Mobile 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 finish.

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

Join an existing iPhone plan

If supported by your network provider, you can set up a mobile data plan by adding your iPad to an existing iPhone mobile plan.

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

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

If you can’t select Join iPhone Plan, make sure you’ve 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 network providers support purchasing and setting up a mobile data plan directly on your iPad. To see a list of local network providers 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 running the latest version of iPadOS.

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

3. Select a network provider from the list of local network providers.

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

Use a QR code

You can use a QR code from your network provider 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 Mobile 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 network provider to get a QR code.

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

3. If you’re using an iPad with iPadOS 17.4 or later, and you receive a QR code from your network provider in an email or from the network provider’s web page, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.

4. Tap Continue.

5. Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.

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

Other eSIM activation methods

Some network providers may support other eSIM activation methods to help you to set up a mobile data plan on your iPad.

Use a link

If your network provider 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 network provider's app

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

Use eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPad

Find out about the options and benefits of using eSIM while travelling abroad.

• Your existing network provider may include international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees. Alternatively, your network provider may offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use when you arrive at your destination. International roaming with an eSIM works just like roaming with a physical SIM.

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

• Network providers also offer pre-paid data plan options you can purchase from the providers’ websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a network provider kiosk at the airport, network provider shop or other location. Depending on local regulations, you may be asked to provide identification (such as your passport) in order to complete the purchase. Check with individual network providers for details.

• In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you may want to get a post-paid account if you’re planning to be in another place for an extended period of time. Network providers around the world that support eSIM offer post-paid plans. Depending on the country or region, you may need to provide proof of local residency, an established local bank account or credit card.

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