Transfer your cellular data plan to another iPad

When you buy a new iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), you can transfer the cellular data plan from your previous iPad to your new one. 

First, find out which kind of SIM cards your devices have (both your previous and new iPad). Then go to the appropriate section below.

Transfer from one iPad with an embedded Apple SIM to another

These iPad models have an embedded Apple SIM:1

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular model
  • iPad Pro 10.5-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular model
  • iPad Pro (9.7-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular model

If the plan on your previous iPad uses a nano-SIM card, follow these steps. If both your previous and your new iPad use an embedded Apple SIM, follow these steps:

  1. On the new iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Set up Cellular Data.
  2. If you see a Transfer button next to the carrier you want, tap it. Then follow the directions to transfer service. You might need to wait a few minutes for the activation to complete.
  3. If you don’t see a Transfer button, or if you can't transfer a plan, you might need to contact your carrier.2

Transfer from one iPad with a SIM card to another

The way you transfer a plan depends on the kind of SIM card in each iPad. 

If the SIM cards in each iPad are the same size

If you have a nano-SIM card in both devices or a micro-SIM card in both devices, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off both devices: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears. Then drag the slider.
  2. Use the SIM-removal tool that came with your iPad to open the SIM tray on your previous iPad.
  3. Open the SIM tray on your new iPad. If there's a SIM card on the SIM tray, remove it.
  4. Insert the SIM from your previous iPad in the SIM tray of your new iPad.
  5. Close the tray completely and in the same orientation that you removed it (it will only fit one way).
  6. Turn on both devices.

It might take a few minutes for the activation to complete.

If you need help transferring a plan, or if you use a corporate or post-paid account, you might need to contact your carrier.2

If one iPad has a Micro SIM card and the other has a nano-SIM card

  1. Contact your carrier2 to get a new nano-SIM card for your new iPad.
  2. Turn off both devices: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the red slider appears. Then drag the slider.
  3. Use the SIM-removal tool that came with your iPad to open the SIM tray on your previous iPad.
  4. Open the SIM tray on your new iPad. If there's a SIM card on the SIM tray, remove it.
  5. Insert the new SIM card in the SIM tray of your new iPad.
  6. Close the tray completely and in the same orientation that you removed it. It will fit only one way.
  7. Turn on both devices.

If you need help transferring a plan, or if you use a corporate or post-paid account, you might need to contact your carrier.2

Learn more

 

  1. Except in China.
  2. 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 or remove the SIM card and check the card for the carrier's name or logo.

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