Use 5G with your iPad

Find out how to use 5G mobile data service with your iPad.

What you need

• A network provider that supports 5G

• An active 5G mobile data plan

• One of these iPad models:

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

  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th and 6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

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

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation and earlier) Wi-Fi + Cellular

  • iPad Air 13-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular

  • iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular

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

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

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

  • iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular

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

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

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

Find out more about identifying your iPad model

Understand the 5G icons in the status bar

When you're in an area with 5G coverage for your network provider and your 5G mobile plan has been activated, you'll see a 5G icon in the status bar of your iPad:

Find out about 5G options

The default settings for 5G on iPad are optimised for battery life and data usage based on your data plan. You can customise these options for when to use 5G and how much data to use in some apps.

Find these options by going to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options.

Choose how your iPad uses the 5G network

• 5G Auto: enables Smart Data mode. When 5G speeds don't provide a noticeably better experience, your iPad switches to LTE automatically, which saves battery life. The 5G icon appears based on the configuration of the network provider’s network, and in rare cases, may appear even when 5G coverage is not available

• 5G On: always uses 5G network when it’s available. This may reduce battery life.

• LTE: only uses LTE network, even when 5G is available.

Data Mode

• Allow More Data on 5G: enables higher data-usage features for apps and system tasks. These include higher-quality FaceTime calls, high-definition content on Apple TV, Apple Music songs and videos, iPadOS updates over mobile data and automatic iCloud backups.

  • With this setting, your iPad can automatically use 5G instead of Wi-Fi when a network you visit occasionally is slow or insecure. To turn this feature off and on for certain networks, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Then tap the info button next to the Wi-Fi network and tap Use Wi-Fi for internet.

  • This setting also allows third-party apps to use more mobile data for enhanced experiences.

  • This is the default setting with some unlimited data plans, depending on your network provider.

  • This setting uses more mobile data.

• Standard: allows automatic updates and background tasks on mobile, and uses standard quality settings for video and FaceTime. This is generally the default mode.

• Low Data Mode: helps reduce Wi-Fi and mobile data usage by pausing automatic updates and background tasks.

Data Roaming

Many network providers around the world support 5G roaming. If your network provider doesn't support 5G roaming, you can get mobile data through 4G or LTE networks or obtain a local SIM card or eSIM with 5G where available.

Contact your network provider for more information.

If you can't see 5G in the status bar

1. Make sure you’re in an area with 5G coverage. If you're not sure, contact your network provider.

2. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options. If you can’t see this screen, make sure your network provider supports 5G.

   

3. Turn on Airplane Mode, then turn it off.

4. If you still don't have 5G service, contact your network provider.