Set up mobile data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad, you can sign up for a mobile data plan. This helps you stay connected when you're away from a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Use a SIM card from your network provider

If you set up a mobile data plan with your network provider, the SIM card will be activated. Just open the SIM card tray and insert the SIM card from your network provider.

If you can’t connect to mobile data, go to Settings > Mobile Data and make sure mobile data is turned on.

Use an eSIM

You can set up a plan on your iPad, scan a QR code or, if supported, use your network provider’s iPad app. Find out more about mobile data on iPad. Also, you can find out which iPad model you have.

Set up a plan on your iPad

You can set up a plan with a participating network provider worldwide.

  1. If you’re setting up your first plan on your iPad, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Set Up Mobile Data. If you’re setting up another plan on your iPad, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add a New Plan.

  2. Choose a network provider. If you can’t see your preferred network provider, contact them for a SIM card or an eSIM. If you still need help, find out what to do.

  3. Choose a plan and create an account, or add your iPad to an existing plan.

  4. Tap Confirm.

Your plan should be activated in a few moments.

Some countries and regions might restrict local residents from signing up for mobile data plans. Check with your network provider for details.

Scan a QR code

  1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data.

  2. Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.

  3. Use your iPad to scan the QR code that your network provider provided.

If you're asked to enter a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the number that your network provider gave you.

Use a network provider's app

  1. Go to the App Store and download your network provider’s app, if supported by your network provider.

  2. Use the app to purchase a mobile plan.

Using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland

Activating a mobile data plan with eSIM in China mainland is only available on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3162. Contact China Unicom for more details.

Find out more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland

If you have an iPad with Apple SIM or embedded Apple SIM

From 1 October 2022, Apple SIM technology will no longer be available for activating new mobile data plans on iPad. Contact your network provider for details on how to activate a mobile data plan on iPad.

If you’re not sure whether your iPad uses Apple SIM, find your iPad model and click the link for its tech specs.

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 network provider, you might need to contact them directly to change your plan.

You can have multiple plans on your iPad by signing up with multiple network 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, then tap the plan you want to use under Mobile Plans.

Deactivate your plan

Your plan is either pre-paid or post-paid. To deactivate a pre-paid plan, which is contract free, don't renew it at the end of the month.

Post-paid plans are renewed monthly. To deactivate a post-paid plan:

  1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data.

  2. Tap the name of your network 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 network provider and you can't see a View Account button, call your network provider and ask them to deactivate your account.

Transfer your plan from one iPad to another

If you have a SIM card for your plan, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off both devices, then 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 in the SIM tray, remove it.

  4. Insert the SIM from your old iPad into the SIM tray of your new iPad.

  5. Close the tray completely and in the same orientation as it was when you removed it (it will only fit one way).

  6. Turn on both devices.

It might take a few minutes for the activation to finish. If you need help transferring a plan, or if you use a corporate or post-paid account, you might need to contact your network provider.

If your plan uses an eSIM, follow these steps:

  1. On the new iPad, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Set up Mobile Data.

  2. If you can see a Transfer button next to the network provider you want, tap it. Then follow the directions to transfer service. You might need to wait a few minutes for the activation to finish.

If you can’t see a Transfer button or if you can't transfer a plan, you may need to contact your network provider.*

* Your iPad is subject to your wireless service provider’s policies, which may include restrictions on transferring a data plan. Contact your network provider for more details. If you’re not sure which network provider to call, go to Settings > Network Provider on your iPad or remove the SIM card and check the card for the network provider’s name or logo.

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