Use 5G with your iPad
Find out how to use 5G mobile data service with your iPad.
What you need
An active 5G mobile plan
One of these iPad models:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation or later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation or later)
iPad Air (5th generation)
iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad (10th generation)
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:
Your network provider's 5G network is available, and your iPad can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).*
Your network provider's 5G+, 5G UW or 5G UC network is available, which can include your provider's higher frequency version of 5G. Your iPad can connect to the internet over that network (not available in all countries or regions).*
* Higher-frequency 5G networks are only supported in the United States when using an iPad Pro purchased in the United States.
Find out about 5G options
The default settings for 5G on iPad are optimised for battery life and data usage based on your mobile 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, 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
Make sure you’re in an area with 5G coverage. If you're not sure, contact your network provider.
Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options. If you can't see this screen, make sure your network provider supports 5G.
Turn on Airplane Mode and then turn it off.
If you still don't have 5G service, contact your network provider.
