View or change cellular settings on iPad

Activate cellular data service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models), turn cellular use on or off, and set which apps and services use cellular data. With some carriers, you can also change your data plan.

Note: For help with cellular network services and billing, contact your wireless service provider.

If iPad is connected to the internet via the cellular data network, an icon identifying the cellular network appears in the status bar.

If Cellular Data is off, all data services will use only Wi-Fi—including email, web browsing, push notifications, and other services. If Cellular Data is on, carrier charges may be incurred. For example, using certain features and services that transfer data, such as Messages, could result in charges to your data plan.

Turn Cellular Data on or off

Go to Settings > Cellular Data, then turn Cellular Data on or off. The following options may also be available:

Monitor and manage your cellular data network usage: You can see which apps use cellular data and turn off the option, if you want.
Turn LTE on or off: Turning on LTE loads data faster.
Turn Data Roaming on or off: Turning off Data Roaming avoids carrier charges when using a network provided by a different carrier.
Set up Personal Hotspot: Personal Hotspot shares the internet connection on iPad with computers and iPhone and iPod touch. See Share your internet connection from iPad (Wi-Fi + cellular).
Turn Wi-Fi Assist on or off: Wi-Fi Assist is on by default. If Wi-Fi connectivity is poor, Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches to cellular data to boost the signal. Because you stay connected to the internet over cellular when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, you might use more cellular data, which may incur additional charges depending on your data plan. For more information, see the Apple Support article About Wi-Fi Assist.

Set whether cellular data is used for apps and services

Go to Settings > Cellular Data, then turn Cellular Data on or off for any app that can use cellular data.

If a setting is off, iPad uses only Wi-Fi for that service.

Activate, view, or change your cellular data account

Go to Settings > Cellular Data, then tap Manage Account [account name] or Carrier Services.

Lock your SIM card

If your device uses a SIM card for cellular data, you can lock the card with a personal identification number (PIN) to prevent others from using the card. Then, every time you restart your device or remove the SIM card, your card locks automatically, and you’re required to enter your PIN. See Use a SIM PIN for your iPhone or iPad.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

View or change cellular settings on iPad

Turn Cellular Data on or off

Set whether cellular data is used for apps and services

Activate, view, or change your cellular data account

Lock your SIM card