Using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland

Learn which iPad models support eSIM in China mainland and how to set up cellular service on your device.

Supported iPad models

The following iPad models support eSIM in China mainland:

iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3007
iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3006
iPad Air 13-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3271
iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3270
iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A2900
iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A2904
iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3356
iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3162
iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A2996

All other iPad models, including those purchased outside of China mainland, are unable to install an eSIM profile from carriers in China mainland.

How to identify your iPad model

Use the model number to find out which model iPad you have. You can find the model number in three ways:

On some iPad models, find the model number on the back of your device.
Look on the back of your iPad retail packaging.
Go to Settings > General > About. To the right of Model Number, you'll find the part number. To find the model number, tap the part number.

Learn more about identifying your iPad model

About eSIM for iPad in China mainland

China Unicom is the only supported eSIM carrier for iPad. Contact China Unicom for more details.
To activate cellular data with eSIM for iPad in China mainland, you must have an iPad model that supports eSIM in China mainland.

Traveling with your iPad outside of China mainland

When traveling outside of China mainland, your iPad model that supports eSIM in China mainland is able to install eSIM cellular data plans from carriers outside of China. You must have location services enabled on your device to install non-China mainland eSIMs while traveling outside of China mainland.

To learn more about roaming with your China Unicom rate plan, contact China Unicom.

Setting up an eSIM with your iPad in China mainland

To activate an eSIM on your iPad, you can download your carrier’s app from the App Store.

What you need

An iPad model that supports eSIM in China mainland
A China Unicom eSIM supported plan
A wireless internet connection or hotspot

Learn how to set up an eSIM on your iPad in China mainland

To activate an eSIM on your iPad:

Download your carrier’s app from the App Store.
Follow the onscreen instructions.

To use your iPhone to activate an eSIM on your iPad:

Download your carrier’s app on your iPhone from the App Store.
Follow the onscreen instructions.