Get help using the Apple SIM in your iPad

On your iPad, you might get an alert about your Apple SIM. Or maybe you set up cellular-data service on your iPad using the Apple SIM but can't connect to the network. These steps can help.

If you get an alert about your Apple SIM

If you're not sure, find out which iPad model you have and make sure that it works with an Apple SIM.

iPad Pro (9.7-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular has an embedded Apple SIM. There's also a nano-SIM tray, which you can use with a nano-SIM card from a carrier or an active Apple SIM. If you insert an unused Apple SIM card into this iPad, you'll get a message saying that the SIM card isn't compatible and recommending that you use the embedded Apple SIM.

These iPad models can use an Apple SIM card in the nano-SIM tray:

  • iPad Pro (12.9-inch) and iPad Pro (9.7-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular model2
  • iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular model
  • iPad mini 3 or later Wi-Fi + Cellular model

If you install an Apple SIM in a different iPad model, you'll get an "Invalid SIM" alert.

If you get an alert saying "No SIM" or "There is a problem with your SIM card," remove your SIM card, then reinstall it. If you get the alert again, contact Apple Support.

If you can’t set up service or can’t find a certain carrier

Apple SIM lets you set up a cellular data plan with participating carriers around the world. If you don't see the carrier you want, make sure that the carrier you want to set up service with supports Apple SIM.

You might need to get a carrier-specific SIM card. Contact your preferred carrier1 for help.

To make sure that you’re using an Apple SIM, check for a digital identifier called a chip serial number (CSN). On your iPad, go to Settings > General > About and look for CSN. If you don't find a CSN on the About screen, tap ICCID. If you still don't see a CSN (tapping ICCID doesn't do anything), you might not have an Apple SIM. Contact your carrier1 for help.

If you can’t connect to the cellular data network

Make sure that your iPad is activated on the carrier's network. To check, return to the screen where you set up cellular data service or added a new plan:

  • Settings > Cellular Data > Set Up Cellular Data
  • Settings > Cellular Data > Data Plan > Add a New Plan

If you set up your plan and still can't connect, contact the carrier1 for help.

  1. If you aren't sure which carrier to call, remove the SIM card and check the card for the carrier's name or logo.
  2. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad Pro (9.7-inch) supports existing Apple SIM cards that have an active cellular data plan. If you insert an unused Apple SIM card into this iPad, you'll get a message saying that the SIM card isn't compatible and recommending that you use the embedded Apple SIM.

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