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Learn how to set up your cellular data by activating an eSIM on compatible iPad models. We’ll teach you how to set it up using eSIM carrier activation, and multiple ways you can set up your...
- 5 min
- 57.5K
- Apple Support
- Overview
- Use a SIM card from your carrier
- Use an eSIM
- Using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland
- If you have an iPad with Apple SIM or embedded Apple SIM
- Change your plan
- Deactivate your plan
- Transfer your plan from one iPad to another
If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad, you can sign up for a cellular data plan. This helps you stay connected when you're away from a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you set up a cellular data plan at your local carrier, then the SIM card will be activated. Just open the SIM-card tray and insert the SIM card from your carrier.
If you can't connect to cellular data, go to Settings > Cellular Data and make sure that cellular data is on.
Set up a plan on your iPad
1.If you're setting up your first plan on your iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Set Up Cellular Data. If you're setting up another plan on your iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Add a New Plan. 2.Choose a carrier. If you don’t see your preferred carrier, contact them for a SIM card or an eSIM. If you still need help, learn 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 activate in a few moments. Some countries and regions might restrict local residents from signing up for cellular data plans. Check with your carrier for details.
Scan a QR code
1.Go to Settings > Cellular Data. 2.Tap Add Cellular Plan. 3.Use your iPad to scan the QR code that your carrier provided. If you're asked to enter a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the number that your carrier provided.
Use a carrier app
1.Go to the App Store and download your carrier's app, if supported by your carrier. 2.Use the app to purchase a cellular plan.
Activating a cellular data plan with eSIM in China mainland is available only on iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, model number A3162. Contact China Unicom for more details.
Learn more about using eSIM with your iPad in China mainland
Beginning October 1, 2022, Apple SIM technology will no longer be available for activating new cellular data plans on iPad. Contact your carrier for details on how to activate a cellular data plan on iPad.
If you're not sure if your iPad uses Apple SIM, find your iPad model and click the link for its tech specs.
To change or check the status of your plan, go to Settings > Cellular Data. If you set up your cellular data plan with a carrier, you might need to contact them directly to change your plan.
You can have multiple plans on your iPad by signing up on your iPad with multiple carriers, adding multiple eSIM plans, and inserting a SIM card in the nano-SIM tray. To switch between active plans, go to Settings > Cellular Data and tap the plan you want to use under Cellular Plans.
Your plan is either prepaid or postpaid. To deactivate a prepaid plan, which is contract free, don't renew it at the end of the month.
Postpaid plans renew monthly. To deactivate a postpaid plan:
1.Go to Settings > Cellular Data.
2.Tap the name of your carrier and choose not to renew your plan.
If you have a SIM card for your plan, follow these steps:
1.Turn off both devices: 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 previous iPad in the SIM tray of your new iPad.
5.Close the tray completely and in the same orientation that you removed it (it will fit only one way).
Activate your iPhone or iPad. You need to connect to a Wi-Fi network or a mobile network to activate and continue setting up your device. Tap the Wi-Fi network that you want to use or, if available, tap Continue Without Wi-Fi to use your device's mobile network.
- Sareena Dayaram
- Senior Editor
- Contact your carrier: Your iPhone needs a physical SIM or an eSIM to connect to a cellular network. Contact your carrier to get a SIM and set up cellular service.
- Insert the SIM card: If you have a physical SIM card, insert it into your iPhone. To do this, use a SIM eject tool or even a paperclip to open the SIM tray on the side of your device.
- Turn on your iPhone: Press and hold the side button to turn on your iPhone (or the top button on an iPhone SE). Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your iPhone.
- Activate your SIM card: If you have an eSIM, you can activate it during setup. If you have a physical SIM card, you may need to activate it by following the instructions provided by your carrier.
Nov 23, 2021 · If you're setting up a new or used iPhone, you'll need to activate your iPhone with a cellular service provider. Activating your iPhone will involve inserting a SIM card into it and...
- Henry Blodget
An eSIM can be activated when you sign up for a plan on your iPad, by scanning a QR code, or by using a carrier app, depending on the carrier.
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Sep 1, 2022 · 1. Insert the SIM card into the iPhone, if necessary. 2. Power on your iPhone. 3. Choose a language and region, then choose a connection type. 4. Wait for your iPhone to activate. 5. Continue setting up your iPhone.
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