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eSIM for iPad: Compatibility, setup, and benefits
Here’s everything you need to know about an eSIM for your iPad, including compatibility, benefits of an eSIM, and how to stay connected.
Apple added eSIM compatibility to its iPads starting late 2018, with the release of the 1st-generation 11-inch iPad Pro and the 3rd-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The cellular-enabled iPad series was released later in 2019.
This short guide will tell you everything you need to know about using an eSIM on an iPad, which iPads are eSIM-compatible, an overview of the installation process, and travel eSIM options to get a reliable internet connection abroad.
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What is an eSIM on an iPad?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card built into your device. An eSIM on an iPad works the same way as an eSIM on a smartphone. It operates like a SIM; the main difference is that you’ll need to download the eSIM profile from your chosen carrier onto your device, rather than inserting a physical SIM card. This allows you to use mobile data and connect to the internet anywhere, just like a smartphone.
Which iPads are eSIM compatible?
These are the current iPads with eSIM functionality:
- iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M3)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
- iPad Air 13-inch (M2)
- iPad Air 11-inch (M2)
- iPad Air (3rd to 5th generation)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (7th to 10th generation)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (5th and 6th generation)
Note: The iPad A16, iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2, and iPad Mini A17 Pro are eSIM-only models. These iPads lack the physical tray for inserting SIM cards and rely solely on eSIMs.
How to set up an eSIM on iPad
Setting up an iPad eSIM is easy. There are two main steps: installing the eSIM profile from your chosen carrier, and activating it once you’re ready to use it.
Follow this checklist to ensure your eSIM setup goes smoothly:
✅ Check compatibility: Confirm your iPad is eSIM-supported. Most modern devices are, but it’s always good to double-check.
✅Get your eSIM: Purchase an eSIM plan, and keep your QR code/manual code handy.
✅Install and activate your eSIM: Use a QR code or manual code, and follow the steps in your settings. Automatic eSIM activation may also occur on devices running the latest iOS.
You’ll need stable WiFi before you get started. For more detailed instructions and tips, visit our dedicated guide on how to install and activate an eSIM on an iPad.
Can you share an eSIM plan between an iPhone and an iPad?
Long story short, sharing a single eSIM between two devices isn’t possible. You can use your device’s hotspot to share your connection with others or with other devices. However, when it comes to having an eSIM, you would have to get a separate eSIM plan for your iPad.
Benefits of using an iPad eSIM
Using an eSIM on an iPad can completely transform how you stay connected, especially when you’re away from WiFi. Here’s how:
- Instant connectivity without a physical SIM card/WiFi: You can set up mobile data on your iPad digitally, without inserting or swapping a physical SIM card.
- Support multiple eSIM profiles: You can store more than one eSIM profile on your iPad, allowing you to keep separate data plans for home, travel, or business use.
- Get free data with Holafly: If you’re a Holafly Plans customer on a monthly plan, you can get “Always On”, 1 GB of free mobile data even after your main plan has expired.
This feature switches on a few hours after your main plan expires and remains available even if you have stopped or paused your subscription. This helps your iPad stay connected, especially helpful for emergencies.
Holafly’s unlimited data eSIMs: The best eSIM for your iPad
If you want a high-speed, reliable internet connection on your iPad when traveling, Holafly is your best ally.
With coverage in over 200 destinations, eSIM plans that include unlimited data, up to 1 GB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and up to 5G data speeds, your iPad will have an internet connection at all times with Holafly eSIM plans costing as little as $1.55/day.
But if you’re looking for a more complete plan, Holafly Plans is another option for an iPad eSIM. With the Unlimited Plan, you get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, a European phone number, coverage in over 170 destinations, for $64.90 a month.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
