If you’re using an eSIM (digital SIM card) for the first time, it can be unclear how to activate eSim on iPad. The physical Sim cards are slowly phasing out, and the introduction of eSim technology has brought users unparalleled connectivity and flexibility at home and abroad. With an eSim embedded in an iPad, you cannot open your device, swap sim cards, or go to your mobile provider.
Nowadays, consumers such as travelers find it easy and convenient to use eSim. You can shop online for eSIM travel data packages, compare coverage offers, and choose which plan best suit your oversee trip. In this case, you need to buy an eSIM plan before your leave on your trip and get it already available once you get to your destination. The most crucial thing you need to understand is the eSim activation process in your device.
Most importantly, many iPad eSIMs are”data-only eSIMs,” meaning they offer cellular data but are not attached to any telephone number. Often, many consumers want eSIMs for data purposes. Interestingly, some iPads support dual SIM technology, which allows you to keep your primary SIM ON while you’re activated to your travel eSIM on your iPad. Thus, you can still place and receive calls and texts on your primary number while you’re away. However, you will not incur roaming charges since you only use an eSIM for roaming data.
What is an eSIM and Why should you Use an eSIM?
An eSIM, an embedded SIM, is a programmable chip inbuilt into smartphones and other portable devices, including laptops and tablets. This chip uses remote SIM services to activate networks, thus getting rid of the need for a plastic SIM card. eSIM-compatible devices include iPads, iPhones, Samsung tablets, and many more.
Consumers can purchase eSIM services from anywhere, install, and activate them on an iPad without visiting a mobile store or service provider. The beauty of using eSIM is that users don’t struggle with physical SIM cards. No risk of losing or damaging your primary SIM card or swapping, and you can easily switch between plans or even consume both plans simultaneously.
Requirements that you need to meet for you to install an eSIM on iPad
You can install more than one eSIM on your iPad, but you can utilize only one eSIM at a time. To switch to a different eSIM, proceed to Settings > Cellular Data, then tap the plan you want to utilize (below SIMs). Besides, take into consideration the following before installing your eSIM on an iPad:
- Check if your iPad is eSIM Compatible
First, before you install any eSIM, ensure your iPad device is eSIM-compatible. Most newer smartphones and tablets accept eSIMs (digital SIM cards), but you can check your iPad compatibility using the eSIM device checker. Also, ensure your iPad is unlocked since only unlocked devices qualify for eSIM activation with most providers.
Steps to Activate eSIM on Your iPad
If you’re searching for information on activating eSIM, you’ve come to the right place. This guideline will show you how to activate your eSIM data and ensure your device connect your eSIM for data. When activating your eSIM on any compatible iPad, you’ll have a few choices, including:
Manual eSIM installation, QR code eSIM installation, and Automatic eSIM installation.
i. Scan a QR code.
- Proceed to Settings > Mobile Data
- Click on Add Mobile Data Plan
- Next, Scan the QR code given by your eSIM carrier
- Input the number provided by your carrier if prompted for a confirmation code.
ii. Manually set up an eSIM plan.
- Open Settings > Mobile Data > Set Up Mobile Data (first eSIM plan)
- Open Settings > Mobile Data > Add a New Plan ( second eSIM plan)
- Then, pick an eSIM provider
- Select an eSIM plan, sign up for an account, or add your iPad to an existing one.
- Click on Confirm
- Your eSIM plan should take a few minutes to activate
iii. Use an eSIM provider’s app.
Alternatively, you can activate your eSIM through your provider’s app (if supported). In this case, proceed to:
- App Store, and download your eSIM provider’s app
- Then, utilize the app to buy a cellular plan.
Common Reasons for eSIM Not Activation & Troubleshooting
One of the reasons that an eSIM is not activating on your iPad is compatibility issues. Ensure that your eSIM card is compatible with your iPad before activation. If the eSIM card is not working and you want to troubleshoot, you can reboot your iPad and check the coverage. Also, you can update your software to the latest version with more eSIM compatibility. Again, ensure that the eSIM data plan is configured and ready to use.
How To Find Carriers That Support eSim In My State
Many wireless carriers support eSIM activation on iPad in different states across America. Besides, global service providers offer eSIM services in over 190 countries and regions to connect at home or when traveling. Below is a list of US carriers that may support eSIM in your state:
- Wireless Supporting eSIM Carrier Activation digitally on your iPad at the time of purchase or if you contact your carrier for an eSIM after setup:
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- Caroline West Wireless
- Cellcom
- Credo Mobile
- Cricket
- C Spire
- FirstNet
- H2O Wireless
- Nex-Tech Wireless
- PureTalk
- Red Pocket
- Spectrum Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Strata Networks
- T-Mobile USA
- Tracfone
- UScellular
- Verizon Wireless
- Xfinity Mobile
- Wireless Providers Supporting eSIM Quick Transfer:
With eSIM Quick Transfer, you can switch your phone number from your previous iPad to your new iPad without calling your carrier. You can also transform your physical SIM to an eSIM.
- AT&T
- Cricket
- C Spire
- T-Mobile USA
- UScellular
- Verizon Wireless
- Wireless carriers support other eSIM ways of activating eSIM on iPad, like scanning a QR code or using a carrier app:
- Appalachian Wireless
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- Carolina West Wireless
- Republic
- Spectrum Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Strata Networks
- Thumb Cellular
- T-Mobile USA
- Tracfone
- Cellcom
- Chat Mobility
- Consumer Cellular
- Copper Valley Telecom
- Credo Mobile
- Cricket
- C Spire
- FirstNet
- GCI
- H2O Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- Nemont
- Nex-Tech Wireless
- NorthwestCell
- Optimum Mobile
- Pioneer Wireless
- PTCI
- PureTalk
- Red Pocket
- Truphone
- Ubigi
- Union Wireless
- United Wireless
- UScellular
- Verizon Wireless
- Viaero
- Visible
- West Central Wireless
- Xfinity Mobile
- Wireless Providers supporting eSIM activation on prepaid data plans for international travelers:
- AT&T
- Cricket
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- T-Mobile USA
- Visible
- Worldwide eSIM service providers with prepaid data plans you can use at home or if traveling in over 190 countries and regions:
- DENT Wireless
- Flexiroam
- GigSky
- GoMoWorld
- MTX Connect
- airalo
- AIRSIMe
- aloSIM
- BNESIM
- BreatheSIM
- UPeSIM
- Ubigi
- USIMS
- Webbing
- Yesim
- Redtea Mobile
- Soracom Mobile
- Truphone
Benefits of Using an eSIM on an iPad
The following are the advantages of using an eSIM on an iPad:
- For travelers outside their coverage zone, eSIM offers you the freedom never to incur roaming charges when connecting to a local network.
- eSim is convenient when traveling abroad, and if your regular SIM doesn’t work, you can activate the eSIM on your device to connect to local networks to avoid expensive roaming charges.
- An eSIM allows you to connect remotely to a diverse range of local providers anywhere in the world without relying on Wi-Fi hotspots.
- eSIM allows users to easily switch between networks and the freedom to find a better plan that matches their needs remotely.
- No one can dispose of your eSIM card if your iPad gets lost. Thus it will be easy to trace and retrieve it.
FAQ( Frequently Asked Questions)
How Long Does It Take To Activate an eSIM?
Some carriers activate the eSIM almost instantly within 5 to 10 minutes, while others might take a few hours. If many users are activating their eSIMs at the same time, the process of eSIM activation may take long.
How Much Does It Cost To Activate eSIM On iPad?
eSIM is free to activate since the technology already exists on most devices.
Do All iPads Have eSIMs?
Not all of them. Apple introduced the first iPad in 2010, and eSIM was launched in 2016. Thus, there are ‘old’ and ‘new’ generations of iPads regarding eSIM technology.
How Do I Know if my iPad is Compatible with eSIM?
Visit the eSIM device compatibility checker for an updated list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Can I use dual SIM with eSIM on My iPad?
Yes. You can utilize Dual SIM on your iPad by using a physical SIM and an eSIM.
Is there any Difference Between eSIM and Physical SIM Activation on iPad?
A SIM is a physical card that allows an iPad to connect to a network. If you eject the SIM card out of a device, it can’t place or receive phone calls or send texts. Plus, you’d require a Wi-Fi connection if you want to get online. For an eSIM, you can access different networks and connect online without needing Wi-Fi.
Are there any limitations to using eSIMs on iPads?
eSIM users on iPad will remain constantly active on the carrier’s network and more easily traceable. Besides, they are prone to hacking.
Is eSIM more secure than traditional SIM cards?
eSIMs are considered more secure than physical SIM cards since the information on the eSIM is encrypted, and the activation process follows verification with the carrier. Moreover, they can’t be removed or tampered with, unlike traditional SIM cards.
Can I Remove or Deactivate an eSIM on my iPad?
Yes. You can disable or remove an eSIM since it can constantly be retrieved if you want it back.
Bottom Line
Wireless Providers are introducing eSIM technology to their networks for improved coverage. An eSIM is an excellent way to connect to a local network in a new country for a cheap price. You need to know how to activate an eSIM on an iPad for Apple users. Before activation, ensure you’ve already installed your eSIM on your device. Then, contact your carrier and request an eSIM activation. The carrier will give you a QR code sent via email or a physical card.