Set up cellular service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) (2024)

FAQs

How do I set up cellular network on my iPad? ›

If you can't connect to cellular data, go to Settings > Cellular Data and make sure that cellular data is on.

How do I turn my iPad into WiFi + cellular? If you have a WiFi only iPad, you don't. The WiFi only iPad lacks the cellular radio. If you want to use cellular, you will need to buy (and carry and keep charged) a separate WiFi hotspot or use your iPhone or other smartphone as a personal hotspot.

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, you can sign up for a cellular data plan. This helps you stay connected to the internet when you're away from a Wi-Fi network. The cellular connection requires a SIM and a wireless data plan from a carrier.

The cellular connection requires a SIM and a wireless data plan from a carrier. iPad supports the following types of SIM: eSIM (on supported models; not available in all countries and regions) Physical SIM (not supported on iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) or iPad Pro 13-inch (M4))

After you set up your iPhone to allow calls on your other devices, you can make and receive phone calls on your iPad and Mac. Make a call: Tap a phone number in Contacts, Calendar, FaceTime, Messages, Search, or Safari. Or open FaceTime, tap or click New FaceTime, then enter a contact or phone number.

From your Home screen, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Turn on Wi-Fi. Your device will automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks. Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to join.

The WiFi-only iPad connects to the internet using wireless access. Because it is the only option for this particular iPad, you will only be able to connect to the internet when you are within range of a WiFi hotspot. None of the WiFi-only iPads support eSIM technology.

Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi-Fi. Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi‑Fi.

Examine your iPad

If you see a tray that pops out, it's designed to hold a SIM card used for cellular connectivity. Model number: Flip your iPad over and locate the model number, printed in tiny font on the back. You can search online for the exact model specifications to confirm if it supports cellular data.

Yes. If you're planning on using your tablet mostly at home using your home internet Wi-Fi, or in other locations with ample, secure Wi-Fi access, you might not need a data plan for your tablet. Almost all tablets available today come in both cellular + Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi-only models.

Which iPad does not have a SIM card slot? ›

On the previous generation models, the cellular versions of both the ‌iPad Air‌ and the ‌iPad Pro‌ included a physical SIM card slot. In the new devices, that's no longer the case. All cellular models now support eSIM only.

Unless you have a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad - and have added a Cellular plan to enable use of its Cellular features - no, you do not have any recurrent charges.

Go to Settings > Cellular Data, then turn Cellular Data on or off for any app (such as Maps) or service (such as Wi-Fi Assist) that can use cellular data. If a setting is off, iPad uses only Wi-Fi for that service. Note: Wi-Fi Assist is on by default.

Your device needs to connect to the nearest cellular station. If you can't find one, especially in a rural area, you won't get cellular data. Misconfiguration. If you get some settings incorrectly, like Airplane Mode turned on or data restrictions enabled, your cellular will not work.

You can use FaceTime on any of these devices on Wi-Fi: iPhone 4 or later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 2 or later, iPad mini (all models), and iPod touch 4th generation or later (only iPod touch 5th generation or later support FaceTime audio calling).

In Settings, tap Cellular. If you're using iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), tap Settings > Cellular Data. Tap to turn Cellular Data off and on, then verify that service bars have replaced the “No Service,” “Searching,” “SOS only,” or “SOS” message. Alternatively, you can turn Airplane Mode on and off.

You can tell if your iPad is cellular by looking at the top of it. Does it have a black or white strip? If it does, it has cellular capabilities. It will also have a SIM slot, like a mobile phone, that you can put a nano-SIM card into.

Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi-Fi. Cellular data on iPad gives you the flexibility to stay connected whenever you're away from Wi‑Fi.