All compatible devices

    Does the iPad Have eSIM?

    Cellular iPads support eSIM — iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad mini (5th gen and later) and iPad (7th gen and later). Wi-Fi-only iPads have no cellular hardware.

    There are two questions bundled together here. The first is whether your iPad has cellular hardware at all — Wi-Fi-only models do not, and no eSIM will work on them. The second is whether that cellular iPad is new enough for eSIM, and from roughly 2018–2019 onward the answer is yes.

    Check Settings > General > About: a Wi-Fi-only iPad has no Cellular Data row, and a cellular iPad new enough for eSIM will list an EID.

    iPad models and eSIM support

    ModeleSIM support
    iPad Pro (3rd gen, 2018 and later) — cellulareSIM supported; newest models are eSIM-only
    iPad Air (3rd gen, 2019 and later) — cellulareSIM supported; newest models are eSIM-only
    iPad mini (5th gen, 2019 and later) — cellulareSIM supported
    iPad (7th gen, 2019 and later) — cellulareSIM supported
    Any Wi-Fi-only iPadNo cellular hardware — eSIM not possible

    Regional caveats and limits

    • Wi-Fi-only iPads cannot use an eSIM under any circumstances. The model number on the back or the presence of a Cellular Data setting will tell you.
    • The most recent iPad Pro and iPad Air models dropped the physical SIM tray and are eSIM-only.
    • iPad data plans are data-only — there is no voice line, so plan coverage is all that matters.
    • A travel eSIM bought for a phone can usually be installed on an iPad instead, but each profile installs to one device only.
    • Older cellular iPads used an Apple SIM, which is not the same as eSIM and is no longer supported.

    How to set up an eSIM on iPad

    1. Confirm the iPad is a cellular model and connected to Wi-Fi.
    2. Settings > Cellular Data > Add Data Plan (or Add eSIM on newer iPadOS).
    3. Scan the QR code from your order email, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually.
    4. Label the plan so it is easy to identify.
    5. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel plan once you are abroad.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the iPad have eSIM?

    Cellular iPads do — iPad Pro from 2018, iPad Air and mini from 2019, and standard iPads from the 7th generation. Wi-Fi-only iPads have no cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM.

    How do I know if my iPad is a cellular model?

    Cellular iPads have a Cellular Data section in Settings and a slim antenna line on the back. Wi-Fi-only models have neither.

    Can I use the same eSIM on my iPhone and iPad?

    Not simultaneously. An eSIM profile installs to a single device; you would need a separate plan for each.

    Do iPad eSIM plans include phone calls?

    No. iPad cellular plans are data-only, though data-based calling apps work normally.

    What is the difference between Apple SIM and eSIM?

    Apple SIM was an earlier Apple-specific system on older iPads and has been discontinued. Modern iPads use standard eSIM.

    If your iPad supports eSIM, a Wanderly travel plan installs in a couple of minutes and keeps your home number active.

    Browse plans by destination

    Not sure which iPhones support eSIM?

    Our full breakdown covers every eSIM-capable iPhone model and how to check yours.

    Read: Which iPhones have eSIM?

    Other devices