Does the iPad Have eSIM?
Many Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads support eSIM: iPad Pro 11-inch from the 1st generation, Pro 12.9-inch from the 3rd, Air from the 3rd, mini from the 5th and iPad from the 7th. Wi-Fi-only models cannot use it; mainland-China models have separate restrictions.
Before buying a travel eSIM
- Confirm that it is a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, then check Settings > General > About for its model number and EID. Wi-Fi-only iPads cannot download a cellular plan.
- Compare your model and purchase region with the table below. A second IMEI can belong to a physical SIM and does not prove eSIM support.
- Choose plans for your destination and check coverage, validity and what starts the activation clock. Install over Wi-Fi following the instructions for the plan you bought.
Want to try Wanderly first? Read the free eSIM trial requirements, including account eligibility, supported coverage and the no-charge card check, before claiming.
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.
The fastest check is the model number. Go to Settings > General > About and tap Model Number until it shows a code starting with A (it is also printed on the back), then find it in the table below. Each generation has a Wi-Fi-only number with no eSIM and one or more Wi-Fi + Cellular numbers that support it.
In the same About screen, 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, by model number
| Model | eSIM support |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 2025) | eSIM: A3361 (Wi-Fi + Cellular). No eSIM: A3360 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3362 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025) | eSIM: A3358. No eSIM: A3357 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3359 |
| iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) | eSIM: A2926. No eSIM: A2925 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3007 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) | eSIM: A2837. No eSIM: A2836 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3006 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation, 2022) | eSIM: A2437, A2764. No eSIM: A2436 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2766 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation, 2022) | eSIM: A2761, A2435. No eSIM: A2759 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2762 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation, 2021) | eSIM: A2461, A2379. No eSIM: A2378 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2462 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation, 2021) | eSIM: A2459, A2301. No eSIM: A2377 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2460 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation, 2020) | eSIM: A2069, A2232. No eSIM: A2229 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2233 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation, 2020) | eSIM: A2068, A2230. No eSIM: A2228 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2231 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018) | eSIM: A2014, A1895. No eSIM: A1876 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A1983 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018) | eSIM: A2013, A1934. No eSIM: A1980 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A1979 |
| iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 2026) | eSIM: A3462. No eSIM: A3461 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3464 |
| iPad Air 11-inch (M4, 2026) | eSIM: A3460. No eSIM: A3459 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3463 |
| iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) | eSIM: A3269. No eSIM: A3268 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3271 |
| iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) | eSIM: A3267. No eSIM: A3266 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3270 |
| iPad Air 13-inch (M2, 2024) | eSIM: A2899. No eSIM: A2898 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2900 |
| iPad Air 11-inch (M2, 2024) | eSIM: A2903. No eSIM: A2902 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2904 |
| iPad Air (5th generation, 2022) | eSIM: A2589, A2591. No eSIM: A2588 (Wi-Fi only) |
| iPad Air (4th generation, 2020) | eSIM: A2324, A2325, A2072. No eSIM: A2316 (Wi-Fi only) |
| iPad Air (3rd generation, 2019) | eSIM: A2123, A2153. No eSIM: A2152 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2154 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024) | eSIM: A2995. No eSIM: A2993 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2996 |
| iPad mini (6th generation, 2021) | eSIM: A2568. No eSIM: A2567 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2569 |
| iPad mini (5th generation, 2019) | eSIM: A2124, A2126. No eSIM: A2133 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2125 |
| iPad (A16, 2025) | eSIM: A3355. No eSIM: A3354 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A3356 |
| iPad (10th generation, 2022) | eSIM: A2757. No eSIM: A2696 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2777, A3162 |
| iPad (9th generation, 2021) | eSIM: A2604, A2603. No eSIM: A2602 (Wi-Fi only). China mainland: A2605 |
| iPad (8th generation, 2020) | eSIM: A2428, A2429, A2430. No eSIM: A2270 (Wi-Fi only) |
| iPad (7th generation, 2019) | eSIM: A2200, A2198. No eSIM: A2197 (Wi-Fi only) |
| Older cellular iPads: iPad (5th and 6th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 and earlier, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd generation) | Not on Apple's eSIM list, including cellular A1954, A1823, A1567, A1550, A1709 and A1671. Use a physical SIM |
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.
- Apple lists separate eSIM eligibility rules for iPads purchased in mainland China — the China mainland model numbers in the table. Check the exact model and purchase region with Apple before buying a travel eSIM.
- The most recent iPad Pro and iPad Air models dropped the physical SIM tray and are eSIM-only.
- iPad cellular service is for data, not ordinary cellular calls or SMS. Check data allowance, coverage, validity and activation rules before choosing a plan.
- 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
- Confirm the iPad is a cellular model and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Settings > Cellular Data > Add Data Plan (or Add eSIM on newer iPadOS).
- Scan the QR code from your order email, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually.
- Label the plan so it is easy to identify.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel plan once you are abroad.
Roaming is set per line, so it has to be enabled on the travel eSIM rather than your home number. See how to turn on data roaming for the exact path on iPhone and Android. Moving to a different handset later? Read how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone first. Travel eSIM transfers depend on the plan; contact support before deleting a profile because its QR code may not be reusable.
Once your iPad is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with Spain eSIM, Portugal eSIM, Italy eSIM, Germany eSIM, Australia eSIM or Philippines eSIM. Browse all destinations.
Sources and verification
Compatibility details were last verified on October 8, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the phone was purchased.
Need help identifying the eSIM hardware? Read what an EID number is and where to find it.
Apple: Set up eSIM on iPadApple: Identify your iPad modelFrequently asked questions
Does the iPad have eSIM?
Supported Wi-Fi + Cellular models include Pro 11-inch from the 1st generation, Pro 12.9-inch from the 3rd, Air from the 3rd, mini from the 5th and iPad from the 7th. Wi-Fi-only models cannot use eSIM. Mainland-China models have separate restrictions.
How do I find my iPad's model number?
Open Settings > General > About and tap Model Number until it changes to a code starting with A, such as A2589. The same A-number is printed on the back of the iPad.
Does a Wi-Fi-only iPad such as A2588 or A2902 have eSIM?
No. A2588 is the Wi-Fi-only iPad Air (5th generation) and A2902 the Wi-Fi-only iPad Air 11-inch (M2); neither has a cellular radio. Their Wi-Fi + Cellular versions, A2589 or A2591 and A2903, do support 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.
Once your iPad is confirmed compatible and unlocked, compare travel plans by destination. On phones with Dual SIM, you can keep your home line enabled; your home carrier may charge for calls, texts or roaming.
Browse plans by destinationCompare every eSIM-compatible device
Check supported phones and tablets before buying a travel plan.
Read: Full eSIM compatibility listOther devices
- Does the iPhone 13 Have eSIM?
- Does the iPhone 12 Have eSIM?
- Does the iPhone XR Have eSIM?
- Which Samsung Phones Have eSIM? Setup Guide
- Does the iPhone 11 Have eSIM? Yes — How to Check
- Does the iPhone SE Have eSIM?
- Does the iPhone 14 Have eSIM?
- Does the iPhone 15 Have eSIM or a SIM Card?
- Does the iPhone 16 Have eSIM?
- Does the Google Pixel Have eSIM?
- Is the iPhone 16e eSIM Compatible?
- Does the iPhone 17 Have eSIM?
- Does the Google Pixel 8 Have eSIM?
- Does the Google Pixel 6 Have eSIM?
- Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 eSIM Compatible?
- Which Samsung Galaxy A-Series Phones Have eSIM?
- Full eSIM compatibility list