How to Set up an eSIM on iPad

What is iPad eSIM technology

To have mobile data we are always used to having to insert a SIM card into the iPhone. This is simply a piece of cardboard with a chip that contains all the necessary data to access the internet and voice service contracted. This model is totally doomed to die, as Apple implements the eSIM on its iPads. Basically it is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a mobile data plan without having to use a physical SIM.

It is really convenient to use this technology since the contracting and installation is done online. Handover to another operator is also quite easy as you won’t have to wait for a physical card to be sent. With a few simple taps you can unlink one service and connect another. It also allows you to integrate local data plans when you are going to travel to another part of the world and you do not want to consume the data of your rate that can come out for a high price. This is undoubtedly the technology of the future that allows you to always have your iPad with internet to work from a cafeteria or from a park without problems and with total security by not depending on public networks.

eSIM compatible iPad

Not all iPad devices are compatible with this technology. The first thing you should know is that when making a purchase you will have the possibility of purchasing an iPad only with a WiFi connection or also with LTE. In this second case, the price can be more expensive about € 100 but the eSIM or the traditional slot will be integrated depending on the equipment. Obviously the eSIM is something quite recent so only the newer models have the possibility of integrating this technology. Specifically, they are the following:

• 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and later)
• 11-inch iPad Pro
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)

In any of these iPads the configuration can be made, except in the models sold in China that are banned in this regard.

Hiring and available operators

Unfortunately, not all telephone companies have the option to contract a virtual mobile data plan. But at least the most important ones do have this one. To make the contract, you must contact one of them and ask the conditions and the price that it will have as it varies. It is possible that they force you to have an extra service contracted, such as a mobile phone number or home internet. In most cases they do not offer an independent and stable service. In the case of Spain, the operators that offer the service are the following:

• MoreMovil.
• Movistar.
• Orange.
• Pepephone.
• Truephone.
• Vodafone.
• Yoigo.

Configure eSIM

Setting up the eSIM is a relatively simple process, which is very similar to the steps that have to be done in the case of an iPhone. Obviously, you must first know if you are in a country with compatible operators and follow the following steps for configuration:

• Go to Settings.
• Go to the section ‘Mobile data’ at the beginning on the left side.
• If you want to configure a first data plan, select the operator and follow the instructions on the screen.
• To add an extra plan you just have to click ‘Add a new plan’.
• In the event that your operator has provided you with a QR code when contracting the virtual mobile data service, click on ‘Other’. Scan the QR code with the iPad camera and enter the confirmation code that you will have from your operator.

You may have noticed that different eSIMs can be stored on the iPad. The only limitation in this case is that only one can be used at a time. That is, within Settings> Mobile data you can vary the data plan you want to use, something useful if you travel quite frequently between several countries.