The SIM-Free Era: How to Travel with Only eSIM on Your iPad

Apple has steadily evolved its products by removing physical ports and slots. The headphone jack went first, the SIM tray disappeared from US iPhone 14 Pro models, and now the iPad is entering its own eSIM-only era.

The M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, both released in 2024, are eSIM-only models with the physical SIM slot removed entirely. For many users the change raised an obvious question: "Without a SIM card, how do I get online abroad?"

The short answer: an eSIM-only iPad is actually more convenient when you travel. This guide explains why, and how to make the most of it.

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eSIM support by iPad model

eSIM-only models (no physical SIM slot)

Model	Release year	SIM type
M4 iPad Pro 11-inch	2024	eSIM only
M4 iPad Pro 13-inch	2024	eSIM only
M2 iPad Air 11-inch	2024	eSIM only
M2 iPad Air 13-inch	2024	eSIM only
iPad mini (A17 Pro) 7th gen	2024	eSIM only

Models with eSIM + nano-SIM

Model	Release year	SIM type
M2 iPad Pro 11-inch	2022	eSIM + nano-SIM
M2 iPad Pro 12.9-inch	2022	eSIM + nano-SIM
M1 iPad Air (5th gen)	2022	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPad (10th gen)	2022	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPad mini (6th gen)	2021	eSIM + nano-SIM
M1 iPad Pro 11-inch	2021	eSIM + nano-SIM
M1 iPad Pro 12.9-inch	2021	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPad Air (4th gen)	2020	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPad (8th gen)	2020	eSIM + nano-SIM

Models without eSIM support

iPad Air 2nd gen and earlier, iPad 6th gen and earlier, and iPad mini 4th gen and earlier do not support eSIM.

Important: Wi-Fi + Cellular models only

iPad eSIM works only on Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Wi-Fi-only models have no eSIM hardware at all. Make sure you are buying a Cellular model.

How to check: if you can see the antenna line (a plastic band) on the back of the iPad, it is a Cellular model. Alternatively, go to Settings > General > About — if there is a "Cellular Data Number" entry, it is a Cellular model.

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Setting up a travel eSIM on iPad

Before you start

Check the following before installing a travel eSIM on your iPad:

1. Check your iPadOS version: update to the latest iPadOS (iPadOS 16 or later recommended)
2. Wi-Fi connection: an internet connection is required during eSIM installation
3. Buy an eSIM: compare and purchase an eSIM for your destination on esimoa
4. Have your QR code or activation code ready: check the installation details for your purchased eSIM

Installation (QR code)

Method 1: Display the QR code on another device

1. Open the QR code you received on an iPhone or another device
2. On the iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data > Add eSIM
3. Choose Use QR Code
4. Scan the QR code on the other device's screen with your iPad's camera
5. Download the eSIM profile and confirm installation
6. Set "Cellular Data" to the new eSIM

Method 2: Enter details manually

If scanning the QR code is difficult:

1. Settings > Cellular Data > Add eSIM
2. Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually at the bottom
3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your eSIM provider
4. Download and install the profile

Method 3: Use an eSIM app

Some eSIM providers (Airalo and others) support installation through their own app:

1. Install the provider's app from the App Store (Airalo, for example)
2. Buy an eSIM in the app, or select one you already bought
3. Tap the "Install" button
4. You are taken to the settings screen automatically to complete installation

After installation

Once installation finishes:

1. Confirm the new eSIM plan appears in Settings > Cellular Data
2. Confirm Cellular Data is set to the new eSIM
3. Check that the carrier name and signal strength show in the status bar
4. Open a web page in Safari to test the connection

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iPad eSIM vs iPhone eSIM: what is different

Installing an eSIM on iPad is similar to iPhone, but there are a few important differences.

Data only

iPad cellular is data only. You cannot place calls or send SMS the way you can on iPhone. That means:

• Travel eSIMs are mostly data-only, so they are a perfect match for iPad
• Any voice/SMS features included with an eSIM cannot be used on iPad
• FaceTime calls work over data (they are based on your Apple ID, not a phone number)

Dual eSIM support

Recent iPads can store several eSIM profiles, but only one data plan can be active at a time.

• iPhone supports Dual SIM (eSIM + eSIM, or physical SIM + eSIM) with two lines active simultaneously
• iPad uses only one cellular data plan at a time
• You can still store multiple eSIMs and switch between them as you move between countries

Apple ID integration

The iPad's eSIM ties into your Apple ID:

• iMessage and FaceTime work across other devices signed in with the same Apple ID
• iCloud syncs over the iPad's eSIM data
• You can switch between your iPhone's hotspot and the iPad's eSIM as the situation calls for

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Using iPad as a travel companion

Why an iPad is useful when traveling

With a larger screen than a phone, an iPad offers some distinct advantages on a trip.

1. Navigation and maps

• A big screen makes maps far easier to read
• Google Maps and Apple Maps both support offline map downloads
• On a road trip, mount it and use it as a navigation display
• The screen is large enough to see your itinerary and the map at the same time

2. Translation and communication

• Real-time conversation translation with the Apple Translate app
• Showing translations on a big screen makes them easy for locals to read
• Translate signs and menus with the camera (Google Lens and similar)

3. Entertainment

• Netflix and YouTube on planes, trains, and in hotels
• Reading e-books (Kindle and other stores)
• Podcasts and music
• Editing travel photos (Lightroom, Snapseed, and so on)

4. Work and productivity

• Checking and replying to email
• Writing and editing documents (Pages, Word, Google Docs)
• Presentations (Keynote, PowerPoint)
• Notes and sketches with Apple Pencil

5. Photo management

• Reviewing your travel photos on a large screen
• Editing photos and posting to social media
• Backing up photos via iCloud
• Sharing photos with family and friends

Real-world iPad eSIM scenarios

Scenario 1: Backpacking around Europe

• One regional Europe eSIM covers data across many countries
• Look up your next city while on the train
• Write your travel blog in a café
• Watch Netflix at your accommodation

Scenario 2: A family resort holiday

• Use the iPad to keep the kids entertained
• Search for and book restaurants
• Buy attraction tickets and display QR codes
• Edit and share family photos on the spot

Scenario 3: An overseas business trip

• Check email and messages while in transit
• Do a final review of meeting materials
• Join video calls (Zoom, Teams)
• Get work done in the airport lounge

Scenario 4: A road trip

• Mount the iPad on the car holder
• Live navigation over eSIM data
• Search for restaurants, gas stations, and attractions nearby
• Play driving music with Apple Music

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Sharing data from your iPad to other devices

Another advantage of a Cellular iPad is Personal Hotspot.

Setting up Personal Hotspot

1. Turn on Settings > Cellular Data > Personal Hotspot
2. Set a Wi-Fi password
3. Connect your other devices to the iPad's hotspot

How to use it

When the iPad is your main data device

• Install a large-allowance eSIM on the iPad
• Connect your iPhone, MacBook, Nintendo Switch, and others to the iPad's hotspot
• One eSIM on the iPad gets several devices online

When the iPhone is your main data device

• Install the travel eSIM on your iPhone
• Connect the iPad to the iPhone's hotspot
• Activate the iPad's eSIM only when the iPhone battery runs low

Instant Hotspot (same Apple ID)

Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID connect automatically via Instant Hotspot, with no password needed:

• Your iPhone's hotspot appears automatically in the iPad's Wi-Fi settings
• One tap connects instantly
• It disconnects automatically when idle (saving battery)

This lets you share eSIM data flexibly between iPhone and iPad.

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Things to watch out for with an eSIM-only iPad

1. Install your eSIM ahead of time

With no physical SIM slot, buying a SIM card at the airport on arrival is not an option. Always install your eSIM before you depart.

2. Store multiple eSIM profiles

If your trip covers several countries, install an eSIM for each country or region in advance. When you move on, just switch the active eSIM in Settings > Cellular Data.

3. Manage your data allowance

Because of the larger screen, an iPad can burn through data faster than a phone:

• Adjust video quality: set YouTube, Netflix, and similar to 720p or lower
• Limit background data: turn off Settings > General > Background App Refresh
• Turn off automatic downloads: disable iCloud and App Store auto-downloads
• Prefer Wi-Fi: use Wi-Fi where available and save the eSIM for when you are out and about

4. Check your APN settings

Some eSIM providers require the APN to be set manually:

1. Settings > Cellular Data > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Data Network
2. Enter the APN details supplied by your eSIM provider
3. This is usually configured automatically — try setting it manually only if the connection fails

5. Moving from an older model

If you have upgraded from a physical SIM + eSIM model to an eSIM-only model:

• Ask your carrier to convert your existing physical SIM plan to an eSIM
• Existing eSIM profiles can be moved to the new iPad (eSIM transfer)
• For travel eSIMs, buying and installing a new one is the usual approach

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iPad or iPhone: where should the travel eSIM go?

If both devices support eSIM, which one should get the travel eSIM?

Reasons to install it on your iPhone

• Always with you: the iPhone is in your pocket, so data is available anytime
• When you need calls/SMS: some eSIMs include a phone number
• Camera: shoot and upload photos in the moment
• Maps/navigation: a phone is easier to use while walking

Reasons to install it on your iPad

• Big-screen work: email, documents, video calls
• Entertainment: watching video on planes and in hotels
• Navigation: mounted in a rental car
• Spreading battery use: when you want to preserve your iPhone's battery

The best strategy: both

If your budget allows, installing an eSIM on both iPhone and iPad gives you the most flexibility. Compare affordable eSIMs on esimoa and covering two devices may cost less than you expect.

Alternatively, install the eSIM on one device and connect the other via hotspot — also an efficient approach.

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Finding an iPad eSIM on esimoa

How to choose an eSIM that suits an iPad

1. Data-only plans: the iPad uses data only, so a data-only eSIM is the most economical
2. Enough data: the large screen can consume more data, so choose a generous allowance
3. Regional eSIMs: convenient if you are visiting several countries
4. Validity period: pick a validity one or two days longer than your trip
5. Hotspot support: if you plan to share with other devices, pick an eSIM that allows hotspot/tethering

Comparing on esimoa

1. Go to esimoa
2. Select your destination country or region
3. Set the data allowance and duration you want
4. Compare price, coverage, and reviews across providers
5. Choose the best eSIM and purchase
6. Receive the QR code or activation code and install it on your iPad

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I install an eSIM on a Wi-Fi-only iPad?

A: No. eSIM hardware is only included in Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Wi-Fi-only models cannot use cellular data and must rely on an iPhone hotspot or a Wi-Fi network.

Q: How many eSIMs can I install on an iPad?

A: Recent iPad models can store multiple eSIM profiles (usually eight or more). However, only one cellular data plan can be active at a time. Install eSIMs for several countries in advance and switch between them as you travel.

Q: Can I make phone calls with an iPad eSIM?

A: iPad cellular is data-only, so regular voice calls are not possible. Internet-based calling apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, and others do work.

Q: Can I use my existing carrier plan on an eSIM-only iPad?

A: You will need to contact your carrier and ask them to convert your existing physical SIM plan to an eSIM. Most major carriers support eSIM conversion.

Q: Can I delete an eSIM on iPad and reinstall it?

A: Yes — you can delete an eSIM plan in Settings > Cellular Data. Note that some travel eSIMs cannot be reinstalled once deleted, so check your provider's policy before removing one.

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Wrapping up: the eSIM-only era is nothing to fear

Losing the physical SIM slot can feel inconvenient at first, but in practice eSIM-only gives travelers more freedom and less hassle.

• No queueing at the airport to buy a SIM card
• No worrying about losing a tiny SIM card
• Install eSIMs for several countries in advance and switch instantly
• No pin or tool needed to swap a physical SIM
• Compare the best prices and buy in advance on esimoa

If you want to make your iPad a travel companion, find the eSIM that fits your destination on esimoa. The eSIM-only era is not an inconvenience — it is the start of smarter travel.