How to Use an eSIM on iPad While Travelling
Many iPads support eSIM — letting you add a travel data plan without a physical SIM slot. Here's which iPads support eSIM, how to set it up, and whether it's worth it for travel.
Cellular iPads have supported eSIM for several generations, and the setup process is nearly identical to iPhone. If you rely on your iPad for work, navigation, or entertainment while travelling, a travel eSIM means you don't need to constantly find Wi-Fi or tether from your phone.
Which iPads support eSIM?
Only the cellular models of iPad support eSIM — the Wi-Fi-only versions do not have any SIM capability. eSIM-compatible models include:
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation, 2018 and later)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018 and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation, 2019 and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation, 2019 and later)
- iPad (7th generation, 2019 and later)
Check your iPad model first
Only cellular iPad models support eSIM. If you bought a Wi-Fi-only iPad, it won't have SIM or eSIM capability. Check Settings → General → About — if there's an IMEI listed, it's a cellular model.
How to install an eSIM on iPad
Purchase a plan for your destination
Buy an eSIM plan on Vyroam. The same QR code works for both iPhone and iPad.
Open iPad Settings
Go to Settings → Cellular Data (or Mobile Data) → Add New Plan.
Scan the QR code
Use your iPad's camera to scan the QR code from your confirmation email. Use a laptop or phone to display the QR code — you need another screen since you're scanning with the iPad.
Confirm installation
Follow the on-screen prompts to name the plan and confirm. The eSIM installs within a minute.
Enable cellular data
In Settings → Cellular Data, ensure the new eSIM is set as the active data plan and that Cellular Data is turned on.
Is it worth it for travel?
Whether an iPad eSIM is worth it depends on how you use your iPad on the road:
- Worth it if: you use your iPad as a laptop replacement for work, rely on it for maps and navigation, or use it extensively away from Wi-Fi (at the pool, on transport, sightseeing)
- Probably not needed if: you mostly use your iPad in the hotel room or on hotel Wi-Fi, and your phone already has an eSIM covering data for on-the-go use
- Middle option: enable hotspot on your phone's eSIM and connect the iPad to your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot — this uses the phone's data plan without buying a separate iPad plan
Frequently asked questions
Get your iPad connected while travelling
Browse eSIM plans for 190+ destinations. Works on compatible iPhone and iPad cellular models.