Source: Joseph Keller/iMore
If you're picking up a new cellular iPad, it won't be the best iPad if you can't transfer your current plan. The good news is you have some options for how to an iPad cellular data plan to a new iPad, depending on what kind of SIM card your iPad uses. Whether it's an embedded SIM or nano-SIM, Apple tries to make the process as painless as possible.
Our glowing iPad Pro (2021) talks about just how amazing Apple's latest iPad can be, so don't let the fear of not being able to transfer your iPad cellular data plan stop you from getting one. Here's how you can transfer your iPad cellular data plan to your new iPad.
How to transfer iPad cellular data plan with eSIMs or Apple SIMs
These instructions apply to the 9.7-inch, 10.2-inch, 10.5-inch, and second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as the first- and second-generation 11-inch and third- and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro with eSIM. The iPad Air 4 also supports eSIM.
- Open Settings on your new cellular iPad.
- Tap Cellular Data.
Tap on the carrier you used with your old iPad.
Source: iMore- Tap Transfer Service in the window that pops up.
Follow your carrier's directions to finalize the transfer of the data plan. The exact process will depend on the carrier.
Source: iMore
It may take a little time for your iPad's cellular data plan to transfer, but when it does, you'll be ready to go to use cellular data on your iPad.
How to transfer a data plan from one iPad with a SIM card to another
If you're transferring a physical SIM or nano-SIM card from your old iPad to another, here's how.
- Turn off both your old iPad and you new iPad.
- Open the SIM tray on your old iPad by using the SIM removal tool that came with your iPad.
- Remove the SIM tray from your iPad.
- Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for your new iPad, though, depending on the model, it might not come with a new SIM card of its own.
- Discard the SIM card that may have come with your new iPad.
- Place the SIM card from your previous iPad into the SIM tray of your new iPad.
- Insert the SIM tray back into your new iPad, taking care to completely close the tray.
- Turn on both iPads. Activation may take a few minutes.
If the SIM cards of the two iPads are of different sizes, you'll need to contact your carrier to get a new nano-SIM to put into your new iPad. Once you get it, you'll follow the steps above, including removing the SIM from your old iPad. You just won't be moving that old SIM into your new iPad.
Questions?
If you'd like to know more or ask something about transferring your iPad cellular data to another iPad, let us know in the comments.
Updated May 2021: Updated for the latest version of iPadOS 14.
Review: ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad brings your iPad closer to a laptop
For those of us who would like to use the iPad like a laptop, a good keyboard case is a must. This one has a trackpad, which gets you as close as possible to the laptop experience on an iPad.
Senator Rubio blasts Apple over China forced labor allegations
Senator Marco Rubio has told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee that companies in the U.S. including Apple had not woken up to Chinese government abuses, and were complicit in using forced labor.
Democrat records seized from Apple in Trump leaks investigation
A new report from the New York Times indicates that the Justice Department subpoenaed records from Apple whilst investigating leaks of classified information during the Trump administration, in what the report calls a "highly unusual step".
Protect your new iPad with these great cases
Keep your new 10.2-inch iPad in mint condition with these fantastic cases! From keyboards to protection, there are so many options.
