How to install an eSIM on your iPad

Installing your Eflexsim eSIM on iPad takes about two minutes, and works almost identically to iPhone install. The main differences are that you'll only see the option on cellular iPad models (Wi-Fi-only iPads don't have a cellular chip), and iPad doesn't run on a voice/SMS line. So there's no "default voice line" prompt and a few iPhone settings don't appear. Otherwise, scan the QR code from your activation email, name the line, and you're done.

Below: which iPads can run an eSIM, the install steps, how to use it alongside iPhone tethering, and what to expect compared to phone installs.

Which iPads can use an eSIM?

You need a cellular iPad. The Wi-Fi-only models don't have a cell radio at all, so an eSIM has nothing to authenticate to. iPad model identification:

• iPad Pro 11" and 12.9", 3rd generation onward (2018+). First generation with eSIM. All cellular variants supported.
• iPad Air 3rd generation onward (2019+). Cellular variants supported.
• iPad Mini 5th generation onward (2019+). Cellular variants supported.
• iPad (regular line) 7th generation onward (2019+). Cellular variants supported.
• iPad Pro M4, iPad Air M2. Current generation, eSIM-only on US models (no physical SIM tray).

If your iPad is older than these, or if it's the Wi-Fi-only variant of any model, an eSIM won't work. Check Settings → General → About. Look for "Model Number". If it starts with the letter W or doesn't say "Cellular" anywhere on the info page, you have the Wi-Fi-only version.

Before you start

Same three checks as iPhone install:

• Cellular iPad model (confirmed above).
• iPadOS 12.2 or later. Most travelers are on iPadOS 17 or 18 by now. Check Settings → General → About → Software Version.
• Carrier unlock. If you bought the iPad through a US carrier on a contract or installment plan, check that it's unlocked. Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions."

The activation email lands in your inbox right after checkout. Keep it open on a separate device (laptop, phone, second iPad) so the iPad can scan the QR from a different screen.

Step-by-step install via QR code

1. Open the activation email on a separate screen (laptop, phone, or another tablet).
2. On your iPad, open Settings.
3. Tap Cellular Data (or "Cellular" on newer iPadOS).
4. Tap Add Cellular Plan (or "Add eSIM").
5. The iPad camera opens. Point it at the QR code on your other screen. Hold steady. It usually scans in one or two seconds.
6. Confirm "Add Cellular Plan." iPad downloads the eSIM profile (takes 10-30 seconds on Wi-Fi).
7. Name the line ("Eflexsim Italy" works fine). Tap Done.
8. iPad asks if you want to set this as your primary cellular plan. If you don't have another cellular plan on this iPad, say yes. If you do (e.g., a home cellular plan), set it as a second plan.

That's it. Your iPad now has a cellular line through Eflexsim.

Step-by-step manual install

If the QR won't scan (dim screen, glare, small QR), you can enter the codes by hand.

1. In the Add Cellular Plan screen, tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
2. Open your activation email. The two codes you need are right at the top.
3. Copy the first code into the iPad's first field.
4. Copy the second code into the iPad's second field.
5. Leave any third field (confirmation code) empty. Tap Next.
6. iPad downloads and installs the profile. Name the line as before.

Setting cellular data to Eflexsim

If you have a single cellular plan on this iPad, no setup is needed. Eflexsim is automatically the data line. If you have multiple plans:

1. Settings → Cellular Data → Cellular Plans (top of screen).
2. Tap Default Line and pick Eflexsim.

Make sure Data Roaming is on for the Eflexsim line:

1. Settings → Cellular Data → tap the Eflexsim line.
2. Toggle Data Roaming on.

This is the same counterintuitive iPad/iPhone behavior as on phones. Even though Eflexsim is a partner-network plan you bought for that country, iPadOS still labels the connection as "roaming."

iPad vs iPhone install: the real differences

A few things to know if you've installed an eSIM on iPhone before:

• No voice/SMS line prompts. iPads don't make phone calls (FaceTime audio aside), so the install flow skips the "default voice line" prompt that iPhone shows. Same for SMS. IPad-only iMessage continues to use your Apple ID; cellular SMS isn't a feature.
• No SIM management screen by default. iPad's Cellular Data screen is simpler than iPhone's Cellular menu. You see the plans listed but not as many per-line toggles.
• One eSIM at a time, usually. Most iPads support multiple eSIM profiles stored but only one active at a time. iPhone supports one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously; iPad's dual-SIM features are weaker by design.
• Plan timer behavior is identical. Validity starts on first connection to a partner network, just like on iPhone. Install at home before you travel without burning any plan time.

Using your iPad eSIM alongside iPhone tethering

Some travelers tether their iPad off their iPhone's Eflexsim plan instead of installing a second eSIM on the iPad. Both approaches work:

• iPad eSIM (separate plan): better for travelers who use the iPad heavily, or who want the iPad to work when the iPhone is offline/dead/in another room. Costs the price of a second plan.
• Tether to iPhone: cheaper (one plan covers both devices), but the iPad has no internet when your iPhone isn't nearby or is out of battery. The iPad also can't make a call or send an iMessage when tethered if you don't have a separate cellular plan.

For multi-week trips with heavy iPad use (writing, design, video calls from a hotel), a separate iPad eSIM is usually worth it. For light iPad use (occasional Netflix, photo backup), tethering is fine.

For more on how plan timing works, see how long does my data plan last. If your install hits any error message, see QR code won't scan or the related troubleshooting guides.