Mywhat is eSIM
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable chip built into modern smartphones that stores mobile carrier information digitally. It replaces the traditional removable SIM card and supports multiple carrier profiles on a single device.
eSIM explained
An eSIM is an embedded SIM chip soldered directly onto your phone's circuit board. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code to download a carrier profile, and the phone connects to the network digitally.
data roaming explained
Data roaming happens when your phone connects to a foreign carrier network outside your home country. Your home carrier charges a daily or per-MB fee for this connection, which typically costs 5 to 50 times more than local rates.
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM chip built into modern smartphones that downloads carrier profiles over the air. You scan a QR code from an eSIM provider, your phone contacts the carrier server, and the network profile installs in under 60 seconds. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged during travel.
Is eSIM better than a physical SIM card for travel?
Yes, eSIM is better than a physical SIM for most travelers because it activates before departure, costs 30 to 70 percent less than airport SIM counters, and keeps your home number active on the physical SIM slot. The only exception is travelers visiting countries where cheap unlimited local SIMs cost under $5 and no eSIM provider covers that destination.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone to check for eSIM support. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone has an eSIM chip. You can also check in Settings: on iPhone, go to Settings then Cellular then Add eSIM. On Samsung, go to Settings then Connections then SIM Manager.
eSIM for iPad: compatible models, setup, and travel tips
By MySIMGuide Editors · Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer:
Every iPad with WiFi + Cellular from 2018 onward supports eSIM. The 2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air are eSIM-only. Go to Settings > Cellular Data > Add eSIM, scan the QR code from your provider, and your iPad gets its own data connection without tethering to your phone.
Every iPad with
eSIM support.
Apple added eSIM to the iPad starting with the 2018 iPad Pro. WiFi-only iPads do not have any cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM.
| iPad model | eSIM support | SIM configuration | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 13-inch (M4, 2024) | Yeswinner | eSIM only (no nano-SIM tray) | 2024 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) | Yeswinner | eSIM only (no nano-SIM tray) | 2024 |
| iPad Air (M2, 2024) | Yeswinner | eSIM only (no nano-SIM tray) | 2024 |
| iPad mini (6th gen, A15) | Yeswinner | eSIM + nano-SIM | 2021 |
| iPad (10th gen, A14) | Yeswinner | eSIM only (no nano-SIM tray) | 2022 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd-6th gen) | Yeswinner | eSIM + nano-SIM | 2018-2022 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st-4th gen) | Yeswinner | eSIM + nano-SIM | 2018-2022 |
| iPad Air (3rd-5th gen) | Yeswinner | eSIM + nano-SIM | 2019-2022 |
| iPad (7th-9th gen) | Yeswinner | eSIM + nano-SIM | 2019-2021 |
| iPad (6th gen and earlier) | No eSIM | nano-SIM only or WiFi-only | 2018 and earlier |
WiFi-only models do not support eSIM or any cellular connectivity. When purchasing, select the WiFi + Cellular configuration.
Activate eSIM on
iPad in 3 steps.
iPad eSIM setup follows a similar path to iPhone but uses the Cellular Data menu instead of Cellular.
Why travelers should give
their iPad its own data plan.
Most travelers tether their iPad to their phone's hotspot. An eSIM on the iPad itself is more reliable and saves phone battery.
Your iPad stays connected even when your phone is off, out of range, or out of battery. GPS navigation, messaging, and email all work independently.
Personal Hotspot drains your phone battery 30-40% faster. Giving the iPad its own data connection lets both devices last a full day.
A dedicated iPad travel eSIM means you are not sharing your phone's data allowance. Buy a plan sized for iPad use: maps, email, browsing.
iPad eSIM questions:
5 answered.
Which iPads support eSIM?
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad mini (5th gen and later), and iPad (7th gen and later) all support eSIM. Only the WiFi + Cellular models have eSIM. WiFi-only iPads do not have any cellular capability.
Can I use a travel eSIM on iPad without a phone plan?
Yes. iPad eSIM is independent of your iPhone. You can buy a travel eSIM data plan for your iPad directly, scan the QR code, and the iPad connects to local networks on its own. No phone hotspot needed. This gives your iPad its own data connection.
Does iPad support Apple SIM and eSIM at the same time?
Older iPads (iPad Pro 2018, iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5) have both an embedded Apple SIM and eSIM support. However, they share the same cellular slot. You can use either the Apple SIM plan or an eSIM plan, but not both simultaneously. Newer iPads dropped Apple SIM in favor of eSIM-only.
How do I know if my iPad is WiFi + Cellular?
Go to Settings > General > About. If you see a Cellular section with an IMEI number, your iPad has cellular capability and supports eSIM. WiFi-only iPads do not show an IMEI. You can also look at the back of the iPad: cellular models have an antenna line near the top edge.
Can I make phone calls with eSIM on iPad?
Not directly. iPad eSIM is data-only. You cannot make traditional phone calls. However, you can use VoIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype over the eSIM data connection. If your iPhone is nearby and on the same Apple ID, you can also relay calls through the Handoff feature.
Give your iPad its own data plan.
Find eSIM plans for your travel destination or check iPhone setup instructions.