daveptc
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: transfer iPad 1 sim card to new iPad?

I have an Unlimited Data Plan with AT&T on my old iPad 1.  I'd like to get a newer iPad, can I just transfer my old SIM card into the new iPad and keep my Unlimited Data Plan?  I believe the SIM card was changed from a micro to a nano SIM card beginning with the new iPad Air, is this correct?  If so, it sounds like I'd be limited to an (AT&T) iPad 4.

 

I also want a new basic iPhone and plan.  I'm currently with T-Mobile (good cost but mediocre coverage), do any carriers offer good packages with both phones and iPads?

 

Thanks

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Nov 25, 2013 6:00 PM

by Texas Mac Man,Solvedanswer
Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man
Level 8 (46,611 points)
A:

Transferring your prepaid cellular data account depends on your carrier. AT&T lets you move it yourself when you go to Cellular Data in Settings and log into your account with your previous AT&T user name and password. For iPads with Sprint service, you can set up an account on the new iPad and contact Sprint Customer Care (888-211-4727 and go through the menus) to deactivate the old plan and get credit for unused service. For Verizon, call the company’s customer service number for mobile broadband support (800-786-8419) and ask to have your account transferred.

 

 Cheers, Tom

Posted on Nov 25, 2013 7:27 PM

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daveptc

Q: transfer iPad 1 sim card to new iPad?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by deggie,Helpful

    deggie deggie Nov 25, 2013 6:07 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 9 (54,647 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 25, 2013 6:07 PM in response to daveptc

    You cannot use your old full size SIM, you will have to get a nanoSIM from AT&T and they can transfer your plan.

  • by daveptc,

    daveptc daveptc Nov 25, 2013 7:08 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 25, 2013 7:08 PM in response to daveptc

    This table indicates that the iPad 1-4 have the same micro-SIM card.  It looks like I could upgrade to an iPad 4 and use the micro-SIM card from my iPad 1 to keep the Unlimited Data Plan.  Or can I just contact AT&T to transfer the Unlimited Data Plan to the new iPad 4?  Or do I need to do both?

     

    SIM card compatability for iPad/iPhone:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5554

  • by daveptc,

    daveptc daveptc Nov 25, 2013 7:13 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 25, 2013 7:13 PM in response to daveptc

    My first choice is to get a new iPad Air, but it looks like I'll be limited to an iPad 4, to keep the same Data Plan that I have on my iPad 1, correct?

  • by deggie,Helpful

    deggie deggie Nov 25, 2013 7:13 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 9 (54,647 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 25, 2013 7:13 PM in response to daveptc

    You had better hurry if you are going to buy a new iPad 4. You won't find one at the Apple Store. If you buy a new WiFi with 4G AT&T it will come with a new SIM anyway. Do you have some sort of personal attachment to that SIM?

  • by deggie,

    deggie deggie Nov 25, 2013 7:14 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 9 (54,647 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 25, 2013 7:14 PM in response to daveptc

    No, the SIM has nothing to do with keeping your data plan.

  • by Texas Mac Man,Solvedanswer

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Nov 25, 2013 7:27 PM in response to daveptc
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Nov 25, 2013 7:27 PM in response to daveptc

    Transferring your prepaid cellular data account depends on your carrier. AT&T lets you move it yourself when you go to Cellular Data in Settings and log into your account with your previous AT&T user name and password. For iPads with Sprint service, you can set up an account on the new iPad and contact Sprint Customer Care (888-211-4727 and go through the menus) to deactivate the old plan and get credit for unused service. For Verizon, call the company’s customer service number for mobile broadband support (800-786-8419) and ask to have your account transferred.

     

     Cheers, Tom

  • by daveptc,

    daveptc daveptc Nov 26, 2013 8:54 AM in response to deggie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 26, 2013 8:54 AM in response to deggie

    I have no special affinity for the SIM card, I just want to keep the Unlimited 3G Data Plan.  I'm getting conflicting info on how to do it.  This MacWorld article below says you can just put the old SIM card into the new iPad to keep your Data Plan, without contacting AT&t.  My questions: 1. Can I transfer my Unlimited 3G Data Plan to the new iPad Air?  or 2. Am I limited to transferring my Unlimited 3G Data Plan to a iPad that uses 3G and has the same type of SIM card (iPad 4 or earlier)?  3. Can I do this on my own by swapping SIM cards and updating my Cellular Settings, or do I need to get AT&T involved?

     

    http://www.macworld.com/article/1158597/move_ipad_3g_data_plan.html

  • by deggie,

    deggie deggie Nov 26, 2013 9:07 AM in response to daveptc
    Level 9 (54,647 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 26, 2013 9:07 AM in response to daveptc

    That article is two and a half years old.

     

    You will need a new SIM in order to get 4G LTE on your iPad. AT&T will let you move your "unlimited" plan to it. The reason for the quotes is AT&T begins significantly throttling your speed at 3GB.

     

    Here is a suggestion to you: Purchase your iPad Air at a corporate AT&T store. They will transfer your data plan while you are there. They can also research how much data you have been using monthly to see if there are better options for you.

  • by daveptc,

    daveptc daveptc Nov 26, 2013 9:17 AM in response to deggie
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 26, 2013 9:17 AM in response to deggie

    Thanks for the help!