I just received my first ipad mini with cellular, but I don't know how to turn it on. I don't have any cellular accounts. There is no sim card in the little slot. If I sign up with a carrier, under settings, what else do I need to do? Do I get a sim card from the carrier? Am I able to access the internet through cellular service without a sim card? Thank you.
iPad mini, iOS 13
If you have purchased a new (current model) iPad mini Cellular-model from Apple - then in many countries/regions you will be able to activate Cellular service using Apple’s embedded eSIM. In Settings you should be presented with a choice of local carriers that support Apple eSIM. You can, if you prefer, also use a physical SIM, obtained from a Carrier.
If you activate the eSIM feature, you will not receive a physical SIM card - as you won’t require it (your account is activated and stored internally). You should note that eSIM plans are generally quite expensive - often considered for short term use while travelling - but can be changed, added to, or cancelled as often as you like.
iPads purchased from a Carrier often have the eSIM feature disabled - require use of a physical SIM - and are frequently locked to the Carrier Network.
You may also find these explanations useful:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203089
https://www.apple.com/ipad/cellular/
The iPad User Guide for iPadOS, available for free download within the Apple Books App, is also a useful source of information and guidance for use of your new iPad. Just search for Apple to find all the User Guides.
I hope you find this helpful in clarifying your available Cellular options.
If you have purchased a new (current model) iPad mini Cellular-model from Apple - then in many countries/regions you will be able to activate Cellular service using Apple’s embedded eSIM. In Settings you should be presented with a choice of local carriers that support Apple eSIM. You can, if you prefer, also use a physical SIM, obtained from a Carrier.
If you activate the eSIM feature, you will not receive a physical SIM card - as you won’t require it (your account is activated and stored internally). You should note that eSIM plans are generally quite expensive - often considered for short term use while travelling - but can be changed, added to, or cancelled as often as you like.
iPads purchased from a Carrier often have the eSIM feature disabled - require use of a physical SIM - and are frequently locked to the Carrier Network.
You may also find these explanations useful:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203089
https://www.apple.com/ipad/cellular/
The iPad User Guide for iPadOS, available for free download within the Apple Books App, is also a useful source of information and guidance for use of your new iPad. Just search for Apple to find all the User Guides.
I hope you find this helpful in clarifying your available Cellular options.
Yes, you need to purchase a cellular data plan and get a SIM card from the cellular carrier to get your iPad to have cellular data access and Internet/GPS access over a cellular network service.
If you already have Internet services in your home using a MODEM/WiFi, wireless router network setup or seek out WiFi hotspot networks outside of your home, you CAN access the Internet using just WiFi only.
Lotus, I just checked Apple Book and I don't see a manual for IOS 13, which is what my new Mini is. The highest number I see is 12.3. I think the previous Mini was a IOS 9. So I don't know which manual to get. What do you think?
You can help us by providing us your device's iOS version and also model number to see which iPad mini generation you have, and also what your iOS version is and if your device is eligible for iPadOS 13.
Otherwise - stick to the newest Users Manual.
I believe you might got your answers from above experts.
The cellar works in two ways physical sim card from apple or e-sim where apple cards are not available in country.
Esim works differently and need to follow the carrier steps to subscribe and get data.
This is the Users Guide you want here.
iPad User Guide by Apple Inc.
https://books.apple.com/us/book/ipad-user-guide/id1464778568
Thanks MichelPM. I was so confused because I also read that there was a built-in SIM card and I just had to pick a plan and sign up with a carrier on the iPad.
Lotus, thank you very much for your very thorough explanation. I really appreciate it. This is my first iPad and I don't even own a phone, so needless to say I'm very daunted by the gadget ! 🙄
Did you read the title of post?
Poster has stated that they purchased a new iPad Mini 5th generation.
How do I activate cellular service on iPad mini 5?
