iPad Mini (4) with cellular capability used for navigation when off grid

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iPad Mini (4) with cellular capability used for navigation when off grid

Will an iPad(Mini 4) with cellular capability work when out of cell and wifi range for navigating using its GPS chip? This assumes you've preloaded software (maps) such as GAIA GPS (via wifi) b/4 you went on your trip. Also, will this still work if you haven't activated another cell data service/line on the iPad (since you'll be using this device strictly for navigating)? Do you still need a sim card from a phone carrier to make it work? Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide here!

iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Mar 24, 2021 4:09 PM

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Answer 1

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LotusPilot

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Mar 24, 2021 4:34 PM in response to denalidon

The Cellular chipset is the cellular electronics of the iPad. The SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module) is provided by a Cellular carrier; this contains your subscriber information.

For the benefit of absolute clarity, you do not need to provision Cellular service on a Cellular model iPad.

Setting aside Cellular capabilities, the principal reason to purchase a Cellular model of iPad is to gain GPS functions - these are otherwise unavailable in WiFi Only models of iPad.

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Answer 2

denalidon Author

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Mar 24, 2021 4:27 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks, Lotus Pilot. By Cellular chipset, do you mean a carrier sim card or the Cellular circuitry that the iPad should inherently come with (I haven't purchased the iPad yet). I obviously don't want to pay for another cell/data line for this device if it isn't needed.

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Answer 3

Mar 24, 2021 4:17 PM in response to denalidon

Yes. Whilst the GPS capabilities are integral to the Cellular chipset, its functionality is independent of Cellular service.

Your iPad does not require a DataSIM or activated Cellular service.

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