You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Use AT&T iPad Air 2 with different provider

Just bought iPad Air 2 at&t, when get to cellular data setting, can not edit it manually, as it got a link to at&t. Unit is unlocked , so can install any sim, yet there is this issue. Can anyone help

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 15

Posted on Mar 14, 2023 6:33 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 15, 2023 3:36 PM

iPads purchased through a Cellular Carrier may be subsidy locked - AT&T being one carrier that is known to routinely lock devices to its Cellular network. You may be able to have the subsidy lock removed; where possible, you may be charged. Also be aware that the built-in eSIM of some models of iPad may also have been permanently disabled.


Be aware that Apple cannot (or will not) remove a subsidy lock from a device. Also be wary of third-party “unlocking services” that claim to be able to remove the lock; most are unreliable. A subsidy lock can only be removed by the carrier that applied the lock.


When purchasing a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, despite seemingly attractive deals offered by Cellular Carriers, purchasing directly from Apple or Apple Authorised Retailer largely removes the risk of encountering a subsidy lock when changing Cellular provider.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 15, 2023 3:36 PM in response to Tryusa

iPads purchased through a Cellular Carrier may be subsidy locked - AT&T being one carrier that is known to routinely lock devices to its Cellular network. You may be able to have the subsidy lock removed; where possible, you may be charged. Also be aware that the built-in eSIM of some models of iPad may also have been permanently disabled.


Be aware that Apple cannot (or will not) remove a subsidy lock from a device. Also be wary of third-party “unlocking services” that claim to be able to remove the lock; most are unreliable. A subsidy lock can only be removed by the carrier that applied the lock.


When purchasing a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, despite seemingly attractive deals offered by Cellular Carriers, purchasing directly from Apple or Apple Authorised Retailer largely removes the risk of encountering a subsidy lock when changing Cellular provider.

Mar 15, 2023 3:33 PM in response to Tryusa

Hello Tryusa,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. 


It may be necessary to contact the original carrier and confirm that the iPad is unlocked for use with other cellular data plans. Please click here for more information: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier


You can also contact Apple Support directly for more help. 

All the best! 

Use AT&T iPad Air 2 with different provider

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.