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iPad internet

Why does my iPad have to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot to use Internet?

iPad, iPadOS 15

Posted on Jul 21, 2023 12:54 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 23, 2023 7:46 AM

If your iPad has been set-up with an active Cellular plan - and you have either installed a physical DataSIM, or configured the iPad’s eSIM - in absence of a WiFi network your iPad should be able to connect to the internet using Cellular data:

Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad - Apple Support


If you have setup your iPad correctly, if you cannot connect via Cellular, you may need to seek assistance from your Cellular provider, T-Mobile.


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Jul 23, 2023 7:46 AM in response to GrammaT6

If your iPad has been set-up with an active Cellular plan - and you have either installed a physical DataSIM, or configured the iPad’s eSIM - in absence of a WiFi network your iPad should be able to connect to the internet using Cellular data:

Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad - Apple Support


If you have setup your iPad correctly, if you cannot connect via Cellular, you may need to seek assistance from your Cellular provider, T-Mobile.


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Jul 23, 2023 12:22 PM in response to GrammaT6

Note that apps may make a distinction between Wi-Fi data and cellular data, per ⚙️Settings﹥Cellular﹥[scroll down to apps list]﹥«app name»﹥On|Off. Those settings are very useful for users without unlimited plans, as some apps use loads of data (e.g. streaming video).

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Jul 23, 2023 7:14 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Ex: our power went out or we're on a road trip... We have the unlimited plan with T-Mobile & the ipad has its own number...our iphone & Android both have internet in both examples.......BUT my ipad will not connect to the web until I connect it to one of the phone hotspots. It won't connect to the wifi in the car either.

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iPad internet

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