Can I add cellular to an iPad Pro 6th gen Wi-Fi only model?

An iPad is not - and can never be - a mobile phone. WiFi+Cellular models of iPad can connect to Cellular networks, but can only provide access to mobile (IP) data services.

WiFi Only models if iPad do not have any Cellular capabilities - and hardware cannot be retrofitted. Whilst a WiFi Only iPad cannot be transformed into a WiFi+Cellular model, you can use the hotspot feature of a mobile phone - or a Cellular Broadband Router (often known as a MiFi Router) - to access Cellular networks.

How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support

You might also need to consider that only the WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GNSS/GPS capabilities - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping or other Apps that require accurate/precise location data - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required.

WiFi Only iPad models can only “infer” their location from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate.

If yours is not a WiFi+Cellular model and you need access to precision location services enabled by GPS, your available options are:

• Substitute your WiFi Only iPad for a WiFi+Cellular model; this does not commit you to provisioning Cellular service for your iPad, but does provide the GNSS/GPS functionality required for accurate determination of your location.
• Add an external GPS receiver to your WiFi Only iPad. These are often used in marine, aviation and vehicular applications - and can be either directly connected via Lightning or via Bluetooth. There are various third-party manufacturers, of which two are BadElf and Garmin GLO.

You can’t. An iPad manufactured without a cellular chip and antenna won’t be able to connect to mobile networks. Also, you wouldn’t find a SIM slot anyways, because iPads only support eSIMs nowadays. If you are unsure, you could check in settings.

So, if you see the “Cellular” or, in some regions, “mobile service” option, you can look for local eSIM providers. If the option is not present, you’re unlucky, and trading in for one with cellular is not recommendable, if you ask me. Have a good day.

Kawn12 wrote:

I was gifted the newest IPad Pro 13” without Cellular. Is there anyway I can turn this IPad into cellular? I couldn’t find any opening for a SIM card.

I used to always buy the iPads with cellular. I paid the extra $100 and then paid for the cellular service. Over time, though, I realized that I am almost never without my iPhone. On those occasions that I don't have access to WiFi, I use the personal hotspot feature on my phone. It saves me both the upfront cost and the monthly cost for all of those months I really didn't need the cellular.

The only time I really recommend the cellular iPad for people who have phones is if, for some reason, you need to run navigation software directly on the iPad. The WiFi only iPad doesn't have GPS.

I guess he could trade it in, yet far from the original value which is why I advised not to. So he wouldn’t only pay up for the cellular upgrade, but also for a quarter of the device again (which is just my estimation on how much you get back).

FYI, a “cellular” iPad does NOT allow you to make phone calls using the iPad.

It only provides “mobile data.” (Effectively giving you “Wide area WiFi-like” capability.)

For those instances where mobile data is needed on a “WiFi only” iPad, the previously mentioned iPhone hotspot is generally more than sufficient.

You may be able to sell it or trade it in and get one with cellular capability. I do not know for sure. Maybe contact Apple support.

Chattanoogan wrote:

FYI, a “cellular” iPad does NOT allow you to make phone calls using the iPad.

It only provides “mobile data.” (Effectively giving you “Wide area WiFi-like” capability.)

Excellent point!

Hello~ Excellent advice…

~Katana-San~

Katana-San wrote:

Hello~ Excellent advice…

~Katana-San~

That's ten dollars a month I can spend on kitty treats and chocolate.