Can you use 3G iPad without a sim card installed?

Yes, you can use it without a SIM card. I did the same, trying to figure out where and how I would use the iPad before committing to a plan to subscribe to.

Like the other user said. ABSOLUTELY you can. you only need a SIM for 3G capability, not for regular WiFi use. The Sim card I have now is not active, and I'm using the iPad every day.

Hi, can you give me an idea how to get online without a sim card. My Ipad with 3g and wi-fi was delivered today and I opted not to get a sim card straight away but I cannot connect to my home network. I know the password is correct but it just keeps telling me that it cannot connect.

Start here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3237
(iPad: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections)
Does it tell you the password is incorrect?
Have you powered off and then back on your router?
Try turning off auto-fill in Setting>Safari

J.Noble wrote:
I just bought a WiFi + 3G iPad to be delivered in a couple of days. I got the a 3G version incase I wanted to use the 3G sometime later, but I don't want to get a sim straight away. It just struck me that you might need to have a sim card in a 3G enabled iPad in order for it work (just as if it were not 3G enabled). Is this the case?

Thank you.

Let me help clear this up for those who aren't clear on the subject;

iPad WiFi will ONLY work in a Wireless Hotspot

iPad 3G will work in BOTH a Wireless Hotspot as well as outside of the Wireless Hotspot (via the 3G service from our 'friends' over at AT&T).

3G will be somewhat slower than most Wireless Hotspot connections, but if you're shopping for an iPad, remember one key factor here:

You're paying an extra $126 (approx.) for the 'peace of mind' to know that you can always subscribe to AT&T's cellular internet for service virtually anywhere. No, it's not required. But if you don't sign up for it, your iPad will essentially behave just like an iPad WiFi with the added bonus of the 3G hardware capability in case you ever want it; Whereas, if you buy the Wifi only model, the only way you can ever use it while 'mobile' would be via a wireless hot spot.

Do what I did; spend the extra bucks *_and do it right_.*

FireFish wrote:

J.Noble wrote:
I just bought a WiFi + 3G iPad to be delivered in a couple of days. I got the a 3G version incase I wanted to use the 3G sometime later, but I don't want to get a sim straight away. It just struck me that you might need to have a sim card in a 3G enabled iPad in order for it work (just as if it were not 3G enabled). Is this the case?

Thank you.

Let me help clear this up for those who aren't clear on the subject;

iPad WiFi will ONLY work in a Wireless Hotspot

iPad 3G will work in BOTH a Wireless Hotspot as well as outside of the Wireless Hotspot (via the 3G service from our 'friends' over at AT&T).

3G will be somewhat slower than most Wireless Hotspot connections, but if you're shopping for an iPad, remember one key factor here:

You're paying an extra $126 (approx.) for the 'peace of mind' to know that you can always subscribe to AT&T's cellular internet for service virtually anywhere. No, it's not required. But if you don't sign up for it, your iPad will essentially behave just like an iPad WiFi with the added bonus of the 3G hardware capability in case you ever want it; Whereas, *if you buy the Wifi only model, the only way you can ever use it while 'mobile' would be via a wireless hot spot*.

*Do what I did; spend the extra bucks *_and do it right_.**

If you buy a wifi only iPad you can still use it connected via a mifi (Sprint, Verizon, etc.) 3G connection. This provides the same service as a 3G iPad. So what is "right" for you may not be "right" for someone else, especially if they are not within the AT&T 3G service area or have other issues with AT&T. There is more than one way (the AT&T way) to connect using 3G.

My Wi-Fi 3G iPad bought in the U.S.A. came with an AT&T sim card pre-installed. How else would you be able to immediately sign up for 3G service upon receiving the iPad?

Perhaps non-U.S.A. iPads don't have the sim card already installed?

One of the other aspect to buying the 3G model and not using 3G is... You have GPS that the wifi model doesn't.

Michael Superczynski wrote:

Perhaps non-U.S.A. iPads don't have the sim card already installed?

It's an option in the Apple Online Store over here - you can have it with or without a SIM card.

Also, in the UK, you can go on PAYG. You don't have to commit to any monthly plan.
For example, I use the Orange PAYG sim which costs 5p per Mb. Now that sounds a lot, but over the 7 or 8 months I've had my iPad, I've spent aound £12 because 95% of the time I am in a wi-fi area.
Suits me perfectly.