HT4157: AT&T: How to set up and manage a cellular data account on your iPad

Learn about AT&T: How to set up and manage a cellular data account on your iPad
Toemind
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Connect to 3G, without wi-fi available.

Do you need to be connected on wi-fi first to set up the cellular connection or does AT&T allow free direct cellular connection to them in order to set up the cellular plan?

iPad 3G, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Dec 4, 2012 6:57 AM

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Toemind

Q: Connect to 3G, without wi-fi available.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Dec 4, 2012 7:05 AM in response to Toemind
    Level 7 (25,416 points)
    Dec 4, 2012 7:05 AM in response to Toemind

    You activate a new iPhone and establish service by connecting it to a computer and iTunes.  You cannot activate and establish service over the air - you must use iTunes via a cable connection to your computer.

     

    Once activated, you should be able to establish service with AT&T over wifi.

     

    P.S. you can also call AT&T from another phone and they can walk you through the service setup in a couple of minutes.

  • by Toemind,

    Toemind Toemind Dec 4, 2012 7:16 AM in response to Michael Black
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2012 7:16 AM in response to Michael Black

    Thanks for your reply. I have an old iPhone but it can't create a hub.  (I'm on my iPhone right now.) I'm trying to connect my iPad (has 3G) to cellular but I don't have access to wifi right now. I' used 3G on my iPad quite awhile ago and had had an AT&T account. It sounds like I have to be connected to at least wifi to deactivate my iPad 3G access.

  • by Toemind,

    Toemind Toemind Dec 4, 2012 7:17 AM in response to Toemind
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2012 7:17 AM in response to Toemind

    Sorry, to reactivate my 3G connection.

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black Dec 4, 2012 7:21 AM in response to Toemind
    Level 7 (25,416 points)
    Dec 4, 2012 7:21 AM in response to Toemind

    Yes, you can do it over wifi, but your phone is not going to connect to AT&T's cellular network at all until you've established service on it.

     

    If there is an AT&T store nearby, just walk in and ask them to do it (have your account info handy).