How to add existing Cellular (AT&T) data on iPad Air

Question

TommyBoyMac Author

Level 1

8 points

How to add existing Cellular (AT&T) data on iPad Air

Just bought/received a new iPad Air (AT&T).

Trying to get the AT&T data portion working.

I go to Settings, Cellular Data, View Account, Cellular Data Account....

I have 3 choices:

Set UP New Account >

Add to Existing AT&T Account>

Transfer Service From Another iPad>

Since I already have 3 Iphone 5's on an UNLIMITED DATA plan with AT&T (Grandfathered-in), I chose the middle selection.

It then asks for the following:

Cellular Phone: Required

Zip Code: Required

Passcode: Required if enabled

SSN: Last four digits of SSN

I entered EVERYTHING correctly, but it comes back after just a few attempts:

We're sorry, the maximum number of authentication attempts has been exceeded. You must wait 24-hrs before trying again.

NOW.....Is the PASSCODE that they are referring to the AT&T PASSCODE??? Or the silly passcode to open the iPad after the finger swipe?

This is the ONLY thing that I can think of that may have been entered incorrectly. I was entering in my AT&T PASSCODE (4 digit) security passcode that you use to login online.

IF they are asking for the APPLE PASSCODE that you enter after you finger swipe, then maybe that's the issue???

HELP!!!!

iPad Air Wi-Fi, Cellular, iOS 7.1

Posted on Apr 3, 2014 2:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

sberman

Level 10

272,832 points

Apr 3, 2014 2:18 PM in response to TommyBoyMac

The passcode being requested is the AT&T passcode you use when you log in at:

https://www.att.com/olam/loginAction.olamexecute?goto=welcome

You say you are using a 4 digit passcode. Mine is much longer. But if that code logs you in at the URL above, that is the one!

If you continue to have issues, phone AT&T at (800) 331-0500 for assistance. This number is staffed 24x7.

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Answer 2

TommyBoyMac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 3, 2014 2:33 PM in response to sberman

sberman,

When I log in to the link you specified, I have to enter in my:

USER ID: (Phone number)

and

PASSWORD: (Yes much longer than 4 numbers)

then....

I have a PASSCODE that I must enter (4 numbers) as a further security wall.

So....when setting up this AT&T Data plan on the iPad, it's asking for a PASSCODE (Required if enabled) I am assuming that it's the 4 digit number, and NOT the PASSWORD that is alpha-numeric and much longer.

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

272,832 points

Apr 3, 2014 2:36 PM in response to TommyBoyMac

Have you tried entering the password on your iPad instead of the passcode?

I am a long time AT&T customer. I use AT&T on my iPhone. I admit my iPad is WiFi only, so I don't use AT&T there. But as I have updated iPhones often during the iPhone's seven year history, I can tell you that when asked for the cellular number, last 4 of SSN, and Zip Code, I am always required to enter the password, not any passcode (which indeed I do not have established with AT&T).

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Answer 4

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Apr 3, 2014 2:38 PM in response to TommyBoyMac

TommyBoyMac wrote:

That's not gonna work!

I was told by someone that it's only $10 to add a tablet to an existing data plan.

Call AT&T and talk to them. They're usually reluctant at best to allow another device onto a plan with unlimited data, but perhaps they'll allow it. You can't, however, just use an existing iPhone account.

Regards.

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Answer 5

Apr 3, 2014 2:16 PM in response to TommyBoyMac

You can not use your iPhone unlimited data plan on your iPad. You will need a separate data plan (or part of a shared data plan) to use your iPad with AT&T cellular data.

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Answer 6

TommyBoyMac Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 3, 2014 2:33 PM in response to GeekBoy.from.Illinois

GeekBoy,

What???? Wait???

That's not gonna work!

I was told by someone that it's only $10 to add a tablet to an existing data plan.

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