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iPad Pro SOLVED: How do you switch from SIM to eSIM?

M

MTShipp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 25, 2009
892
251
Raleigh, North Carolina
Perhaps a moot or dumb question. But I will be going from a SIM’d Pro to the new Pro with eSIM only. Can someone explain how to change from one iPad to another while simultaneously switching from SIM to eSIM?

Do I need to switch to eSIM on existing iPad and then migrate the eSIM to the new iPad? Or is there some other method?
 
First you need to check if your carrier offers eSIM or offers your current plan in eSIM version. And then switch your contract to eSIM or sign a new contract.
Where I live, my plans are physical SIM only, and eSIM plans are terrible, so I am not buying a 5G iPad anymore
I guess the situation is much better in the US.
 
Yes, in the US every major carrier offers eSIM. You just call and tell customer service you want to activate the eSIM. They will walk you through where to find the IMEI number and everything in your settings. You won’t need a physical sim and they will probably have you remove one if you have it installed.
 
Your carrier must be able to support eSIM

To activate your eSIM using a QR code after you set up your iPad:
  1. Contact your carrier to get a QR code.
  2. Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. ...
  3. If you're using an iPad with iOS 17.4 or later, and you get a QR from your carrier in an email or from the carrier's webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.
More items...
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Mar 19, 2024
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https://support.apple.com › en-us

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

 
It really depends on your carrier, so you'd have to ask them. (In my case, I just activated the eSIM from my carrier's app.)
 
Got it worked out.

  1. On current iPad, click “convert to eSIM” in Cellular setting.
  2. Power off and remove SIM, power on.
  3. Power on new iPad and have current and new on same WiFi network and cellular enabled on both.
  4. Visit carrier website and find their specific section for migrating eSIM between devices.
  5. Follow their specific instructions.
  6. Bob’s your uncle.
 
MTShipp said:
Got it worked out.

  1. On current iPad, click “convert to eSIM” in Cellular setting.
  2. Power off and remove SIM, power on.
  3. Power on new iPad and have current and new on same WiFi network and cellular enabled on both.
  4. Visit carrier website and find their specific section for migrating eSIM between devices.
  5. Follow their specific instructions.
  6. Bob’s your uncle.
Click to expand...

The steps really depend on the carrier.

I just checked on one of my iPads and for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon one can just go to Settings - Cellular Data - Add a New Plan - Transfer iPad Plan as long as both iPads are on the same iCloud account, .
 
It’s a dilemma for customers of Consumer Cellular (CC) because they don’t show the IMEI number as eligible for an eSIM. According to CC the IMEI number requires a physical SIM card. Apple was sympathetic but suggested switching carriers or returning the IPad! suggestions would be welcome.
 
drknowusa said:
It’s a dilemma for customers of Consumer Cellular (CC) because they don’t show the IMEI number as eligible for an eSIM. According to CC the IMEI number requires a physical SIM card. Apple was sympathetic but suggested switching carriers or returning the IPad! suggestions would be welcome.
Click to expand...

You’ll have to wait until CC updates their IMEI database. It will eventually be added sooner or later.
 
During the set up process it will ask you if you want to transfer your SIM to an eSIM
 
rui no onna said:
The steps really depend on the carrier.

I just checked on one of my iPads and for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon one can just go to Settings - Cellular Data - Add a New Plan - Transfer iPad Plan as long as both iPads are on the same iCloud account, .
Click to expand...
Can this be done without having any information regarding the carrier account information?
 
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