How to Install an eSIM on iPad: Step-by-Step Guide for Travellers

Travelling with an iPad? eSIM Makes Data Easy

Many Singapore travellers carry an iPad alongside their phone, whether for work, entertainment on long-haul flights, or as a navigation and mapping device during their trip. If your iPad supports eSIM, you can get a dedicated data plan for it before you fly, keeping your iPad connected independently from your phone without needing to use hotspot tethering for everything.

This guide covers which iPad models support eSIM, how to install a Steady eSIM on your iPad, and how to get the most out of your iPad data when travelling from Singapore.

Which iPads Support eSIM?

iPad Pro

• iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations from 2018 onwards)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation onwards, from 2018)

iPad Air

• iPad Air (3rd generation onwards, from 2019)
• iPad Air 4th and 5th generation

iPad (Standard)

• iPad (7th generation onwards, from 2019)
• iPad 8th, 9th, 10th generation

iPad mini

• iPad mini (5th generation onwards, from 2019)
• iPad mini 6th generation

Note: WiFi-only iPad models do not support eSIM. eSIM is only available on iPad models with Cellular capability (sometimes labelled WiFi + Cellular). Check the model name on the back of your iPad or in Settings > General > About to confirm whether your iPad is a cellular model.

Before You Start: What to Check

Confirm Your iPad Has Cellular Capability

Go to Settings on your iPad. If you can see a Cellular Data or Mobile Data option in the Settings menu, your iPad has cellular capability and likely supports eSIM. If you only see WiFi settings and no cellular option, your iPad is a WiFi-only model and does not support eSIM.

Check for the Add eSIM Option

Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data and look for an option to Add a Data Plan or Add eSIM. If this option appears, your iPad is eSIM compatible and ready to set up.

Carrier Unlock

Unlike iPhones purchased through Singapore telcos, iPads purchased in Singapore are typically sold unlocked regardless of the retailer. If you purchased your iPad through Apple or a standard retailer, it should be unlocked and compatible with any international eSIM provider.

How to Install Steady eSIM on iPad: Step by Step

Before you begin, purchase your Steady eSIM plan at steadyesim.com. Choose your destination and the plan that suits your trip. Plans start from $4.99. Pay by card, PayNow, or GrabPay and receive your QR code instantly on screen and by email.

• Step 1: Open Settings on Your iPad. Tap the Settings app on your iPad home screen.
• Step 2: Go to Cellular or Mobile Data. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data in the left-hand Settings menu. The exact label depends on your region settings.
• Step 3: Tap Add a Data Plan or Add eSIM. Scroll down and tap Add a Data Plan or Add eSIM. On newer iPads running iPadOS 16 or later, this may appear as Add Mobile Plan.
• Step 4: Scan Your QR Code. Your iPad camera will open automatically. Hold it up to the Steady eSIM QR code on your screen or printed from your email. The iPad will scan the QR code automatically and recognise the eSIM profile.
• Step 5: Confirm the Download. A confirmation screen will appear. Tap Add Data Plan or Confirm to proceed. Your iPad will download and install the eSIM profile. This typically takes 30 to 60 seconds with a WiFi connection.
• Step 6: Label Your eSIM. Give your eSIM a recognisable label such as Japan Steady or Bali Steady. This is useful if you store multiple eSIM profiles on your iPad for different trips.
• Step 7: Enable Data Roaming. Go back to Settings > Cellular and tap on your Steady eSIM line. Make sure Data Roaming is toggled on. This is essential for your iPad to connect to local networks when you land at your destination.
• Step 8: Set as Default Data Line. In the Cellular settings, make sure your Steady eSIM is set as the active data plan for your iPad. If your iPad has a physical SIM as well, confirm that Steady eSIM is selected for data.

Using Your iPad eSIM While Travelling

On Arrival at Your Destination

When you land, turn off Airplane Mode on your iPad. Go to Settings > Cellular and confirm your Steady eSIM is active and Data Roaming is enabled. Your iPad should connect to the local network automatically within a few minutes. You will see the carrier name appear at the top of your iPad screen once connected.

Using iPad as a Navigation Device

An iPad with an active eSIM is a powerful travel companion. Download offline maps in Google Maps or Apple Maps before you fly, and use your eSIM data for real-time navigation, restaurant searches, and translation. The larger screen makes maps and directions significantly easier to read than on a phone.

Hotspot from iPad to Phone

If your phone runs out of data or does not have an eSIM, you can use your iPad as a personal hotspot and share its Steady eSIM data connection with your phone or laptop. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot on your iPad and enable it. All Steady eSIM plans support hotspot tethering.

Keeping Your iPad Charged

A cellular iPad with an active eSIM uses more battery than a WiFi-only iPad. Pack a portable charger or USB-C power bank for long days of travel to keep your iPad powered throughout the day.

Do You Need a Separate eSIM for Your iPad and iPhone?

Which Steady eSIM Plan Should You Choose for iPad?

iPad data usage while travelling tends to be heavier than phone usage because of the larger screen encouraging more video consumption, video calls, and general browsing. Here is a guide:

• 1GB / 7 Days at $4.99: light use, mostly offline with occasional connectivity
• 3GB / 15 Days at $5.99: moderate use, maps and messaging with some browsing
• 5GB / 30 Days at $6.99: regular use including some video and social media
• 10GB / 30 Days at $10.99: heavy use, video calls, streaming, and remote work
• 20GB / 30 Days at $17.99: very heavy use or extended stays
• 50GB / 30 Days at $34.99: power users or those using iPad as a primary work device abroad

Browse all available destination plans on steadyesim.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPads support eSIM?

eSIM is supported on all cellular iPad Pro models from 2018 onwards, iPad Air from 3rd generation, standard iPad from 7th generation, and iPad mini from 5th generation. WiFi-only iPad models do not support eSIM.

How do I know if my iPad has cellular capability?

Go to Settings on your iPad. If you see a Cellular or Mobile Data option in the menu, your iPad has cellular capability and likely supports eSIM. WiFi-only models will not show this option.

Can I use the same Steady eSIM QR code on both my iPhone and iPad?

No. eSIM QR codes are one-time use and device-specific. You need a separate plan and QR code for each device. Alternatively, get one plan for your iPhone and share its hotspot with your iPad.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM from my iPad to use eSIM?

No. If your iPad has both a physical SIM slot and eSIM capability, both can be active simultaneously. You can keep your existing SIM and add the Steady eSIM as an additional data line.

Does Steady eSIM support hotspot tethering on iPad?

Yes. All Steady eSIM plans support personal hotspot and tethering. You can share your iPad's Steady eSIM data connection with your phone or laptop through Settings > Personal Hotspot.

My iPad downloaded the eSIM but is not connecting. What should I do?

Check that Data Roaming is enabled for your Steady eSIM line under Settings > Cellular. Confirm the Steady eSIM is set as the active data plan. Try toggling Airplane Mode off and on to force a network reconnection.