Go back

iPad 10th Gen: How to Set Up Connectivity Services

A cheat sheet for connectivity on the iPad 10

· 3 min read

Are you planning to get an iPad (10th Generation) to use as a replacement for your laptop? If so, then the device's connectivity capabilities would be rather important for you. Here is what you need to know about what the iPad supports in the connectivity space.

iPad 10 Gen
Source: Apple

Does the iPad 10 support 5G?

Launched in October 2022, the iPad 10 (WiFi + Cellular) comes with 5G support. This allows you to take advantage of the fast speeds when on the go. But if battery is a concern, or if you have not yet switched over to a 5G network, 4G/LTE connections are supported too.

Still considering a switch to 5G? This blog post might help you make a decision.

Does the iPad 10 have a SIM tray?

If you need your iPad to stay connected on the go without being at the mercy of the availability of WiFi, then you will need to get a data SIM for your iPad. The iPad 10 (WiFi + Cellular) comes equipped with a SIM tray for a nano-SIM, so you will be able to stay connected on the go.

Take note that the iPad 10 (WiFi only) does not have the SIM tray.

iPad with SIM tray diagram
Source: Apple

Does the iPad 10 (WiFi + Cellular) support Dual SIM?

Yes, the iPad 10 (WiFi + Cellular) supports multi-SIM. However, there is only one slot for a physical SIM; so if you need to have multiple SIM profiles, you will need at least one of them to be an eSIM.

Travelers with an iPad

How to Set Up an eSIM on your iPad 10?

The easiest way to set up an eSIM on your iPad is to scan a QR code that is typically provided by your carrier upon subscription of your eSIM plan.

  1. If you're setting up your first plan on your iPad, go to Settings > Cellular Data
  2. Tap Add Cellular Plan
  3. Use your iPad to scan the QR code.

In the event where your carrier does not give you a QR code, it is also possible to install the eSIM by manually entering the details that were provided to you.

After successfully setting up your eSIM, you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing different data plans without the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards. This is particularly useful for individuals who frequently travel internationally or need separate data plans for work and personal use. And if you fall into such a profile, Nomad's eSIMs are a great solution to your data needs as you travel. With plans available for over 165 countries, you can seamlessly stay connected as you travel.

iPad with Nomad
Get a Nomad eSIM and enjoy your next trip to the fullest!

How to Switch Between eSIM Profiles?

If you have multiple eSIM profiles set up, switching between them is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the Settings > Cellular Data on your iPad
  2. Tap on your desired eSIM profile.
  3. Your iPad will switch to the selected eSIM profile automatically.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly switch between different eSIM profiles based on your needs. This flexibility allows you to easily manage your data usage and take advantage of the best available options.

Does my iPad support eSIM?

Fret not if you are not on iPad 10. eSIM support is not new to iPad 10. In fact, iPad models from as early as 2019 have been equipped with eSIM support. These are the iPad models that are known to support eSIM:

  • iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
  • iPad (7th generation or later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation or later)

However, take note that there might be restrictions on eSIM support depending on your carrier and country of purchase. Refer to our site for a list of other devices that are known to have eSIM support.

What to expect for the next generation of the iPad?

Many people were expecting the announcement of the iPad 11 during the March 2023 Spring event, but it never happened. There are many rumours up in the air around the next generation of the iPad, but it is unclear which of them is true. But where SIMs are concerned, we don't expect much differences — we think eSIMs and multi-SIMs are here to stay, and Apple probably wouldn't remove the nano-SIM tray…yet.