eSIMion

iPad Air eSIM support

Cellular iPad Airs from the 3rd generation (2019) onward support eSIM. The 2024 Airs (11-inch and 13-inch, M2) dropped the physical SIM tray on cellular models, so on those eSIM is the only option. The Air 2 and the original Air predate eSIM.

What this device can do

The facts first, then why each one matters on a trip.

eSIM support Cellular models from the 3rd generation (2019) onward

Wi-Fi-only iPads have no cellular hardware at all — check Settings for a Cellular Data section first.

eSIM profiles stored Multiple; one active at a time

Keep plans from past trips stored; switch the active one in Settings when you land.

Physical SIM tray Yes until 2024; the 2024 (M2) cellular models are eSIM-only

On a 2024 Air there is no physical-SIM fallback — the eSIM path is the only path.

Calls and texts None — iPads are data-only

Travel eSIMs are data-only too, so nothing is lost: the fit is exact and there is no home line to protect.

Dual SIM No dual-SIM juggling on iPad

One line does everything, which makes iPad the simplest device to set up.

Hotspot Yes

A cellular iPad can feed your laptop or phone over hotspot; it draws from the plan allowance.

5G From the 5th generation (2022) onward; earlier cellular Airs are LTE

Where the local network offers 5G, the travel eSIM can use it; LTE-only models still work everywhere.

Which iPad Airs qualify

Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of the iPad Air 3rd generation (2019), 4th generation (2020), 5th generation (2022), and the 2024 11-inch and 13-inch models.

The 2024 generation is eSIM-only on cellular models — no tray. Earlier supported generations take a nano-SIM or an eSIM.

Wi-Fi-only Airs cannot use any SIM. If Settings has a Cellular Data section, yours is a cellular model.

iPad-specific checks

No dial pad on an iPad, so skip *#06#. Settings, Cellular Data, then look for Add eSIM or Add a New Plan.

Carrier-sold iPads can be locked, and mainland-China cellular iPads may lack eSIM — worth confirming on an imported device.

Travel eSIMs are data-only and iPads are data-only devices, so the fit is exact. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM line and you are done — there is no home line to protect on an iPad.

Installing your travel eSIM

Your eSIMion eSIM arrives by email with a tap-to-install link, a QR code, and manual details. Full steps on the iPad guide below.

Related

iPad eSIM guide →

iPad Pro eSIM support →

iPad mini eSIM support →