Is the iPad Pro 3rd gen eSIM compatible?

Yes, the iPad Pro 3rd generation supports eSIM on Wi-Fi+Cellular models. Both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch versions released in 2018 include eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM slot. The Wi-Fi-only models do not have cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM. Check your model number: A1876 (12.9-inch) and A2014 (11-inch) are the Wi-Fi+Cellular variants with eSIM support.

Is the iPad Pro having eSIM?

iPad Pro models from the 3rd generation onward include eSIM on Wi-Fi+Cellular configurations. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation, released in November 2018, was among the first iPads to offer embedded SIM technology. Earlier generations (1st and 2nd gen iPad Pro) rely exclusively on physical nano-SIM cards and do not support eSIM profiles.

Does the iPad Pro 3rd gen have SIM?

The Wi-Fi+Cellular version of the iPad Pro 3rd generation has both a nano-SIM tray and eSIM capability. You can use a physical SIM card, an eSIM profile, or both simultaneously for dual-SIM functionality. The Wi-Fi-only model has no SIM tray or cellular radio, so it connects to the internet via Wi-Fi networks only and cannot use any SIM technology.

Does the iPad Air 3rd generation have eSIM?

No, the iPad Air 3rd generation (released in March 2019) does not support eSIM. Wi-Fi+Cellular models of the iPad Air 3rd gen use a physical nano-SIM card only. eSIM support arrived with the iPad Air 4th generation in 2020. If you need eSIM functionality, consider upgrading to a newer iPad Air or iPad Pro model with eSIM compatibility.

Can I use eSIM on iPad WiFi only?

No, Wi-Fi-only iPad models cannot use eSIM or any cellular connectivity. The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) Wi-Fi model (A1983) lacks the cellular modem, antennas, and SIM hardware required for mobile data. Only Wi-Fi+Cellular variants support eSIM and physical SIM cards. If you need cellular data, you must purchase a Wi-Fi+Cellular iPad model.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) eSIM — Compatibility & Setup

Does the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) support eSIM?

Yes, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) supports eSIM, but only on Wi-Fi+Cellular models. The Wi-Fi-only version does not include cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM or physical SIM cards.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) eSIM compatibility

Released in November 2018, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation was one of Apple's first tablets to feature embedded SIM technology. The Wi-Fi+Cellular variant supports a single nano-SIM tray plus eSIM, allowing you to use both simultaneously for dual-SIM functionality. You can keep a physical SIM active while adding an eSIM for travel data, or use eSIM as your only cellular connection.

All regional variants of the Wi-Fi+Cellular model support eSIM. This applies to units sold in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other markets. Check your model number on the back of your device: A1876 (Wi-Fi+Cellular) supports eSIM, while A1983 (Wi-Fi only) does not.

Dual-SIM setup with eSIM and physical SIM

The tablet lets you run one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM profile at the same time. You might use your home carrier's physical SIM for calls and texts (via connected iPhone) and add a travel eSIM for data when abroad. Only one line can be active for cellular data at any moment, which you control in Settings.

How to set up an eSIM on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation)

Setting up an eSIM on your Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) takes about sixty seconds once you have a QR code from your carrier or travel eSIM provider. Your tablet must be running iPadOS 12.1 or later and connected to Wi-Fi during installation.

Step-by-step eSIM activation

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap Cellular Data (or Mobile Data in some regions).
Select Add a New Plan or Add Data Plan.
Use your iPad's camera to scan the eSIM QR code provided by your carrier or eSIM vendor. Position the QR code inside the frame until it auto-detects.
Tap Continue when the plan details appear, then confirm the installation.
Label your new line with a custom name (e.g., "Travel Data" or "Europe eSIM") to tell it apart from your primary SIM.
Choose which line to use for cellular data by tapping the line name under Cellular Data.
Wait for the activation to complete. You'll see signal bars appear once the eSIM connects to the network.

Alternative activation methods

If you don't have a QR code, some carriers let you enter activation details manually or install the eSIM via their app. Select Enter Details Manually in step 4, then input the SM-DP+ address and activation code your provider supplies. Carrier apps often streamline the process by handling the installation automatically after you log in.

Using a travel eSIM on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation)

A travel eSIM is the simplest way to get cellular data abroad without paying roaming fees on your home plan. You purchase a data package for your destination country or region, install the eSIM profile before you fly, and activate it when you land. Your iPad connects to a local network immediately, giving you maps, email, and web access without hunting for airport SIM vendors or unlocking your device.

Why install before departure

Install your travel eSIM while you're still home and connected to Wi-Fi. The profile sits dormant on your device until you turn it on. Most eSIM plans start their validity period only when the eSIM first connects to the destination network, so early installation won't waste days. This approach also lets you troubleshoot any activation hiccups before you leave, rather than solving problems in an airport terminal.

You can browse eSIM plans for hundreds of countries and compare coverage, data allowances, and validity periods. Regional eSIMs cover multiple countries—useful for European tours or multi-stop Asia trips—while single-country profiles often deliver the best value for longer stays.

Keep your home SIM active

Leave your physical SIM in the tray and set your travel eSIM as the active data line. Your home number stays reachable for two-factor authentication codes and important calls (if your plan includes international roaming for voice). You control which line provides data in Settings > Cellular Data, so you can switch back to your home carrier instantly if needed.

Tips and troubleshooting

Most eSIM activations on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) complete without issues, but a few settings and common pitfalls are worth knowing before you travel.

Turn on data roaming for your eSIM line

Travel eSIMs require data roaming to be enabled, even though you're not roaming in the traditional sense. Go to Settings > Cellular Data, tap your eSIM line, and toggle Data Roaming on. Without this switch active, your iPad won't connect to the local network abroad. Your home physical SIM can have roaming off to avoid accidental charges.

What to do if the QR code won't scan

Poor lighting, screen glare, or a damaged QR code can prevent the camera from reading the code. Try increasing screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code, or print the code on paper. If scanning still fails, choose Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as provided. Double-check for typos—one wrong character will block activation.

Check compatibility for other devices

If you own multiple tablets or phones, you can check another device's eSIM compatibility to confirm which support embedded SIM technology. The 11-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation (released alongside the 12.9-inch model in 2018) also supports eSIM on Wi-Fi+Cellular variants, while earlier iPad generations require physical SIM cards only.

Delete an eSIM profile you no longer need

Old travel eSIM profiles remain on your device until you remove them manually. Go to Settings > Cellular Data, tap the eSIM plan, scroll down, and select Remove Cellular Plan. This frees up space for new profiles and declutters your list of available lines. You can reinstall a deleted eSIM only if your provider allows it and supplies a fresh QR code.

For additional help with setup or activation errors, visit eSIM setup help for detailed troubleshooting guides.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation) eSIM