All iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models from 2018 onward support eSIM when purchased with cellular capability. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) works on all eSIM-compatible iPads and Android tablets. Install a travel data plan in under 2 minutes. Plans start at $4.99 for 3GB.
- First iPad with eSIM
- iPad Pro 2018
- eSIM requirement
- Must be WiFi + Cellular model
- Android tablets
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10, S9, S8
- Setup time
- Under 2 minutes
- Provider tested
- HelloRoam (8.8/10)
Which iPads Support eSIM?
Apple added eSIM to iPads starting in 2018. Every iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, and standard iPad released since then includes eSIM on the WiFi + Cellular model. The WiFi-only model has no cellular hardware and cannot use eSIM at all.
To check if your iPad supports eSIM, go to Settings and look for "Cellular Data". If the option exists, tap it. If you see "Add eSIM", your iPad is compatible.
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11" | 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 | Yes | All generations support eSIM. WiFi + Cellular model only. |
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 2018 (3rd gen)+ | Yes | 3rd gen (2018) was the first 12.9" with eSIM. All later gens included. |
| iPad Air | 2019 (3rd gen)+ | Yes | 3rd gen introduced eSIM. 4th, 5th, 6th gen all supported. |
| iPad mini | 2019 (5th gen)+ | Yes | 5th and 6th gen support eSIM. |
| iPad (standard) | 2019 (7th gen)+ | Yes | 7th gen onward includes eSIM on cellular models. |
| All WiFi-only iPads | Any year | No | WiFi-only models have no cellular hardware. No eSIM possible. |
Important: WiFi-only models have no cellular chip at any price point. The only way to add data to a WiFi-only iPad is through a mobile hotspot from another device.
Android Tablets with eSIM
Android tablet eSIM support is much more limited than iPad. Only premium flagship models include eSIM chips. Most mid-range and budget Android tablets use physical SIM cards only or have no cellular capability at all.
| Model | Year | eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 | 2023 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ | 2023 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra | 2023 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 | 2024 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ | 2024 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra | 2024 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 | 2025 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S11+ | 2025 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra | 2025 | Yes | LTE/5G model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 | 2022 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ | 2022 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra | 2022 | Yes | LTE model required. |
| Lenovo Tab P12 Pro | 2022 | Yes | 5G model includes eSIM. |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | 2022 | Yes | 5G variant only. |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 10 | 2024 | Yes | 5G variant only. |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | 2024 | Yes | 5G variant only. |
Before buying an eSIM plan for an Android tablet, confirm the exact model and variant in your device settings. Go to Settings and search for "SIM" or "eSIM" to check compatibility.
How Tablet eSIM Differs from Phone eSIM
The underlying eSIM chip and QR code activation process are identical for tablets and phones. The key differences are in how you use the plan after setup.
Data-only plans
Tablet eSIM plans provide data only. There are no calls or SMS included. This is standard for all tablets, not just a provider limitation.
No dual SIM concept
Most tablets do not have a physical SIM slot alongside the eSIM. You install one eSIM plan at a time. There is no SIM switching like on phones.
WiFi + Cellular required
Only the cellular model of any iPad or Android tablet can use eSIM. WiFi-only versions have no cellular chip installed.
Same QR code process
The activation method is identical to a phone. Scan the QR code from your provider in your tablet settings. Data starts within minutes.
How to Set Up eSIM on iPad
The setup process on iPad takes under 2 minutes. You need a WiFi connection and the QR code from your provider. HelloRoam sends the QR code by email immediately after purchase.
- 1
Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your iPad home screen.
- 2
Tap Cellular Data
Scroll down and tap "Cellular Data". This option only appears on WiFi + Cellular models.
- 3
Tap Add eSIM
Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Data Plan" near the top of the screen.
- 4
Scan QR Code
Select "Use QR Code". Point your iPad camera at the QR code from HelloRoam. Hold steady about 15 to 20 centimeters away.
- 5
Confirm and Activate
Tap "Add Cellular Plan" to confirm. The eSIM profile downloads in 15 to 60 seconds. Data is active once the status bar shows signal bars.
The menu path on iPad differs slightly from iPhone. iPads show "Cellular Data" instead of "Cellular". The eSIM setup screens look the same once you enter the menu.
How to Set Up eSIM on Android Tablets
Android tablet eSIM setup varies slightly by manufacturer. Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets follow this path. Surface Pro devices use Windows settings instead.
- 1
Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your Android tablet.
- 2
Go to Connections
Tap "Connections" in the settings menu. On some models this is labeled "Network and Internet".
- 3
Tap SIM Manager
Tap "SIM Manager" or "SIM Card Manager". This section lists installed SIM profiles.
- 4
Tap Add eSIM
Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan". Scan the QR code from HelloRoam. The profile downloads and activates within 60 seconds.
Best eSIM Providers for Tablets
Any eSIM provider that works on phones also works on eSIM-compatible tablets. The QR code installation process is the same. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is tested and confirmed on both iPad and Android tablets.
| Provider | Score | Works on iPad | Works on Android Tablets | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoam#1 | 8.8/10 | Yes | Yes | $4.99 |
| Airalo | 8.8/10 | Yes | Yes | $4.50 |
| Holafly | 8.6/10 | Yes | Limited | $3.90/day |
| Saily | 8.5/10 | Yes | Yes | $2.99/GB |
HelloRoam covers 185+ countries on 204+ carrier networks. Plans activate in under 2 minutes. The QR code arrives by email immediately after purchase.
Common Tablet eSIM Mistakes
These four mistakes cause most tablet eSIM setup failures. Avoid them before buying a plan.
Buying a WiFi-only iPad
WiFi-only iPads have no cellular hardware. No eSIM option exists. Always buy the WiFi + Cellular model if you plan to use mobile data. Check the model number before purchasing.
Forgetting carrier lock
Some iPads sold through carriers are locked. A locked iPad cannot use third-party eSIM plans. Check if your iPad is unlocked before buying a travel eSIM plan.
Assuming all Android tablets support eSIM
Most budget Android tablets do not include eSIM chips. Only premium models from Samsung and a few others support it. Check the product spec sheet before buying a plan.
Expecting phone calls on a tablet eSIM
Tablet eSIM plans provide data only. You cannot receive or make traditional calls. Use data-based apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for voice communication.
HelloRoam: Best eSIM for iPad and Tablets
HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) works on all eSIM-compatible iPads and Android tablets. Plans start at $4.99 for 3GB. Buy before your trip, scan the QR code in tablet settings, and data is active in under 2 minutes. Covers 185+ countries on 204+ carrier networks.
Plans from $4.99. No SIM card needed. Instant activation.
Tablet eSIM FAQ
Does my iPad support eSIM?
All iPad Pro (2018+), iPad Air (3rd gen+), iPad mini (5th gen+), and iPad (7th gen+) support eSIM when purchased as the WiFi + Cellular model. WiFi-only iPads do not have eSIM. Check Settings > Cellular Data. If you see "Add eSIM", your iPad supports it.
Can I use HelloRoam on my iPad?
Yes. HelloRoam works on all eSIM-compatible iPads. Buy a plan, scan the QR code in Settings > Cellular Data > Add eSIM, and data activates in under 2 minutes. Plans start at $4.99.
Do Android tablets support eSIM?
Some Android tablets support eSIM. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10, S9, and S8 series, Lenovo Tab P12 Pro, and Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 10, and 11 all support eSIM. Most budget Android tablets do not support eSIM.
Can I make phone calls with tablet eSIM?
No. Tablet eSIM plans are data-only. You cannot make or receive traditional phone calls. You can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom for voice and video calls over data.
Is tablet eSIM the same as phone eSIM?
The eSIM technology is identical. The same QR code activation process works on both. The difference is that tablet plans are data-only. Phones can use eSIM for calls, texts, and data. Tablets use eSIM for data only.
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