2020 12.9" iPad Pro eSim is not working

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2020 12.9" iPad Pro eSim is not working

I set up an ATT account on the new iPad as per instructions and there is a new device and phone number showing up in my account now.

However, cellular is not working as expected. It appears that the esim is not being recognized or something is missing such that the Celluar Data setting is still looking for me to select a carrier.

I have been on the phone with ATT two days in a row, and there seem to be a SIM card language differential. They keep asking for an ICCID number and there is nothing under that name listed under ABOUT on the iPad, there is however a CSN, IMEI, and EID number.

ATT is sending me a "real" SIM card to install.

Has anyone seen this problem? Is there a way to check to see if the cellular radio(?) is actually working, at this time, there are no signal bars showing, but they do show up for about 3 seconds after starting the iPad or switching Airplane mode off.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Apr 15, 2020 1:53 PM

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Answer 1

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danuke Author

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871 points

Apr 18, 2020 9:28 AM in response to danuke

I was going through the various support pages on the ATT website and found this little statement:

Make sure it‘s on an active wireless plan, then download your eSIM to your device over Wi-Fi®. (If you’re bringing a dual-SIM device to AT&T, an eSIM won’t transfer. We recommend that you order a new SIM card.)

Seeing as how the 2020 iPad Pro is dual-sim, I guess that 'won't transfer' translates as an eSIM won't work. Further, based on the various Apple webpages, they are not aware of this.

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Answer 2

ckuan

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120,758 points

Apr 16, 2020 6:54 AM in response to danuke

danuke wrote:

After two days of discussion, this is what ATT is sending me to install.

AT&T SIM Card for iPhone 8, 8 Plus

iPad uses Data only SIM, so I will be surprise if the iPhone SIM will work at all.

eSIM only work if your carrier supports it, talk to them.

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Answer 3

May 7, 2020 5:45 PM in response to danuke

I was having the same issue, in that AT&T told me they would send me a SIM card as I supposedly needed it, but they also said SIM cards are on back order. AT&T has since informed me that a SIM card order was placed automatically when I set up the plan for this device (2020 iPad Pro). And, most recently, AT&T has advised me that I do not need a SIM card in this device, as I have an eSIM. So...who knows, but my device seems to be working just fine.

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Answer 4

QuickPost

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Apr 15, 2020 8:34 PM in response to danuke

Hello,

You will need to call Apple for assistance.

Contact AppleCare

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Answer 5

ckuan

Level 10

120,758 points

Apr 15, 2020 8:37 PM in response to danuke

Install the nano-SIM given by your carrier.

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Answer 6

danuke Author

Level 3

871 points

Apr 16, 2020 6:50 AM in response to ckuan

After two days of discussion, this is what ATT is sending me to install.

AT&T SIM Card for iPhone 8, 8 Plus

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Answer 7

danuke Author

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871 points

Apr 16, 2020 6:51 AM in response to danuke

However, that still does not address the "root cause", why didn't the eSIM work in the first place.

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Answer 8

danuke Author

Level 3

871 points

Apr 18, 2020 9:21 AM in response to QuickPost

I did call them. The rep was very hard to understand on my land line phone, and he was clearly disinterested with the concern.

Of course, he threw "call ATT" back into my face.

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Answer 9

danuke Author

Level 3

871 points

Apr 18, 2020 9:23 AM in response to ckuan

I believe that you are mis-informed. The SIM card came in and I was able to activate my iPad Pro; still required another call to ATT to get it all activated and set up.

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2020 12.9" iPad Pro eSim is not working

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