Cannot activate Esim on Ipad Air 3

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Level 1

13 points

Cannot activate Esim on Ipad Air 3

I bought an ipad air 3 off amazon and it works fine for the most part. I cannot add an esim for the life of me however. I've tried an MVNO (Tello) and T-mobile. Both are plans I know work with ipads. The ipad is unlocked as well.

Contacted Apple Support and at first they told me it was locked to AT&T. Talked to AT&T and they said they don't lock their devices. Talked to apple again and they said everything was fine and the device was unlocked. Tried my Cricket Sim from my phone and that works. IMEI checkers all say the ipad is unlocked.

When I try to sign up for a new plan from the device itself, the only option I get is AT&T. If that means anything.

iPad Air 3, iPadOS 18

Posted on Feb 13, 2025 08:45 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 14, 2025 03:29 AM in response to SynnFrost

When signing-up to a Cellular plan directly from your iPad, you will only see Apple-partner Carriers that are available in your current location.

When obtaining an eSIM directly from a Cellular Carrier, MVNO or associated website, ensure that the eSIM plan is intended for iPad - as otherwise the eSIM may not be correctly provisioned by the Carrier. An eSIM intended for a mobile-phone is unlikely to work at all with iPad.

Set up cellular data service on your iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular model - Apple Support

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Answer 2

SynnFrost Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 14, 2025 03:24 PM in response to LotusPilot

Both the esims I tried work fine with tablets. T-mobile specifically has a tablet plan.

No, this is literally an e-sim lock. Since they can't lock the physical sim slot, ATT instead locks the E-Sim slot. They're supposed to undo it when the device is paid off, but since it's not blacklisted anywhere, it seems they just conveniently forgot that part.

It's not a huge deal. Just means I'll have to use physical sim cards if I want service. It's still a ridiculous policy though.

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Answer 3

Feb 14, 2025 03:34 PM in response to SynnFrost

Devices purchased from a Cellular Carrier can be SIM/subsidy-locked - and in some cases, such as AT&T, the eSIM may actually be permanently disabled.

If you purchase a WiFi+Cellular model iPad directly from Apple, you have assurance that the iPad is fully functional - and has no SIM-locks appled.

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Answer 4

SynnFrost Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 15, 2025 08:40 AM in response to LotusPilot

A subsidy lock is one thing. The option to PERMANENTLY disable an esim should absolutely never be excused. Especially given that the physical sim is unlocked. It honestly defeats the purpose.

Like I said before though. It's a perfectly functional tablet otherwise that I got for less than 200 and I can just use physical sims. The fact that there's such an easy work around only highlights the ridiculousness.

I really do wish this was more commonly known though

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Cannot activate Esim on Ipad Air 3

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