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If you’re asking yourself any of the questions above, you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t know whether they can convert their Wi-Fi iPad to cellular later on, or if it’s even possible.
In this blog post, we will answer all those questions and more. Also if you’re interested, please check out our article on the pros & cons of using cellular on an iPad.
Table of Contents
Can a Wi-Fi iPad Be Converted to Cellular?
It is not possible to convert a Wi-Fi iPad to cellular. The two models are different and there is no way to change one into the other.
This is because the cellular iPad has a different antenna setup and a SIM card slot that the Wi-Fi model does not have.
So, if you purchase a Wi-Fi iPad and later decide that you want cellular data, you will need to buy a new iPad that is the cellular model.
Can You Put a Sim Card in a Wi-Fi Only iPad?
No, you cannot put a SIM card in a Wi-Fi only iPad. As we mentioned, the cellular model is the only one with a SIM card slot.
There are alternatives to getting cellular data on your iPad, however. You can use a tethered connection or connect to your mobile hotspot to get internet access while you’re on the go.
How Do I Know If My iPad Has Cellular?
It’s easy to tell if your iPad has cellular capabilities. Just look for the “Cellular” option in the Settings app. If you don’t see it, that means your iPad is the Wi-Fi only model.
Another way to tell is by looking at the side of your iPad. If you see a SIM card slot, then your iPad has cellular capabilities.
The most obvious way to tell, however, is by looking for the cellular icon on the top of your iPad. If you see it, that means cellular is turned on and you’re good to go!
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular iPad?
The main difference between the Wi-Fi and cellular iPad is that the cellular model has a SIM card slot that allows you to connect to the internet using a data plan from your carrier.
The Wi-Fi model does not have this capability and can only connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi connection.
The functionality of the two models is otherwise identical. So, if you’re considering buying an iPad, you should first decide whether you need the cellular or Wi-Fi model.
Some apps like Whatsapp need a mobile data connection to work. If you’re using a Wi-Fi only iPad, you won’t be able to use these apps unless connected to a Wi-Fi network.
However, there are ways to get around this. You can use a service like Skype or FaceTime to make calls and send messages, and many other messaging apps don’t require a data connection.
Will an iPad Work Without a Phone Number?
An iPad will work without a phone number, but it will not have cellular service. The iPad will only be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks. If you want cellular service on your iPad, you will need to add a SIM card and activate a data plan with your wireless carrier.
Wi-Fi iPads work perfectly fine for most people, but there are a few instances where cellular service would come in handy.
For example, if you want to use your iPad while traveling and don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network, you can purchase a data plan and use the cellular network instead (if your iPad is cellular capable).
Or if you’re working on a project that requires an internet connection and there isn’t a public Wi-Fi network available, you can use your cellular data plan to get online.
A cellular iPad too will work like a Wi-Fi iPad without a phone number. The iPad will need to be connected to a cellular network in order to have service.
Pros and Cons of iPad With Cellular
iPad with cellular has the same capabilities as an iPad without cellular, but also includes a built-in Apple SIM card that lets you connect to LTE networks worldwide.
Pros:
- You can stay connected even when you’re away from Wi-Fi.
- You can use your iPad to make calls and send text messages.
Cons:
- Your data usage may be more expensive than with Wi-Fi only iPads.
- Not all LTE networks are created equal; coverage and speeds vary by region.
- Battery life may be shorter when using cellular data.
- You need an active subscription to a supported carrier in order to use cellular data.
If you’re thinking about getting an iPad with cellular, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, data usage on cellular networks can be more expensive than Wi-Fi.
Second, not all LTE networks offer the same coverage or speeds; it varies by region.
And finally, if you travel internationally, you may need to get a new SIM card in order to use cellular data. Keep these factors in mind when deciding if an iPad with cellular is right for you.
If you decide that an iPad with cellular is the right choice for you, be sure to check out the list of supported carriers.
With a supported carrier, you can use your iPad to make calls and send text messages, as well as use cellular data.
Is It Worth Having a Cellular iPad?
There are a few instances where having cellular on your iPad can come in handy, but for the most part, a Wi-Fi-only iPad will work just fine.
If you’re not sure if you need cellular or not, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I often use my iPad while I’m away from a Wi-Fi network?
- Do I need to be able to make calls or send text messages on my iPad?
- Will I be using my iPad internationally?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it might be worth considering an iPad with cellular. Remember that data usage can get expensive if you’re not careful, so be sure to check with your carrier about their data plans.
An iPad with cellular can be a handy tool, but it’s unnecessary for everyone. If you’re not sure if you need it, consider how you use your iPad and if you’ll be able to take advantage of the features of an iPad with cellular.
Final Thoughts
Currently, a Wi-Fi iPad cannot be converted into a Cellular iPad. The only way to have cellular data on your iPad is to purchase an iPad with cellular capabilities.
An iPad with cellular can be a great tool, but it’s not necessary for everyone. If you’re not sure if you need it, consider how you use your iPad and if you’ll be able to take advantage of the features of an iPad with cellular.
For most people, a Wi-Fi-only iPad will work just fine.
But if you’re frequently away from a Wi-Fi network, need to make calls or send text messages on your iPad, or will use your iPad internationally, then an iPad with cellular may be the right choice.