iPad, tablet, or watch: which devices can take a plan

A cellular iPad or an Android tablet with eSIM can take an MTN Travel eSIM plan; it's a device on your account like a phone, with its own eSIM and its own plan. Wi-Fi-only tablets have no eSIM hardware. Watches aren't supported. If a tablet is only occasionally online, tethering it to your phone's plan is the cheaper option.

Before you start

Dial *#06# on the tablet, or look for Add eSIM in its cellular settings; a 32-digit EID means it has eSIM hardware. Buy the plan under Add another device and plan in My plans, and name the device, so the plan is issued for the tablet rather than your phone.

Steps

On the iPad, open Settings and tap Cellular Data. On an Android tablet, open the SIM settings.
Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, and scan the code from your order page or email.
Can't scan? Choose manual entry and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Let it add. It takes about a minute on Wi-Fi.
When you land, tap the new line and turn on Data Roaming; it's easy to miss on a tablet.
If the country needs an APN, set it under Cellular Data Network (iPad) or Access Point Names (Android).

Good to know

A tablet has no phone number, so there's nothing to swap. Your plan is data only, with no phone number, calls, or SMS. Calls and texts keep using your home number.
An eSIM belongs to the device it's added to. A phone and a tablet traveling together each need their own; see A second device on the same trip: What it needs.
Your plan starts when you connect in a supported country, not when you buy. Your validity days count from that first connection. Unused data expires at the end of your validity period. It doesn't roll over.
For a laptop, or a tablet that's only sometimes online, use your phone's hotspot instead; see Hotspot and tethering on your MTN Travel eSIM plan.

Still not working?

If the line shows no service after you land, see eSIM not working: no data after landing; the five checks apply to a tablet too. Still not working? Contact MTN Travel eSIM support and include four things: your ICCID, your order number, your phone model and OS version, and what you've already tried.

Send a message. We'll get you sorted.

Have questions about coverage, installing, or a plan you've already bought? Whatever it is, message us and a few quick questions will get you to the right person. Email works too, if you'd rather.

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