eSimGuide
2026 Guide

Does the iPad (2019) Support eSIM?

Find out if your Apple iPad (2019) supports eSIM technology and learn how to set it up.

eSIM Supported
EG
eSIM Guide Team
Updated January 2026

Yes, the iPad (2019) fully supports eSIM technology, allowing you to activate cellular plans digitally without needing a physical SIM card. This Apple device offers enhanced convenience for managing your cellular service, including the potential for easier international travel.

The iPad (2019) did not feature eSIM capabilities. This particular model relied solely on a physical nano-SIM card for cellular connectivity, meaning users were required to insert a traditional SIM card provided by their carrier to access mobile data networks. While eSIM technology was emerging around its release, Apple opted not to include it in this iteration of the iPad, reserving it for later, more premium devices. Therefore, for the iPad (2019), the convenience and flexibility offered by eSIM were not an option.

For users of the iPad (2019) seeking cellular connectivity, the primary method remains the use of a physical nano-SIM card. This involves obtaining a SIM from your chosen mobile carrier and inserting it into the iPad's SIM tray. If you require more flexible or temporary data options, especially when traveling or for backup connectivity, there are several alternatives. These include utilizing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device, which can provide internet access to your iPad via Wi-Fi, or tethering to a smartphone that has an active data plan.

While the iPad (2019) does not support eSIM, it's worth noting that Apple has since embraced eSIM technology in many of its newer devices, including subsequent iPad models and iPhones. For users in 2025 who prioritize eSIM functionality, considering an upgrade to a more recent Apple device that explicitly lists eSIM support in its specifications would be the most direct path to leveraging its benefits, such as easier switching between carriers and managing multiple data plans.

iPad (2019) eSIM FAQ

No, the iPad (2019) does not support eSIM functionality. While it does support cellular data, it relies solely on a physical nano-SIM card for cellular connectivity.

No, dual SIM functionality is not supported on the iPad (2019). This model only features a single slot for a physical nano-SIM card, meaning you can only use one cellular plan at a time.

Unfortunately, you cannot activate an eSIM on your iPad (2019) as this model does not have eSIM capabilities. To get cellular service, you will need to insert a physical nano-SIM card from your preferred carrier into the SIM tray on the side of the device.

The iPad (2019) uses a nano-SIM card. This is the smallest physical SIM card format available and is a common standard for many mobile devices.

No, it is highly unlikely that the iPad (2019) will receive eSIM support through a software update. eSIM technology requires specific hardware components that are not present in this model. Therefore, you cannot use eSIMs with this device even in 2025.

Other Apple Phones with eSIM

The iPad (2019) is indeed fully equipped for the eSIM era, offering the convenience and flexibility of managing multiple cellular plans without the need for physical SIM cards. This makes it an ideal choice for users who frequently travel or simply desire the ease of switching carriers or plans directly from their device.

Given that it's 2025, you can confidently leverage this feature. We encourage you to explore the wide array of eSIM plans available from various providers to find one that best suits your data and travel needs. Simply navigate to your iPad's cellular settings to get started with activating an eSIM profile and enjoy seamless connectivity.