All iPads Difficulty setting up an iPad cellular data plan

[dwhite601]

I just got my first iPad (the new 2021 iPad Pro) and have had some unexpected problems. My first attempt was with my cable internet provider (Spectrum). When I tried to setup a plan by calling their sales department, twice, sales people's software prevented the account setup due to a reported iPad incompatibility. The two sales people both felt my new iPad should be compatible, but they could go no further. I was advised that Spectrum would look into the problem.

Then I tried Cricket as they have a store near where I live. The store sales person did setup my iPad with their data plan and everything appeared to go smoothly. Then, at home, I installed their app and tried to setup an account. That didn't work because the account was already made at the store. I called to get my account name and after telling what that was, he told me to use the app to get my password. The app as an option for that, but can only text a password to my iPad's 'phone number'. The thing is iPads can't receive text messages. I called Cricket's 800 number, but that technician nor his supervisor could see nor set my password. It appears there is no way I can access my account because my device can't receive text messages! And this is for an adversized data only plan.

Are iPads really this hard to get on cellular plans or am I just having bad luck?

David

 

[RetiredInFl]

Put your iPad sim in your reg cell phone then request the text from another device with the app on it or from your iPad on WiFI. I had that same problem with T-Mobile and it always works fine

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It has never taken me more than a couple of minutes to setup my iPads cellular plan, so sounds like bad luck for you. Also could be your carriers chosen.

 

[Shirasaki]

I had my iPad data setup in one of my local ISP, and there is no sms to speak of. I pop SIM card in, and voila, I have data. I suspect the sales person in the store don’t really know which data plan is actually for iPad or your ISP don’t really have one compatible for iPads.
Either way, you can try to get sim to your phone and receive text message that way and see if that will change anything, while you set it up using wifi.

 

[AutomaticApple]

It has never taken me more than a couple of minutes to setup my iPads cellular plan, so sounds like bad luck for you. Also could be your carriers chosen.

That doesn't rule out the possibility of an error on the carrier's end though.

 

[Booji]

I had a hard time with my carrier as well. It turns out that I had to download and install a profile - after I did that, it was fine.

 

[akash.nu]

It really depends on how companies develop their account set up process and their security protocols.

OTP SMS for 2 factor authentication is a standard practice but then the companies need to think through the normal user journeys and some weird use cases along with it.