iPad Do I have to have a SIM Card for an iPad Data Plan?

[DMG35]

I purchased a new M1 iPad today for my wife and I was trying to add data to it through the cellular settings. When it asks me if I want to add from an existing account (from my phone number) nothing happens when I click it. I tried to call AT&T and they said I would need a SIM card. Doesn’t the iPad Pro have an eSim you can use? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I didn’t need a SIM for my iPad Pro. I have a prepaid AT&T plan that automatically renews monthly. I do remember it was a little tricky to add the plan though.

 

[rui no onna]

No need for a SIM card. The link-up between Settings-Cellular and carrier backend is sometimes borked though.

Try to do it the long way per attached pics.

If that's not working, try the BYOD page on AT&T website (if adding to existing postpaid account).

Bring Your Own Phone or Device (BYOD) to AT&T

You just paste the IMEI in the IMEI textbox and it should auto-populate the eSIM number. Note, for new devices, sometimes AT&T doesn't have a record yet of the IMEI so it doesn't recognize it's an eSIM device. If this is the case, you might need a physical SIM.