How to Insert / Install / Remove SIM Card on iPad Pro

There are few feelings as frustrating as arriving in a new country, ready to post that first scenic shot or check your hotel reservation, only to realize your iPad Pro is showing “No Service.” Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a digital nomad hopping between continents, understanding how to insert, install, or remove a SIM card on your iPad Pro is one of those small yet essential travel skills that keeps your adventures running smoothly.

As someone who’s worked, written, and wandered through over 40 countries, I’ve learned that staying connected isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. The good news is, setting up your iPad Pro for mobile data is much easier than navigating airport customs or finding a power outlet in an old train station. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using SIM cards and eSIMs on your iPad Pro, avoiding common mistakes, and keeping your connection strong whether you’re in Paris or Perth.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why Your iPad Pro Needs a SIM Card
• Locating the SIM Card Slot on iPad Pro
• How to Insert a SIM Card on iPad Pro
• How to Remove or Replace a SIM Card
• eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travelers?
• Troubleshooting Common SIM Issues
• Tips for Travelers: Keeping Your iPad Connected Worldwide
• FAQs

Introduction: Why Your iPad Pro Needs a SIM Card

Your iPad Pro isn’t just a tablet; it’s a portable command center. With its large screen, long battery life, and sleek power, it’s equally perfect for streaming movies during long flights or handling client emails from a café in Lisbon. But its true potential shines when you add mobile connectivity.

A SIM card — or its digital twin, the eSIM — transforms your iPad Pro from a Wi-Fi-only device into a fully mobile companion. It means you can check maps while walking through Tokyo’s labyrinthine alleys, upload drone footage straight from the beach, or call your next hotel without depending on unstable Wi-Fi.

In short, the iPad Pro with cellular capability is the travel writer’s Swiss army knife. And the trick to unlocking it? Knowing how to handle that tiny piece of plastic and circuitry we call the SIM card.

Locating the SIM Card Slot on iPad Pro

Apple’s design philosophy is all about elegance — and that means the SIM card slot is easy to overlook. Depending on which iPad Pro model you have, it’s usually located along the lower-right edge when held in portrait orientation. Look closely for a faint outline of a tray and a small circular hole beside it — that’s where your SIM goes.

It might sound simple, but first-timers often poke around the wrong hole. (Pro tip: don’t mistake your iPad’s speaker or microphone for the SIM slot. It happens more often than you’d think.)

Before you proceed, power off your iPad Pro. While Apple doesn’t explicitly require this, it’s a good habit to prevent data corruption or a temporary network glitch when inserting or removing SIM cards.

How to Insert a SIM Card on iPad Pro

Now, let’s get your iPad Pro ready for the road.

You’ll need a SIM ejector tool, which Apple includes in the original box. If that’s long gone — no shame, we’ve all recycled packaging prematurely — a small, unfolded paperclip works perfectly in a pinch.

Gently insert the tip of the tool into the pinhole next to the tray. Press lightly until the tray pops out a fraction of an inch. Pull it out completely with your fingers. You’ll notice a small cutout shape that matches the corner of your SIM card — this ensures it fits only one way.

Place your nano-SIM card on the tray with the gold contacts facing downward. Slide the tray back in slowly, making sure it’s level and aligned with the edge. Push until it sits flush with the iPad’s body — Apple designs are tight-fitting, so don’t force it.

Power your device back on. Within moments, you should see signal bars appear in the top-right corner, signaling success. If your iPad asks for a PIN, enter the one provided by your carrier (many SIMs come with a default code like 0000 or 1234).

Congratulations — your iPad Pro is now mobile-ready. You can open Safari, stream a YouTube video, or send a message via iMessage, all without searching for Wi-Fi.

Thanks for visiting our blog, are you planing to travel to Europe? Check out our eSIM Europe.

How to Remove or Replace a SIM Card

Switching SIM cards is practically a rite of passage for frequent travelers. Maybe you’ve just landed in Singapore and bought a local prepaid SIM at Changi Airport. Or maybe you’re heading home and want to reinstall your usual one. The process is identical to inserting a SIM — just in reverse.

Power off your iPad Pro first. Insert your ejector tool into the tray’s pinhole, press gently, and remove the tray. Carefully take out the current SIM (they’re smaller than they look, so hold them over a table, not your lap).

If you’re replacing it with a new SIM, place the new one on the tray with the same orientation — gold contacts down, notched edge aligned. Push the tray back into the slot until it’s flush. Power on your iPad, and you’re good to go.

One small piece of advice from someone who’s lost a SIM card or two in airport lounges: always store your old SIM in a labeled envelope or a travel wallet. They’re too easy to misplace, and replacing them while abroad can be surprisingly tedious.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travelers?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Modern iPad Pro models (especially the 2018 version onward) come with both a physical SIM slot and eSIM support, giving you flexibility — and sometimes, confusion.

A physical SIM card is tangible, easy to swap, and universally accepted. It’s perfect when you’re in countries where eSIM support hasn’t quite caught up, or if you like having a physical backup.

An eSIM, on the other hand, is completely digital. It lets you activate mobile data plans without handling any cards — ideal for travelers who hate fumbling with tiny trays in airport terminals. Many global providers (like Airalo, Nomad, or Ubigi) offer eSIMs that can be downloaded before you even board the plane.

In my own experience, eSIMs are a godsend when traveling fast and light. But I still keep one physical SIM slot free for local plans in case I find a cheaper option on arrival. The best of both worlds, really.

If your iPad Pro supports eSIM, you can activate one by heading to Settings → Cellular Data → Add eSIM, then scanning the QR code or entering the details from your provider.

Troubleshooting Common SIM Issues

Sometimes, even the best technology acts up. If your iPad says “No SIM”, remove the tray and check if the card is properly seated. Dust or misalignment is often the culprit. Clean the gold contacts gently with a soft, lint-free cloth and reinsert it.

If your device shows a signal but refuses to connect to the internet, open Settings → Cellular Data and make sure the toggle is on. In some cases, you might need to manually enter APN (Access Point Name) details from your carrier’s website.

When all else fails, try restarting your iPad Pro or toggling Airplane Mode on and off. It sounds almost superstitious, but it often forces a fresh handshake with the network.

And if nothing works, don’t panic — contact your carrier. Sometimes new SIMs need activation from their end, especially prepaid ones purchased overseas.

Tips for Travelers: Keeping Your iPad Connected Worldwide

If you’re constantly hopping between countries, managing connectivity becomes an art form. I recommend keeping a small pouch with your SIM ejector tool, a few spare nano-SIM cards, and a printed list of APN settings for your usual destinations.

Before traveling, research local SIM providers. In many countries, tourist SIMs are available at airports with generous data allowances. Alternatively, eSIM services like Airalo or Nomad let you buy regional plans covering multiple countries, saving time and hassle.

Also, don’t overlook offline downloads. Even with mobile data, there are times when connections drop — long train tunnels, mountain hikes, or rural areas. Download maps, playlists, or work documents before setting out.

Finally, always keep your iPad’s software up to date. Apple periodically refines carrier compatibility, and an outdated iOS version can sometimes cause SIM recognition issues.

Understanding how to insert, install, and remove a SIM card on your iPad Pro isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of those small skills that make travel infinitely smoother. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll never again be that traveler begging airport staff for Wi-Fi passwords or struggling to load boarding passes offline.

Your iPad Pro, when equipped with the right SIM or eSIM plan, becomes an invaluable tool — a blend of productivity, navigation, and entertainment wherever you go. Whether you’re working remotely from a seaside café or planning your next flight at 35,000 feet, your connection remains solid.

So pack that ejector tool, load up your favorite travel apps, and embrace the digital freedom your iPad Pro was designed for.

Before you take off make sure to check with local government of the travel status.

FAQs

1. Where is the SIM card slot located on iPad Pro?

The SIM card slot on most iPad Pro models is on the lower-right side near the bottom edge. Look for a small pinhole beside a slim tray outline.

2. Can I use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM on iPad Pro?

Yes. Modern iPad Pro models support eSIM, allowing you to activate digital data plans without inserting a physical SIM. It’s a great option for travelers who move frequently between countries.

3. Do I need to power off the iPad Pro before inserting or removing the SIM?

It’s not mandatory, but powering off the iPad before inserting or removing a SIM card helps avoid temporary network errors and ensures a clean reconnection.

4. What should I do if my iPad Pro says “No SIM”?

Check that the SIM card is correctly aligned in the tray. If the problem persists, clean the contacts, restart your device, or contact your carrier for reactivation.

5. Are all SIM cards compatible with iPad Pro?

The iPad Pro uses nano-SIM cards, but ensure your device is unlocked to use SIMs from different carriers, especially international ones.