Trying to get an eSIM for a new iPad

[Rabbit2]

I have bought a new iPad, but my old one is iOS 15 and cannot be upgraded to the iOS version where an eSIM can be transferred. My old iPad used a normal SIM, and when I went online my only option was to order a new SIM from EE. I am trying to activate this new SIM which I believe will allow my to generate a QR code for an eSIM version (although I'm not clear, just the labyrinthine EE online account only gave me the option to order a new SIM when I asked for an eSIM). Unfortunately, the process of activating the SIM requires a text to be sent to the number of the SIM. This being an iPad it cannot receive texts related to the SIM installed inside. So, I'm at a bit of an impasse. Does anyone know how I can get an eSIM for my new iPad? Please help me!

[Ali_A]

Hi @Rabbit2 

Welcome to the EE Community. 

In order to install an eSIM in the new iPad, you'll need to set up the EE app on the new iPad. 

This should allow you the option to download and install the eSIM on the iPad. 

The alternative option is to log into your EE account online to generate a QR code, which you can then scan into your new iPad using its camera function. 

To receive a verifications SMS on the old iPad with existing eSIM just visit Set up Messages on iPad. 

Let us know how you get on. 

If you're still having trouble with installing an eSIM to your new iPad, you can pop into any EE store with photo ID where a guide will be able to generate and activate this to your iPad for you. 

Ali 

[Rabbit2]

Hi Ali,

My old iPad has a normal SIM so this won't work for me. I need to get an eSIM QR code from EE but have not been able to.

Thanks,

Laura

[Ali_A]

@Rabbit2 

You can set up messaging on the old iPad if it uses either eSIM or physical SIM. As you have a physical SIM in the iPad it will work fine.  

Alternatively, as it's a physical SIM, you can take it out of the old iPad and temporarily pop it into a mobile phone in order to receive the verification code. 

Ali

[Rabbit2]

Hi Ali,

You can't set up text messages for an iPad, you can only receive iMessages or SMS forwarded from the iPhone. As the SIM is in my iPad it cannot receive SMS text messages to that SIM.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254340814?sortBy=rank

Thanks,

Laura

[Ali_A]

@Rabbit2 

All EE SIM cards, including SIM cards on data plans, can receive SMS messages. 

You just need to pop the SIM card into a device that can pick up SMS messages, such as a mobile phone. 

Ali