eSIM compatible tablets and laptops: iPad, Surface, ThinkPad and more

Which cellular iPads, Windows tablets and WWAN laptops accept a travel eSIM, how to install it, and when a phone hotspot is the better choice.

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Quick answers

Cellular iPads Yes, 2018 onwards

Surface 5G and LTE Yes

WWAN laptops Yes on most 2021 and later

Smartwatches No, carrier-only

Alternative Phone hotspot, allowed on all plans

Every cellular iPad from 2018 onwards, Surface Pro 5G and LTE models, and most 2021 or later ThinkPad, EliteBook and Latitude WWAN laptops accept a Universal eSIMs travel eSIM. Smartwatches do not, because watch eSIMs are carrier-provisioned. With hotspot allowed on all 96 of our plans, one phone plan often covers every device.

List reviewed on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM

Apple iPad

Apple iPad: eSIM support

Device eSIM Notes iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch (2018 and later, cellular) Yes eSIM plus nano-SIM until 2024; M4 iPad Pro is eSIM-only. iPad Air (3rd generation and later, cellular) Yes eSIM plus nano-SIM; M2 and M3 iPad Air are eSIM-only. iPad (7th generation and later, cellular) Yes eSIM plus nano-SIM; 10th generation and later are eSIM-only in most markets. iPad mini (5th generation and later, cellular) Yes eSIM plus nano-SIM; A17 Pro iPad mini is eSIM-only. Any Wi-Fi-only iPad No No cellular radio. Use a hotspot from your phone.

Windows laptops and tablets

Windows laptops and tablets: eSIM support

Device eSIM Notes Microsoft Surface Pro X, Pro 9 5G, Pro 10 and Pro 11 (5G models) Yes Install from Settings, Network and internet, Cellular, Add eSIM profile. Microsoft Surface Go 2 and Go 3 (LTE Advanced) Yes eSIM plus nano-SIM. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 and later (WWAN models) Yes eSIM available on 5G and LTE configurations; confirm WWAN was ordered. Lenovo ThinkPad X13s and T14 Gen 3 and later (WWAN) Yes eSIM on 5G configurations. HP Elite Dragonfly G2, G3 and G4 (WWAN) Yes eSIM on 5G and LTE configurations. HP EliteBook 800 and 1000 series (WWAN, 2021 and later) Yes eSIM on WWAN configurations only. Dell Latitude 7000 and 9000 series (WWAN, 2020 and later) Yes eSIM on 5G and LTE configurations. Acer Swift 7, Spin 7 and TravelMate P6 (LTE) Yes eSIM on LTE configurations. Any laptop without a WWAN card No No cellular radio. Use a phone hotspot; hotspot is allowed on every Universal eSIMs plan.

Android tablets

Android tablets: eSIM support

Device eSIM Notes Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 and S10 series (5G) Yes eSIM on 5G models in most markets. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series (5G) Yes eSIM on 5G models in most markets. Google Pixel Tablet No Wi-Fi only. Lenovo Tab P12 Pro (5G) Yes eSIM on 5G model.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches: eSIM support

Device eSIM Notes Apple Watch Series 3 and later (GPS + Cellular) Some variants eSIM is built in but can only be provisioned by your home carrier, not by a travel eSIM provider. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and later (LTE) Some variants Same limitation: carrier-provisioned only. Google Pixel Watch (LTE) Some variants Carrier-provisioned only.

How to install a travel eSIM on a tablet or laptop

iPad

Settings, Cellular Data, Add a New Plan, scan the QR code. Turn on Data Roaming for the new plan when you land.

Windows (Surface and WWAN laptops)

Settings, Network and internet, Cellular, Manage eSIM profiles, Add a new profile. Scan with the camera or type the activation code. Set the profile as active and enable roaming under Cellular options.

Android tablets

Settings, Connections (or Network and internet), SIM manager, Add eSIM, scan the QR code. Enable Data roaming for the new line.

Hotspot or a second eSIM?

When a second eSIM is worth it

Situation Better choice Why Phone and laptop always together Phone plan with hotspot One plan, one top-up; 20GB covers a working week Child uses an iPad separately Second eSIM on the iPad Independent data, no battery drain on the phone Business laptop needs always-on VPN Laptop eSIM Survives phone sleep and calls Short trip, light use Phone plan with hotspot Cheapest; 5GB covers both devices

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a travel eSIM on a cellular iPad?

Yes. Settings, Cellular Data, Add a New Plan, then scan the QR code. iPads have no phone number, so the plan is data-only, which is exactly what our plans are.

Will a Universal eSIM work on a Surface Pro?

Yes on 5G and LTE Surface models. Settings, Network and internet, Cellular, Manage eSIM profiles, Add a new profile, then scan or enter the activation code. The Windows Mobile Plans app is not needed.

My laptop has a SIM slot. Does it have eSIM too?

Not always. Most 2021 and later ThinkPad, EliteBook and Latitude WWAN configurations include eSIM alongside the slot; older ones do not. In Windows, open Settings, Cellular: an eSIM section appears only if the hardware exists.

Can I install a travel eSIM on an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch?

No. Watch eSIMs are provisioned only by your home mobile operator as an extension of your phone number. Travel eSIM providers cannot push a profile to a watch. The watch still works over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from your phone.

Is it cheaper to use my phone hotspot instead?

Often yes. Hotspot is allowed on every Universal eSIMs plan, so one 10GB or 20GB phone plan can cover a tablet and laptop too. A separate tablet eSIM is worth it only when the devices travel apart.

Do Wi-Fi-only iPads and Pixel Tablets have eSIM?

No. Without a cellular radio there is nothing to install. Use the hotspot.

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Connect every device on the trip

Hotspot allowed on every plan. 20GB plans built for a phone plus laptop.

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