e-sim not receiving messages on ipad, to set up ID Mobile Account | iD Mobile Community
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e-sim not receiving messages on ipad, to set up ID Mobile Account

  • March 7, 2025
  • 9 replies
  • 471 views

Ryan Harvey
New Contributor

e-sim not receiving messages on ipad, to set up ID Mobile Account

Best answer by MZone

You can’t use an eSIM in an iPad for calls/SMS just data only. So you’ll need to use a phone to do it. 

9 replies

MZone
Platinum 
Contributor
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  • Platinum 
Contributor
  • Answer
  • March 7, 2025

You can’t use an eSIM in an iPad for calls/SMS just data only. So you’ll need to use a phone to do it. 


Ryan Harvey
New Contributor
  • Author
  • New Contributor
  • March 7, 2025

Thanks. How to you transfer the e-sim I have activated on my iPad to my phone? And then back again? I think all I need it for is to activate my ID Mobile account with the SMS security code


MZone
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Contributor
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  • Platinum 
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  • March 7, 2025

You will need to use the iD online Live Chat service, to speak to a customer adviser ​@Ryan Harvey to request a replacement eSIM.

The advisers work until 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends - just tell the 24/7 chatbot you’d like to “talk to a person

Then once you have added the plan to the app using the code sent to your phone you’ll then be able to request another replacement eSIM via the app and add it back to your iPad. 


Ryan Harvey
New Contributor
  • Author
  • New Contributor
  • March 7, 2025

Thanks, I’ll get in touch with them in the morning 


Tyler C
iD Mobile Employee
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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • March 8, 2025

Hey there ​@Ryan Harvey, unfortunately, we do not offer eSIM transfers.

 

You would need a new eSIM activated on your phone, and then another new eSIM activated on your iPad.

 

Thanks,

Tyler


  • New Contributor
  • March 20, 2025

@Ryan Harvey Curious did you manage to get this to work? We don’t have separate phone and just bought plan for iPad and obviously having problems accessing messages too. 


Ryan Harvey
New Contributor
  • Author
  • New Contributor
  • March 20, 2025

So because I didn’t have an iPad with the cellular function I wouldn’t be able to receive regular text messages (or calls) to the iPad. You can only use the SIM card for data / internet etc. 


  • New Contributor
  • October 22, 2025

This is plain nuts.

You can’t register the eSIM to the ID mobile app because you can’t receive the SMS. You can’t transfer the eSIM to another phone so you can receive the text message...so how exactly are you supposed to manage your account?


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  • iD Mobile Employee
  • October 22, 2025

Hi ​@stubbo66 

Thanks for getting in touch, and I’m really sorry for the inconvenience you’re facing with your eSIM. We understand how frustrating it can be when you're unable to receive SMS messages, especially when trying to register your account.

Currently, eSIMs must be activated on a device that can receive SMS messages.
If your current device doesn’t support SMS, we recommend requesting a replacement eSIM for a compatible phone to complete your account 

If you’d like further support with this, please get in touch via our Socials (Facebook or Instagram), Live Chat, Community, or email socialqueries@idmobile.co.uk with the details, and we’ll be happy to help.

Lamiya 
iD Mobile Social Media Team