eSIM for iPad - how to add phone number | iD Mobile Community
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eSIM for iPad - how to add phone number

  • January 19, 2026
  • 5 replies
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K
New Contributor

I have activated a new eSIM on my iPad and it seems to be connecting OK but the phone number wasn’t updated  when I installed the eSIM.
Is there a way to do that manually? I can’t set up an account in the ID Mobile app as the verification code is going to the number which is not associated with any device.  

When I asked ID Mobile if I could buy the same plan for an iPad as a phone they said yes but updating the cellular number seems to be an issue. I can’t reuse the eSIM. QR code as it can only be used once. Any suggestions?

Best answer by WelshPaul

No, that isn't an option here. Major carriers offer "shared" plans (like Vodafone’s OneNumber) so your devices can use one single number. However, smaller providers don't support that technology yet. Your tablet/watch plan is completely independent, meaning it has its own phone number and its own set of data.

    5 replies

    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
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    • WelshPaul
    • Platinum 
Contributor
    • January 19, 2026

    Just a heads-up: iD Mobile plans are intended for phones, though they usually work fine in an iPad. The main catch is that iPads can't receive SMS. You’ll need to put the SIM/eSIM into a phone first to get your setup code, then request a swap to move the service back over to the iPad.

     

    You can’t set up your online account so you can’t request a replacement SIM or eSIM yourself. You’ll need to ask a live chat agent to send you one.

    https://idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    Lamiya C
    iD Mobile Employee
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    • Lamiya C
    • iD Mobile Employee
    • January 19, 2026

    Hi ​@Kazbett46 ,

     

    I can agree to the above,  iPads can’t receive SMS, so the verification code and number update won’t work on the iPad.

    To fix this, you need to:

    Install the eSIM in a phone first

    Set up your iD account using the SMS code

    Then ask live chat to swap the eSIM back to your iPad
     

    You can contact live chat here: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

     

    Lamiya

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    K
    New Contributor
    • Kazbett46
    • Author
    • New Contributor
    • January 19, 2026

    Hi - thanks for the reply. i have already installed the eSIM on the ipad so i cant use it again so I’m getting s physical SIM sent to me in the post to put into my phone ro receive the SMS code for the account setup. We’ll see if that works :-)

    K
    New Contributor
    • Kazbett46
    • Author
    • New Contributor
    • January 19, 2026

    another question, I used to be able to receive texts and WhatsApp messages on my Ipad with my previous provider’s data only plan, will i not be able to do this with the ID Mobile plan?

    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
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    • WelshPaul
    • Platinum 
Contributor
    • Answer
    • January 19, 2026

    No, that isn't an option here. Major carriers offer "shared" plans (like Vodafone’s OneNumber) so your devices can use one single number. However, smaller providers don't support that technology yet. Your tablet/watch plan is completely independent, meaning it has its own phone number and its own set of data.

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

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