A new iPad offers you the ultimate entertainment, especially if you have internet access. Depending on your gadget’s design, you can use Wi-Fi or cellular data. If you are in the market for one and you are thinking of buying from Verizon or any other service provider, a common question is whether you must first subscribe to a data plan.
So, can you buy an iPad from Verizon without a data plan? You don’t need a data subscription plan when purchasing an iPad from Verizon as the iPad can still connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi connection. Getting a data plan at the same time as the iPad may be cheaper than getting the data plan later.
It is advisable to sign up for one for convenience before purchase. It explains why Verizon doesn’t sell Wi-Fi-only versions to enable the company to increase revenue based on the data subscriptions. You can opt for a plan if you need it, and it is even cheaper if you want to add the tablet to a family plan.
If you are a new iPad owner with home or work Wi-Fi, you may wonder if you will need a data plan. Several questions surround this subject as users are often conflicted on which path to take.
You may be thinking of your first iPad, or you want the new model from Verizon’s outlets. The salespeople will likely pitch you some data plan to help get you started, but you may not find it necessary if you already subscribed to another one or have Wi-Fi at home.
It is not compulsory to sign up for a data plan when buying an iPad from Verizon. However, whoever you interact with during your purchase will ask if you are interested in one. The company doesn’t sell Wi-Fi-only tablets because it needs customer data subscription revenues.
It may be a great idea to purchase their services when you need cellular data access. Besides, it is cheaper if you already have a family plan from the company and want to connect your newly purchased iPad.
Verizon is a high-earning company, thanks to its prepaid and postpaid wireless data services. It also sells cellular gadgets to make it convenient for customers to subscribe to plans alongside their new devices.
Many first-time buyers worry that signing up for a program is mandatory even when they regularly use Wi-Fi, not cellular data. Luckily, you are not obligated to buy it alongside your purchase, although it is usually more convenient.
If Verizon had set up a family data plan for you, you could always ask to include the new tablet. Families nowadays use various gadgets to access the internet and find it cheaper to have a joint data subscription.
If this is your go-to, the company will charge you a small fee. On the other hand, some users prefer purchasing their gadgets online where they don’t have to interact with the salespeople who advocate for data plans, especially if they have an active one already.
The main concern from first-time buyers is what happens when they have in-home or work Wi-Fi and want to use that for internet access with the iPad. Also, some parents buy the tablets for their children and don’t let them leave the house with them, and it means that the gadgets will always stay connected to Wi-Fi. In such instances, you may not necessarily need a data plan, although it will be handy if you occasionally carry your iPad to places without Wi-Fi.
Secondly, you won’t need a data subscription if you have a Wi-Fi-specific tablet or an older generation model. Such versions are cheaper and more common than Wi-Fi +cellular options. Unfortunately, Verizon doesn’t sell Wi-Fi-only alternatives because it focuses on providing data subscriptions for its income. Either way, the company sells various Apple products and offers affordable data deals for you and your family.
Can You Buy an iPad Without a Data Plan?
iPads are excellent mobile gadgets thanks to Apple’s improved features and capabilities. The best part about the devices is how they allow seamless internet access for various apps. Whichever iPad model you go for, an important question that comes to mind is whether it will work without a data plan.
You can purchase an iPad without activating its cellular capabilities; it is not obligatory to get a data plan from a select carrier. Besides, Wi-Fi-exclusive generations don’t have a SIM card slot. Without the cellular data provision, your tasks will limit to Wi-Fi use for your internet needs. A wireless connection from a router is relatively more affordable for billing, unlike cellular data. However, it comes with downsides, such as the inability to work in areas without Wi-Fi.
You can buy an iPad without asking for a data plan since it has a capable Wi-Fi connectivity option. Once online, you can comfortably use it to browse, make calls, and send text messages. Given how apps like FaceTime and iMessaging are data-intensive, most prefer using Wi-Fi to avoid additional extreme costs associated with cellular data services. It explains why most iPad users are comfortable with Wi-Fi-only tablets.
Although you will miss out on the cellular capabilities, you can still buy a Wi-Fi-exclusive tablet and link it to your iPhone through a hotspot. The primary goal is to connect with the iPad when Wi-Fi is unavailable, but you need to use the tablet. Unfortunately, it would help if you carried both gadgets with you when you make this pairing whenever you are going out.
It may be cumbersome for some users, hence Apple’s need to introduce the Wi-Fi + cellular iPads, allowing you to access data plans and other cellular capabilities if you have a SIM card. Some users have had iPads for years without necessarily activating a data plan. Therefore, it is a personal decision relying on the owner’s needs and preferences.
Moreover, apart from Wi-Fi and your iPhone’s hotspot, you can purchase a cellular router and use it for the internet on Wi-Fi-only tablets. The advantage of a cellular plan is that you can use the internet from anywhere as long as the region supports it. Ultimately, if you want to avoid using a data plan, the only option is Wi-Fi, which works with all iPad generations. Otherwise, your tasks will limit to internet independent apps.
Can I Use an iPad With Cellular Without a Data Plan?
A monthly data subscription is handy for instances where you need internet access, but no Wi-Fi is available. It is safe and reliable, and there are no limits to what you can do, especially with an unlimited plan. If you have always used a prepaid or postpaid option but want to opt out, here is what you should know.
iPads are either Wi-Fi-specific or Wi-Fi + cellular, explaining why it is not mandatory to use cellular data. You can connect to home, work, or public Wi-Fi for internet access, sparing you the regular data charges. For the best experience, you can link your gadget to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection and disable your iPad’s cellular data usage. On the downside, not using network data can be inconvenient, especially if you travel a lot and are uncertain of Wi-Fi. Otherwise, a plan will always be available wherever you go.
There is a high demand for cellular mobile devices, but users are looking for alternative options to access the internet without paying for monthly subscriptions with several bills to pay. Thanks to advancements in technology bringing features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the market, you can avoid such extreme charges. The iPad comes in two variations to let users decide which version best suits them, either Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + cellular.
Both devices allow internet access using Wi-Fi, while the latter has the added advantage of network data access. Thankfully, all iPads have Wi-Fi support, which is cheaper for most users, especially if you have a router at home or work.
Besides, the Wi-Fi-only versions are more affordable than those with cellular compatibility. Apart from Apple, it is tasking to find providers selling the models because they want to earn revenues through data subscriptions.
For instance, Verizon only stocks cellular iPads then advises users to get a data plan. Although it is entirely up to you to choose Wi-Fi or cellular data, note that the two options have their up and downsides for all users.
Wi-Fi is cheaper if you have a home or work service or connect to public networks, but it has a limited range and is unavailable in many places. Each network works at about a hundred feet radius, and there are chances of slow speeds.
On the other hand, cellular data is always present wherever you are and is handy if you are always traveling. Fortunately, the two are separate entities, and turning off one doesn’t interfere with the other. If you don’t want to pay data charges, you can opt for Wi-Fi available in all iPad versions.
Can I Buy an iPad Without Needing a Line?
Before buying an iPad, there are critical decisions you need to make to ensure that you get the best user experience. If this is your first time investing in one, one pressing concern is the need for a SIM card. Is it a must-have for the iPad to work?
You can opt for a Wi-Fi-only iPad, relying on wireless internet connection and not cellular networks. You can effortlessly make FaceTime calls and iMessage friends and family even without using your SIM card. Alternatively, you can also buy an iPad with Wi-Fi and cellular options and disable the data while connecting to Wi-Fi and not use the line inside. If you are comfortable using Wi-Fi, exclusively, your carrier slot can remain empty, and your iDevice will still perform efficiently.
Therefore, whether to add a line to your iPad depends on you. However, it is a good idea if you need a backup for areas without Wi-Fi, and you can tweak settings to switch between data and Wi-Fi.
Several providers help you with this as long as you find the perfect and affordable plan according to your needs. Also, note that some carrier services are unavailable in some regions, making it impossible to access the internet if you are a frequent traveler.
A line is not mandatory for your iPad unless you need to perform cellular internet tasks. You will notice that the Wi-Fi-only version doesn’t have a SIM tray or a slot to insert your card, unlike the cellular alternative.
Ultimately, you cannot transform a Wi-Fi-only iPad into a cellular service device, although some models have Wi-Fi and cellular options thanks to their improved firmware. Therefore, there is no workaround if you own a Wi-Fi-only gadget and urgently need to use cellular data.
The only resort involves buying a new gadget with the capability. Remember that using a line on your device doesn’t guarantee that you can make voice telephone calls using your iPad. Apple disabled the service from the device, but you can link it to your iPhone. The sole privilege is that you can access mobile data because the SIM will be for billing reasons, the same way you would pay for data on your phone.
Unlike Wi-Fi, cellular data is quite expensive and usually has a limit to adhere to; otherwise, you may be liable for excessive data charges when you surpass the limit. You don’t have a usage ceiling for unlimited data plans and can conveniently pay the ordinary subscriptions at the end of the month regardless of your internet use. However, you can check your data consumption by setting the iPad to switch on Wi-Fi automatically whenever it is available.
A Wi-Fi-only iPad would be ideal when you don’t want to pay extra for the internet when your workplace and home have Wi-Fi. It is also handy if your applications don’t need internet or if you are sure of finding Wi-Fi wherever you are going. In contrast, a cellular iPad may be vital when you are carrying out fieldwork or are away from Wi-Fi and need the internet to upload or download content or use data-intensive apps.
Finally
Apple thought out of the box by designing two different iPads based on the clients’ needs. You can opt for the Wi-Fi-exclusive version or Wi-Fi + cellular alternative. They serve various customers’ needs but are effective in providing internet access.
The best aspect about the Wi-Fi-only make is that you don’t need a SIM card for mobile data. It will work with a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot; you don’t need a data plan. In contrast, the cellular mode uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, meaning that you can switch between the two depending on your needs. It is the more versatile option, although it is more expensive. Such data plans are affordable, and carriers like Verizon have great deals to get you started.
