Can I connect to the internet on my iPad without WiFi?

Fortunately, we’ve put together three quick ways you can keep your iPad connected if WiFi isn’t an option:

Mobile data

Some iPads, specifically newer models, come with inbuilt 4G/5G capabilities. If you're lucky enough to have one of these, then you can connect whenever your device has mobile internet, assuming you have data left on your plan.

Hotspot

Another option is to hotspot using your mobile phone. All you need to do is go into your phone settings, select mobile data and then set up a hotspot. Doing this turns your phone into a de-facto WiFi hub using its mobile data. Then you just need to connect your iPad to your new, temporary router.

It’s important to note that this will eat into your data allowance, so unless you have an unlimited data plan or gigabytes to spare, it might not be a long term solution.

Dongle

If you need to be connected without WiFi for extended periods of time, dongles can be a good option. These devices plug into your iPad’s USB port and provide it with a broadband connection via the cellular network. They must be purchased as part of a plan, however, much like a mobile contract.