How to Survive With Your Wi-Fi Only iPad

If you’re thinking of buying a new tablet, you may be fine with a Wi-Fi only iPad from Apple. I’ve owned one for years and have never felt like I needed one with a cellular option. This guide shows how to effectively use a Wi-Fi only iPad and why you should consider buying one.

Comparing Cellular and Wi-Fi Only iPads

Despite what appears to be a disadvantage of not having continuous cellular data on your iPad, Wi-Fi only iPads are fine for nearly everyone. For example, I can access the internet in most places via Wi-Fi anyway. On a recent “workation,” I used my device in libraries, coworking spaces, and cafés – without any problems. I could also use my iPad on buses and trains if I wanted to do extra work.

Nonetheless, cellular models may be a better choice if you regularly travel to (or live in) places with limited Wi-Fi access or don’t want to leave network availability to chance. The following is a rundown of the key differences between cellular and Wi-Fi only iPads.

Make the Most Out of Your Wi-Fi Only iPad

If you choose to buy a Wi-Fi only iPad, you can maximize your experience in various ways.

1. Download Content in Advance

When I’m traveling long distances, I like to listen to songs and podcasts. However, I also want to preserve my phone battery for essentials (e.g., using Google Maps to find my way around and storing my transport tickets). Downloading episodes and playlists is a great way to do this, and I also like having a bigger screen to navigate these services.

I also travel from Europe to the U.S. each year to see my family, but I don’t want to rely on in-flight entertainment systems. (My inner nerd also likes observing our route on the flight map.) I sometimes download Netflix shows and movies, along with YouTube videos and tutorials. If you’re anything like me, you won’t miss out with this option, as you can’t even use cellular data on planes.

2. Get a Fast Wi-Fi Connection

The only time I ever use my cellular data plan indoors is if my Wi-Fi isn’t working, or I am somewhere that doesn’t have Wi-Fi access. Since I work remotely, investing in fast Wi-Fi has a big return on the investment.

Many Internet providers offer 5G Wi-Fi packages, and I suggest upgrading if you have the budget. As long as your network doesn’t have a lot of downtime, you probably won’t miss having cellular data on your tablet.

3. Connect to Public Wi-Fi Networks

To preface this point: connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be risky, and I always use a VPN to protect myself. As long as you have a VPN, you can always connect to public Wi-Fi when you need access to the Internet on your tablet in public.

I’ll connect my iPad to Wi-Fi outside the house to work and browse the Internet in libraries and cafés. I would suggest asking the staff for a private Wi-Fi network password first, but if this doesn’t exist, public networks are a fallback option for your Wi-Fi only iPad.

4. Cache or Tether

Caches are your browser or app’s saved Internet memory once the item is fully loaded. Load a webpage in advance to view it later offline. However, using the Reading List feature is a better way to do this:

Select the clipboard icon in the top-left corner to access your Reading List, and choose your preferred page.

Tethering is also an option, and I’ve done it a few times when the network has gone down, especially in coworking spaces.

Rethink Your iPad

The main reason I bought a Wi-Fi only iPad, and why I’ve used it to its maximum potential, is because I already knew in advance how I wanted to use it. In most cases, I’d argue that you don’t need an iPad with cellular data for work. Offices, your home, coworking spaces, and many cafés have Wi-Fi connections.

A cellular iPad can be useful when traveling by train in some places, but since you can’t use mobile networks on planes, and many airports have Wi-Fi, it’s not so useful for air travel. And if your primary reason for getting an iPad is entertainment, you can download content you want to listen to or watch in advance.

Having an iPhone also cuts out the need for a cellular iPad. You can use your phone to make calls and browse the Web when you don’t have Wi-Fi access. A cellular iPad is perhaps worth getting if you want constant Internet access without worry of finding Wi-Fi, but it isn’t necessary for most people.

If you’re trying to decide between an iPad and iPad Air before you make your purchase, we can help. If you want to make your Wi-Fi only iPad more like a laptop, learn how to use and connect a Magic Keyboard to your tablet.

Image credit: DALL-E. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.