Cheap cheap data only plan for kid's IPad?

[Anonymous]

New to the world of tablets Got kiddo an IPad for Christmas and I want her to be able to use it, say, in the car, or out with my folks (who watch her, and she goes to places with them like dr appts). I don't want to tether because my current phone does not do that (I have Criket and my phone is too old).

Criket has a device plan but it's not cheap! I saw a $6 a month one on Tello, anyone familiar with that and does it work on Ipads? I'm assuming that the data only plans are for tablets?

[Anonymous]

Do you really need a data plan? Do your parents have WiFi? You should be able to download a lot of content to the iPad to watch movies or listen to music while in the car, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you really need a data plan? Do your parents have WiFi? You should be able to download a lot of content to the iPad to watch movies or listen to music while in the car, etc.

No, I'm not sure if I need a plan I guess I am imagining dc doing a learning app or something while out and about. My parents do have WIFI at their house so that's covered.

[Anonymous]

Typically you cannot just add a random data plan to an iPad- it’s either WiFi only or it’s set up for only one type of data plan. It doesn’t sound like you need it though- plenty of kids games work even when you’re not on WiFi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Typically you cannot just add a random data plan to an iPad- it’s either WiFi only or it’s set up for only one type of data plan. It doesn’t sound like you need it though- plenty of kids games work even when you’re not on WiFi.

It is a 128 gb wifi and cellular (unlocked) enabled ipad. I didn't realize that the kids apps can work without wifi.

[Anonymous]

Any other suggestions? What about data only from US Mobile? I guess the IPad would get its own phone number?

[Anonymous]

The iPad only needs data if she is on the internet, checking email, watching videos on YouTube, Instagram, til tok, etc. these can be used when she is on WiFi, which is probably 80% of time.

All other apps must be on WiFi to download and then can be used offfline.

You could see if you could get cricket or other company SIM card to use in it, but a plan for an iPad that is useful would be $$$ than phone. I personally would not get a plan for a kids new iPad, even if I could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The iPad only needs data if she is on the internet, checking email, watching videos on YouTube, Instagram, til tok, etc. these can be used when she is on WiFi, which is probably 80% of time.

All other apps must be on WiFi to download and then can be used offfline.

You could see if you could get cricket or other company SIM card to use in it, but a plan for an iPad that is useful would be $$$ than phone. I personally would not get a plan for a kids new iPad, even if I could.

Hmmm. She does like to watch her youtube videos in the car. Maybe I should upgrade my old phone on Cricket, to one that can tether. So she could do that with me, and if out and about with my parents, my mom could look for guest wifi (like at the drs). She doesn't do email or text (she's 5,lol).

[Anonymous]

Hot spot from your phone.

[Anonymous]

We have a data plan on our Tablet because we travel a lot so DD watches it in the car. Its worth it for us. The tablet has its own phone number although I have no idea what it is.

DD also uses an old phone of mine but it only works on wifi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The iPad only needs data if she is on the internet, checking email, watching videos on YouTube, Instagram, til tok, etc. these can be used when she is on WiFi, which is probably 80% of time.

All other apps must be on WiFi to download and then can be used offfline.

You could see if you could get cricket or other company SIM card to use in it, but a plan for an iPad that is useful would be $$$ than phone. I personally would not get a plan for a kids new iPad, even if I could.

Hmmm. She does like to watch her youtube videos in the car. Maybe I should upgrade my old phone on Cricket, to one that can tether. So she could do that with me, and if out and about with my parents, my mom could look for guest wifi (like at the drs). She doesn't do email or text (she's 5,lol).

huh. my parents got an ipad for my 8 yo and I made them return it because I said he was too young. I can't imaging giving a 5 yo such an expensive device (my kids have 30$ kindles bought on prime day).

[Anonymous]

OP here-she does have the $30 Kindle, she uses it for the videos but unfortunately, I find it impossible to use for most learning apps! It just isn't user friendly.

The IPad is far more expensive than any device I own LOL. I plan for her to use it throughout school so I hope to get the money's worth out of it.

[Anonymous]

I would try without a plan. There is plenty she can do without a cellular connection and my kids have never missed not having one.

[Anonymous]

Most apps for kids will work without data or WiFi. She will need WiFi to watch videos. I would not pay for data in this situation.

[Anonymous]

Just download games or movies. No need for data or get a hotspot on your phone.