Get a mobile data connection on your Surface Duo, so you can stay connected throughout your day from everywhere you get a cellular signal.
Two ways to get mobile data
Here are two ways to get mobile data on your Surface Duo:
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Nano SIM card. Get a nano SIM card and data plan from your mobile carrier.
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eSIM. Use the embedded SIM (eSIM) that comes built into your Surface Duo. Many times, your mobile carrier will provide a QR code for you to scan with the camera on your Surface Duo. After you scan the QR code, the SIM information is downloaded to your eSIM to get you connected to a mobile network. Not all mobile carriers support eSIM, so check with your mobile carrier for details. (For more specific details about eSIM support, see the Surface Duo 2 tech specs or Surface Duo tech specs.)
1. Use a nano SIM card
Follow the steps below to connect to a mobile network using a nano SIM card in your Surface Duo.
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Contact your mobile operator to sign up for a data plan or add to your current plan.
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Insert the nano SIM card into your Surface Duo. Learn how
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After the SIM card is inserted, open Settings, then tap Network & internet > Internet.
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Tap Settings next to the name for your mobile network, make sure Use SIM and Mobile data are turned on, and then you should be connected.
Tip: If you don’t get connected automatically to your mobile network, select Access Point Names on the Mobile network screen, and then choose the APN for your mobile network. The internet access point name (APN) is the address your Surface Duo uses to connect to the internet when using your mobile data connection. It’s usually set automatically. If you can connect to a Wi-Fi network on your Surface Duo or have another device handy, visit your mobile carrier’s website or search online to find the APN settings for your mobile carrier.
2. Use an eSIM
With an eSIM, you don't need to get a SIM card from your mobile carrier and you can quickly switch between mobile carriers and data plans. For example, you might have one mobile data plan for work and a different plan with another mobile carrier for personal use. Also, if you travel, you can get connected in more places by finding mobile carriers who offer data plans and service in that area.
Many times, you’ll get a QR code from your mobile carrier. You can then scan the QR code to download the SIM information to your Surface Duo and get connected.
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Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Learn how
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Open Settings, tap Network & internet, and do one of the following, depending on if you have a SIM card inserted:
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If you have a SIM card inserted, tap + next to SIMs.
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If you don't have a SIM card inserted, tap Mobile network.
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In the message box Use 2 SIMs?, select Yes at this time.
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On the Connect to a mobile network screen, tap Download a SIM instead?.
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On the Download your SIM screen, tap Next.
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On the Scan QR code from network screen, scan the QR code from your mobile carrier, and then follow the instructions to get connected.
Switch between data plans
If you have two data plans (one on your SIM card and another on your eSIM), you can switch between plans any time. Do one of the following, depending on which data plan you want to use:
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Use the data plan on your SIM card. Open Settings, tap Network & internet > SIMs > Use SIM.
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Use the data plan on your eSIM. Remove the SIM card from your Surface Duo. For more info, see Insert a SIM into your Surface.
