Does an eSIM support a hotspot?

What is a mobile hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is basically the internet in your pocket. It is a compact (no bigger than a deck of cards) gadget that transforms your phone into a portable Wi-Fi router and lets you connect laptops, tablets, and other smartphones. Whether you're at a cafe with unreliable Wi-Fi or stuck on a long road trip, just whip out your mobile hotspot, and voila — instant and reliable internet.

A personal mobile hotspot is a secure data roaming alternative for travelers. While public Wi-Fi is like an open book, easily accessible by bad actors, a mobile hotspot connection is strongly encrypted. Plus, you can secure your personal hotspot with a password so no one can connect behind your back.

What is data tethering?

No Wi-Fi? No problem. Data tethering turns your smartphone into a mobile modem so you can share your data plan with your laptop, tablet, or any other device that needs a quick internet fix. But let's not get confused – tethering and a hotspot are essentially the same, only that hotspot is a specific type of tethering through Wi-Fi. So go on, connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, and you're online. 

How to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot with an eSIM

Turn your smartphone into a mini router. Wi-Fi tethering is a quick and handy way to share your mobile data to your laptop or your friend's smartphone.

iPhone

1. Open "Settings."

2. Tap "Mobile service."

3. Tap "Personal hotspot."

4. Name your phone and create a password.

5. Toggle the switch next to "Allow others to join."

Android

1. Open "Settings."

2. Tap "Connections."

3. Tap "Mobile hotspot and tethering."

4. Toggle on the switch next to "Mobile hotspot."

How to set up a Bluetooth hotspot with an eSIM

A Bluetooth hotspot is the same as a Wi-Fi hotspot, just a bit slower. But hey, you win some, you lose some – a Bluetooth hotspot is better for your battery life.

iPhone

1. Open "Settings."

2. Tap "Bluetooth."

3. Turn on the Bluetooth connection.

4. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for each device and pair them.

5. Open the list of paired devices.

6. Tap the device you want to share your connection with, and it's done.

Android

1. Open "Settings."

2. Tap "Connections."

3. Toggle on the switch next to "Bluetooth."

4. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for each device and pair them.

5. Then open "Settings" again.

6. Tap "Connections."

7. Tap "Mobile hotspot and tethering."

8. Toggle the "Bluetooth tethering" switch on.

How to set up a USB hotspot with an eSIM

With a USB hotspot, you get the best features of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tethering. It gives you a strong and secure internet connection and doesn't drain your battery as much as Wi-Fi tethering does. 

iPhone

1. Connect your phone to the device you want to connect via a USB cable.

2. Open your phone's "Settings."

3. Tap "Personal hotspot."

4. Turn on "USB tethering."

Android

1. Connect your devices via a USB cable.

2. Open "Settings."

3. Tap "Connections."

4. Tap "Mobile hotspot and tethering."

5. Switch on "USB tethering," and you're done.

Once you set up a hotspot on your phone, you can enjoy browsing on all connected devices. Just make sure you have enough mobile data! If managing hotspot data is new to you, go over our blog post on how to check hotspot usage on your iPhone and Android.