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.

FAQ

Why can't I set up a hotspot with an eSIM?

Can't set up a hotspot with your eSIM? It could be that your carrier restricts hotspots or your device settings are incorrect. Check with your carrier if you can share your eSIM mobile data with other devices. Also, check if your firmware and software are up to date. If you cannot troubleshoot, contact your eSIM carrier or device support.

Is there an eSIM router?

Yes, eSIM routers exist. You can set them up for seamless internet access without a physical SIM card.

Can an eSIM provider detect if I use my eSIM data plan for a hotspot?

No, your eSIM provider cannot see that you've set up a hotspot. However, if you stream or download something, the provider's system might flag increased data usage. So they can throttle your bandwidth, meaning your internet might slow down.

Can carriers block personal hotspot usage?

Technically, carriers can block personal hotspot usage. But it usually depends on the carrier, their rules, and your data plan. Carriers sometimes limit hotspot data or even block hotspot usage if you use too much data.

Can I get fined for using my eSIM data plan as a hotspot?

No, you can't get a fine for setting up a hotspot. Relax. Usually, eSIM providers set a specific amount of data (10 GB to 100 GB per month, depending on your carrier) that you can use via a hotspot. The worst that can happen is that your internet will slow down after you use up your data.

Can I set up a hotspot with Saily?

Yes, you can set up a personal hotspot with a Saily eSIM. The best thing is that Saily doesn't limit how much data you can use via a hotspot. The only limit is the plan that you purchase. But you can top up at any time. And it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg – Saily offers some of the best prices amongst other eSIM providers.