eSIM hotspot: Does an eSIM support a hotspot? How to use it

What is an eSIM hotspot?

An eSIM hotspot is a personal Wi-Fi network generated from your device using eSIM data. If your smartphone connects to the internet through an eSIM, perhaps using an eSIM app like Saily, you can turn on your hotspot and run other nearby devices on the same network.

A personal mobile hotspot is a secure data roaming alternative for travelers with multiple devices or those accompanied by families and larger groups. While public Wi-Fi is easily accessible by bad actors, a mobile hotspot connection is strongly encrypted and protected with a password. 

Using a hotspot is sometimes referred to as data tethering, but whether you call it tethering or a hotspot, the result is the same.

What are the benefits of using an eSIM hotspot?

Using an eSIM hotspot has many advantages, like:

• Connecting multiple devices at once. One eSIM-enabled smartphone can provide internet for all your other hardware, including laptops and tablets, while also helping friends and family get online too.

• Minimal hardware. Unlike pocket Wi-Fi devices, an eSIM hotspot lets you generate your own network without having to carry an extra piece of kit. You probably have your phone in your pocket most of the time when you’re traveling, right? Turn on your eSIM hotspot and share your data — it’s as easy as that.

• Affordability. Most eSIM apps don’t charge you extra for using your hotspot. With pocket Wi-Fi, you often have to pay to rent the device itself, but an eSIM will never have this drawback. Travelers who rely on data roaming could also use a hotspot, but that can quickly run up enormous fees.

• A safer, faster connection. If you don’t have the option to turn on a hotspot, you might connect your laptop or tablet to risky public Wi-Fi while you’re traveling. It’s hard to be sure that the free networks in cafes and transport hubs are actually secure, and even if they are, they’re likely to be very slow.

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

You can turn your smartphone into a router. Wi-Fi tethering is a quick and handy way to share your mobile data with your laptop or your friend’s smartphone. Just keep in mind that your hotspot isn’t magic — it still uses your data allowance. Read Saily’s guide to hotspot data consumption to learn more about managing your data while tethering.

iPhone

Enabling your hotspot on an iPhone only takes a few steps.

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

The process for setting up an Android hotspot is very simple.

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, though it can be a little slower. But hey, you win some, you lose some — a Bluetooth hotspot is better for your battery life.

iPhone

Follow these steps to turn on your iPhone’s Bluetooth hotspot.

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.

Android

Want to run a Bluetooth hotspot on your Android device? The process is slightly longer than on other operating systems, but not by much.

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. 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

The setup process for an iPhone’s USB hotspot is really simple — just four steps, in fact.

1. Connect a device to your eSIM-enabled iPhone via a USB cable.

2. Open “Settings.”

3. Tap “Personal hotspot.”

4. Turn on “USB tethering.”

Android

USB tethering is a straightforward process for most Android users.

1. Connect a device to your eSIM-enabled phone via a USB cable.

2. Open “Settings.”

3. Tap “Connections.”

4. Tap “Mobile hotspot and tethering.”

5. Switch on “USB tethering.”

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! You may also want to read our article covering how to check hotspot usage on an iPhone or Android.

How much data does an eSIM hotspot use? 

The amount of data your eSIM hotspot consumes all depends on what kind of internet activity you’re using it for. 

The key thing to understand is this — the more devices connect to your hotspot, the more data you’ll burn through. Specific activities (like streaming videos, cloud gaming, or downloading large files) will also eat up your data quickly.

The type of hotspot you use doesn’t matter. Being aware of what uses data on a cell phone is essential, as is knowing how many devices are actively linking to the hotspot at once.

What to do if an eSIM hotspot is not working  

If your eSIM hotspot isn’t working, this can be incredibly frustrating, but you’ve got a few options to fix the problem. Try these tips:

• Turn the eSIM hotspot off and on. Yes, this suggestion is obvious, but it often works. If the hotspot is having trouble connecting, a quick reset can be enough to fix the problem.

• Turn your eSIM-enabled device on and off. Whatever device is being used for the hotspot is technically your router, and what do we do when our router is on the blink? Turn it off and on again.

• Check that your eSIM data is on. If the data still isn’t flowing, it could be a problem with the eSIM itself. Maybe you’ve used up all of your data, or perhaps the eSIM plan you chose has a cap on daily hotspot usage. Check if the internet still works on your device, review any potential data caps, and contact your eSIM provider if the problem persists.

How to set up an eSIM hotspot with Saily 

Setting up a hotspot with a Saily eSIM is very easy. Once you’ve downloaded the Saily app and activated your eSIM, your device can connect to a local network in whatever location you’re visiting.

Once you’re online, just turn on the tethering or mobile hotspot option within your phone’s settings. At this point, you can also choose a hotspot password. Now all that remains is to grab another device and connect it, as you would to any network.

From hotspots to data top-ups, convenience is one of the big benefits of an eSIM, especially a Saily eSIM. It only takes a few seconds to get online with the Saily app, at which point you can start scrolling without worrying about sky-high roaming charges.