Do eSIMs Allow Tethering? | How To Setup eSIM Hotspot?

A mobile hotspot, also known as tethering, allows you to share your device's cellular data connection with other devices, such as laptops and tablets. This function essentially turns your phone into a portable WiFi router.

It can be incredibly useful when you need internet access on the go and don't have access to WiFi. But do eSIMs support this convenient feature?

The good news is that eSIM technology generally supports hotspot functionalities. However, some mobile providers may impose restrictions on hotspot usage with their eSIM plans. Read on to discover why, as well as what options are available for your connectivity needs.

*This article is part of Nomad's series exploring what is an eSIM and all eSIM basics.

Why Would you Need a Mobile Hotspot When Traveling?

There are many situations in which you would need a mobile hotspot, especially when traveling:

• When you are on the go without free WiFi access and you need to use the internet on your other device
• When you need a secure internet connection and want to avoid public WiFi security risks
• You only have one device with data connection, but you have multiple devices that need to access the internet
• You are traveling in a group, but you only bought one data plan
• You want to stream movies or play online games on a WiFi-only device

Can eSIMs Support Hotspot Functionality?

The short answer is yes! eSIM technology works similar to how a physical SIM card works, just without the physical card. Just as physical SIM cards support hotspot functionalities, eSIMs can also offer that function.

However, though the technology itself is capable of supporting hotspot functionalities, whether or not you are able to use a hotspot with an eSIM is provider-dependent. Some providers offer unlimited hotspot usage in their eSIM plans, while budget or limited data plans may block tethering. This is no different from a physical SIM, where some providers block you from using your data packet as a hotspot.

How do I check if my eSIM supports hotspots?

You can check if your eSIM plan supports hotspot functionality by reviewing the plan's terms and conditions. Generally, phrases like ‘hotspot disabled’ or ‘tethering not allowed’ would indicate restrictions on hotspot availability. If you can't find this information, contact your eSIM provider directly for clarification.

Why do some eSIM providers block hotspot usage?

Some eSIM providers restrict or limit hotspot usage to prevent excessive data consumption that can occur when sharing a connection with multiple devices. This helps manage network resources and ensure fair usage for all customers.

Additionally, network prioritization may come into play, where providers give precedence to regular data usage over hotspot usage, potentially leading to slower speeds when tethering.

How Do Providers Know if I’m Using My eSIM Data Plan as a Hotspot?

Providers identify if you are using your data packet as a hotspot by inspecting the contents of the network packets that are passed during the connection. By inspecting the network packets that are passed, the operators will be able to determine if the traffic was routed through an intermediate device – in the case of a mobile hotspot, it would be your mobile device.

In response, network operators will be able to filter and block traffic in the network packages that were routed through a mobile hotspot, essentially disabling it.

As such, if tethering is a key consideration in your choice of travel eSIM providers, make sure to double-check that the provider allows you to use your data plan as a hotspot.

How Do You Make Sure You’re Using Your Travel eSIM for Your Hotspot?

If you are using a travel eSIM, this likely also means that you will have multiple SIM cards (or eSIMs) installed in your device. You would want to make sure that you are using the data from your travel eSIM when you turn on your hotspot so that you do not incur unexpected roaming or data charges.

The data pack that will be used for your hotspot will be the one that you are using for your data connection. So, you simply need to switch to the correct eSIM profile:

On iOS

1. Go to your device settings > Connectivity or Mobile Data
2. Select Mobile Data
3. Select the eSIM profile that you will use for your Mobile Data
4. When you turn on Mobile Hotspot, this will be the same eSIM profile that will be used.

On Android

1. Go to your device settings > Connections
2. Select SIM Manager
3. Under 'Mobile data', select the correct eSIM profile
4. When you turn on Mobile Hotspot, this will be the same eSIM profile that will be used.

To ensure that you choose the correct eSIM profile, consider naming your eSIM profiles after installation so that you know which is the correct one to select.

How to Set Up an eSIM Hotspot on iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Personal Hotspot.
2. Toggle the "Allow Others to Join" switch on.
3. Set a WiFi password for security. When a device connects to your hotspot, this password will be required to enable the connection.

Common iPhone eSIM hotspot issues and fixes If your iPhone's eSIM hotspot is not working, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Check your eSIM plan: Verify that your eSIM plan allows tethering or hotspot usage.
• Reset network settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings.
• Manually enter APN settings: Incorrect Access Point Name (APN) settings can interfere with hotspot functionality. Contact your carrier for the correct details and enter them manually.

Setting Up eSIM Hotspot on Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.
2. Tap WiFi Hotspot and turn it ON.
3. Set a Network Name and Password. When a device connects to your hotspot, this password will be required to enable the connection.

Common Android eSIM hotspot issues and fixes

If your Android eSIM hotspot keeps disconnecting, you can attempt to fix by:

• Changing bandwidth settings: Switch to the 2.4 GHz band instead of 5 GHz. Sometimes, the 5 GHz band can cause compatibility issues with certain devices.
• Restarting: Restart your phone and try toggling Airplane Mode ON and OFF to refresh the network connection.
• Verifying eSIM APN settings: Incorrect APN settings can affect hotspot stability. Check and correct your eSIM's APN settings if needed.

Using eSIM Tethering on Other Devices

Portable WiFi hotspot devices

Portable WiFi hotspot devices, also known as MiFi devices, are compact gadgets that create a WiFi network using cellular data. While some newer models support eSIMs, many still rely on physical SIM cards, which can be a limitation if you're looking for a purely eSIM-based solution for your portable WiFi hotspot.

iPads and tablets

Most iPads and tablets with eSIM functionality support hotspot sharing, allowing you to connect other devices to the internet using the tablet's cellular data connection. This can be handy for sharing your iPad's connection with a laptop or other devices while on the go.

Laptops with built-in eSIMs

Some Windows laptops, like the Surface Pro X, come with built-in eSIMs and offer personal hotspot capabilities. This allows you to share your laptop's cellular data connection with other devices directly, eliminating the need for a separate hotspot device or tethering to your phone.

Troubleshooting eSIM Hotspot Issues

Hotspot does not work at all

If your eSIM personal hotspot isn't working, try restarting your phone and toggling Airplane Mode on and off. Also, check with your carrier to ensure they don't restrict hotspot usage on your eSIM plan.

Hotspot too slow

Some providers throttle tethering speeds, meaning they intentionally limit the speed of your hotspot connection, often to 3G speeds. If your hotspot is slow, try switching from the 5GHz to the 2.4GHz band in your hotspot settings. The 2.4GHz band typically has better range and penetration, which can improve performance in some cases.

Hotspot disconnects frequently

Frequent disconnections can be frustrating. Check if you have data-saving mode enabled, as this can sometimes interfere with hotspot stability. Also, some networks automatically disable the hotspot after a period of inactivity. If this is the case, try keeping the connection active by periodically using the hotspot.

Tips on Using eSIM Mobile Hotspot

1. Bring a powerbank with you: Using your device as a mobile hotspot drains your device battery. Make sure to have a powerbank with you to keep your device charged if you need to use it as a hotspot.
2. Password-protect your mobile hotspot: Remember to password-protect your mobile hotspot to keep your network safe. You don’t want random strangers connecting to your hotspot and draining your data allowance!
3. Turn it off when not in use: It is easy to forget to turn off your mobile hotspot when it’s not in use, but this could cause a battery drain. We recommend that you switch it off to prevent that.

Nomad: Travel Data eSIMs with Hotspot Support

Generally, hotspot functionality is supported by all Nomad travel eSIMs. Just take note of the usual disclaimers that the stability of the hotspot may be influenced by your device type and the local network.

Nomad offers travel eSIM plans with hotspot in over 200 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available with hotspot support so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries.

Whether you are traveling in Asia, North America, or Europe, Nomad has a variety of regional eSIM data plans for you to choose from. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

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How to Get a Nomad eSIM?

Getting a Nomad eSIM is very easy. Simply create an account with Nomad, look for the plan that you want, and check out! You can also download the iOS or Android app to easily purchase and manage your data on the go.

After you purchase your eSIM, you will receive an email containing information on how to install and activate it. Remember that you will need a stable internet connection to install and activate your eSIM before you can use it.

It is recommended to install your eSIM ahead of time and activate it right before you fly, so that you can start using your data once you arrive at your destination. In some cases, your eSIM will be automatically activated when you arrive at your destination with no manual activation required. Do check your email with the installation instructions for more information specific to your purchased plan.

And in the event that you run out of data, don't worry! Some of Nomad's plans come with the option to purchase add-ons. You can add more data to your existing eSIM without having to install a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs and Hotspot

Does eSIM support hotspot?

Yes, eSIM technology itself supports hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your cellular data connection with other devices. However, some providers may limit or restrict hotspot usage on their eSIM plans to manage network resources.

Why is my eSIM hotspot not working?

There could be a few reasons why your eSIM hotspot isn't working. Your eSIM plan might not include hotspot functionality, or your device settings might be misconfigured. Additionally, there could be temporary network issues affecting the hotspot service.

Try restarting your device or contact your provider for assistance. Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on your device and provider.

Do all eSIM providers allow hotspots?

No, not all eSIM providers allow hotspot usage. Some providers may restrict it to manage network resources or offer it as a premium feature. However, if you’re looking for an eSIM plan that supports this feature, Nomad offers eSIMs with hotspot functionality. This gives you the flexibility to stay connected and share your connection with other devices while traveling.

Can I use eSIM on a portable hotspot device (MiFi)?

While some portable WiFi hotspot devices support eSIMs, many still rely on traditional physical SIM cards. Check the device specifications to see if it's eSIM compatible.

Is hotspot speed slower with eSIM?

Hotspot speeds can sometimes be slower with an eSIM, depending on your provider and network conditions. For example, some providers may limit tethering speeds or prioritize regular data usage over hotspot usage.

How can I check if my eSIM allows tethering before purchasing?

To check if an eSIM plan allows tethering or hotspot usage, review the plan details and terms and conditions carefully before purchasing. Mentions of phrases like ‘hotspot disabled’ or ‘tethering not allowed’ will indicate limitations or restrictions.