Does eSIM support hotspot?

If you’re planning a trip abroad and wondering whether you can use travel eSIMs for hotspot (or tethering), the short answer is: it depends. In most cases, eSIMs support hotspot functionality. However, the availability and limitations of this feature depend on your provider.

Usually, you will find three options with eSIM hotspots: the provider may let you use the hotspot without limits, limit the speed or data amount for connected devices, or not allow data sharing at all.

Apart from any intentional restrictions set by eSIM providers on hotspotting, an eSIM functions just like a physical SIM card. Technically speaking, you can use an eSIM as a hotspot.

How do I know if eSIM supports hotspot?

If the eSIM hotspot feature is important to you, carefully review the details of the provider’s prepaid plan and pay attention to their information about eSIM hotspot options. Keep in mind that the availability and conditions of the eSIM hotspot may vary depending on the specific offer you choose.

Another limitation that can affect your experience, though not directly related to the eSIM hotspot feature, is data capping or the so-called “fair usage policy”. This policy is common with unlimited prepaid plans. While these plans may advertise unlimited data, there is often a threshold after which your data speed is reduced or additional charges may apply. Therefore, even with unlimited data, your internet experience can be impacted if you go over the fair usage limit, particularly when using your eSIM as a hotspot.

Orange Travel eSIM is a safe choice if you intend to use an eSIM hotspot. All of our prepaid offers allow unlimited and unristricted hotspot (or tethering). We also provide prepaid plans with generous data allowances. If you are planning a trip across European countries, we recommend the eSIM Europe plans which offer up to 500GB of data, as well as text messages and calls. Wether you’re a digital nomad working remotely or a family with teenagers looking to optimize costs by sharing a prepaid eSIM plan, you will find an option that best fits your needs.

How does eSIM work with hotspot?

Technically, an eSIM works exactly like a physical SIM card. The hotspot feature is handled by the phone’s software and hardware. If your prepaid eSIM plan allows hotspotting, then turn it on as you usually would.

Here is some additional information that can help you:

How much data does the hotspot use

How to turn on hostpot on iPhone

How to turn on hostpot on Android

How to check hotspot data usage on iPhone and Android

Possible reasons your eSIM hotspot is not working

Your eSIM data plan is not active yet

Before jumping to any conclusions, make sure your travel eSIM is active and well configured.

1. Check your personal account on the provider’s website or app to confirm whether your plan is active.
2. Your eSIM profile must be fully installed.
3. Check if Data Roaming and Mobile Data options of your travel eSIM line are turned on.

The wrong SIM is selected for cellular data (multiple SIM profiles)

When you have multiple SIM profiles on your phone, be sure to select the correct line as your primary source for Cellular Data.

1. From you phone’s settings, select your travel eSIM as the primarysource for Cellular Data.
2. Turn off cellular data on other SIM profiles so that only text messages and calls can be received.

The hotspot is turned off in settings

Double check if hotspot is enabled.

1. Enabled the hotspot feature in your phone’s settings.
2. Set a Wi‑Fi password.
3. On the other device, check if your phone appears as a suggested Wi-Fi option.

The provider limits or restricts eSIM hotspotting

Some eSIM providers may limit or restrict tethering or hotspot usage. If this happens, the hotspot button might be greyed out, or the connection could appear but not provide internet access.

Check the details of your eSIM offer to ensure that hotspot usage is allowed.

What are the advantages of eSIM hotspot while traveling?

Using your eSIM hotspot during a trip can make your travels more comfortable and secure.

Secure Internet connection

Public Wi-Fi is always an option, but if you’re a digital nomad or an international traveler concerned about your data security, then eSIM hotspot is your go to solution. Connect your laptop, tablet or a friend’s phone to the Internet using your eSIM hotspot.

Convenience and portability

Unlike a pocket Wi‑Fi device that you have to carry and charge separately, a travel eSIM installed on your phone is definitely a more convenient option. You’re also less likely to forget your phone in your hotel room than an extra device. We go into more detail in a separate article comparing pocket Wi‑Fi vs eSIM.

Cost savings

A travel eSIM with unrestricted hotspot capabilities eliminates the need for separate data plans for each device. This is especially convenient for digital nomads working remotely, and it can also help families, couples, or friends traveling together save on connectivity costs.

Conclusion

eSIMs can support hotspot functionality, but the experience depends on your provider and plan. Always check the details of your eSIM offer to make sure hotspotting is allowed, and be aware of any data limits or restrictions. With the right plan, using an eSIM hotspot is a secure, convenient, and cost-effective way to stay connected on all your devices while traveling.