Can I share my data with a hotspot?

It depends on your plan. Each plan page has a Sharing row that says whether hotspot use is included, and your setup guide says the same. Check it before you buy if you want to connect a laptop, a tablet or a travel companion’s phone.

If your plan includes hotspot

Your phone shares the line that carries its mobile data. Apple notes that Personal Hotspot uses the line selected for cellular data, so choose your eSIM for data first.

iPhone

1. Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot, or Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
2. Turn on Allow Others to Join.
3. On the other device, join the Wi-Fi network with your iPhone’s name, using the password shown on the Personal Hotspot screen.

If Personal Hotspot is dimmed, Apple says to check that Cellular Data is turned on.

Google Pixel

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot. Tap a setting to see or change the hotspot’s name and password.

Google says a Pixel can share its data with up to 10 other devices this way, and that Data Saver needs to be off.

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
2. Tap the switch next to Mobile Hotspot.

Keep an eye on your data

Everything the connected devices download comes out of your plan’s data. Apple suggests turning Personal Hotspot off when you do not need it, and Samsung notes that a hotspot uses battery as well as data.

If your plan does not include hotspot

Each person travelling with you can have their own eSIM on their own phone instead. If you are not sure what your plan allows, contact us with your order number.