eSIMratTethering (hotspot)
by RonyTethering (hotspot, or mobile access point) turns a phone into a wifi base: it shares its mobile data with a laptop, a tablet or another phone. The connected devices then eat into the plan of the phone doing the sharing. The feature is built into iOS and Android, and works with an eSIM just as with a physical SIM.
Why it matters when travelling
This is the feature that saves buying one eSIM per device: a single eSIM in the phone connects the laptop for remote work, the kids' tablet and a travel companion's phone. The vast majority of travel eSIMs allow it without restriction on volume-based plans (in GB).
Two things to watch: some “unlimited” offers forbid or throttle tethering (it is written in the fair use policy), and a computer consumes far more than a phone (system updates, cloud sync). Plan a bigger allowance if the laptop is coming along.
The misconception
“Tethering is forbidden with an eSIM.”
False in the vast majority of cases: the feature depends on the plan, not on the eSIM technology. Where you do need to read the small print is on unlimited plans, where some providers cap or forbid the hotspot.
In practice, device by device
On iPhone
- Settings, then Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on “Allow Others to Join” and note the wifi password shown.
- If the menu is greyed out with a travel eSIM, check that the eSIM line is indeed selected for mobile data.
On Android
- Settings, then Network & internet, then Hotspot & tethering.
- Switch on the wifi hotspot and set a password.
- Battery tip: turn the hotspot off when you are not using it, the battery drains fast in that mode.
What it changes when you compare
At equal price, a plan that allows unrestricted tethering is worth more than one that limits it, especially for remote workers. In the esimrat comparisons, hotspot policy is part of the small print checked on unlimited offers.
Compare eSIM plans by destination
The rat's tip: Travelling as a pair? Do the maths: one large shared eSIM is often cheaper than two medium ones. The price per GB falls as the plan grows, and the hotspot does the rest.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Does tethering use more data?
The feature itself uses nothing extra: the connected devices are what consume, and a laptop is far hungrier than a phone (updates, cloud, big-screen video calls). Budget generously if you work remotely.
How many devices can share a hotspot?
In practice 5 to 10 devices depending on the phone. The real ceiling is speed: the more devices connected, the more the connection is split, and the host phone's battery empties fast.
Why does my hotspot not work abroad?
Check in order: data really goes through the right line (the travel eSIM), the plan allows tethering (small print of unlimited offers), and data saver is off. A restart fixes the rest in most cases.