Can You Use an eSIM as a WiFi Hotspot? How to Set It Up on iOS and Android

Travel eSIMs are becoming more popular thanks to their many advantages: they're easy to buy, quick to activate, and you don't have to remove your main SIM. But a common question is: “Can an eSIM share WiFi like a regular SIM?” And if so, what should you know about speed, data and battery? This article explains whether an eSIM supports hotspot (tethering), how to share WiFi from an eSIM the right way, and how to fix common problems.

Can an eSIM be used for WiFi hotspot (tethering)?

Yes. An eSIM simply replaces the physical SIM card with a digital profile, so every feature, including the WiFi hotspot, still works as long as your device supports it. Most travel eSIM plans today don't restrict data sharing, but this varies by plan — check the plan description before you buy.

For example, an iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S22 that shares WiFi reliably on a physical SIM delivers the same hotspot speed and stability after switching to an eSIM.

Requirements for turning on a hotspot with an eSIM

1. A device that supports eSIM and WiFi hotspot (iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, most Samsung flagships and many newer mid-range Android phones).
2. An eSIM plan that allows data sharing.
3. A stable mobile signal and more than 20% battery, since a weak signal or a very low battery can cause the hotspot to drop out suddenly.

In addition to these three requirements, keep your operating system up to date to minimize hotspot dropouts and disconnections.

Before buying a travel eSIM, check the plan description (whether data sharing/hotspot is allowed) on the destination page, for example the Thailand eSIM or Japan eSIM, or browse all TouriESIM destinations. Your QR code is sent by email right after payment.

How to share WiFi from an eSIM the right way

Here's how to set up a WiFi hotspot with an eSIM on iOS and Android devices:

1. On iPhone (iOS 14 and later)

• Activate the eSIM: go to Settings > Cellular (Mobile) > Add Cellular Plan / Add eSIM > scan the eSIM QR code.
• Once the phone has signal, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
• Turn on “Allow Others to Join” and set a password.
• Connect from another device using your phone's name and the password you just created.

2. On Android (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, etc.)

• Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > scan the QR code (menu names may vary by manufacturer).
• Once the eSIM has signal, go back to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > Mobile Hotspot.
• Turn on “WiFi hotspot” and set a network name (SSID) and password.
• You can also configure advanced options, such as limiting the number of devices or automatically turning off the hotspot when no devices are connected.

Is an eSIM hotspot strong? Does it use a lot of data?

Hotspot strength and speed depend on 3 factors:

• The quality of the local carrier's 4G/5G network.
• The distance between the hotspot device and the connected device.
• The number of devices connected at the same time.

Tethering doesn't generate extra traffic on its own. Data usage is exactly what the connected devices consume. For example, streaming HD video uses about 3GB per hour, while light web browsing uses under 200MB per hour.

Does using an eSIM hotspot drain the battery?

Yes, but the drain is manageable. With the hotspot on, your phone has to maintain both a 4G/5G connection and WiFi at the same time, so the battery drains faster than in “data only” mode.

Actual battery life depends on four factors:

1. Network standard: 5G uses about 10–15% more battery than 4G under similar signal conditions.

2. Number of connected devices: Each additional device keeps the WiFi chip working continuously, so the battery drains faster.

3. Amount of data passing through the hotspot: Heavy tasks such as HD streaming, photo backups and long video calls push the modem and CPU hard, using more battery.

4. Signal quality and ambient temperature: A weak signal (below -95 dBm) or high temperatures force the modem to boost its transmit power, draining the battery faster.

Overall, sharing WiFi won't cause sudden battery crashes, but if you use it continuously for hours, you'll need a charger or power bank to stay connected.

Tips to optimize speed and data when sharing WiFi from an eSIM

Here are a few ways to speed up the WiFi you share from your eSIM:

• Use the 5 GHz band (if supported) to reduce interference in crowded hotels.
• Turn on “Low Data Mode” (iOS) or “Data Saver” (Android) on the connected devices to limit background activity.
• On Windows, set the WiFi network as a “Metered connection” to block large operating system updates.
• Carry a power bank of 10,000 mAh or more; one full charge can add 3–4 hours of continuous hotspot use for a phone with a 4,000 mAh battery.

Common reasons an eSIM can't share WiFi, and how to fix them

Here are some common eSIM hotspot problems and how to solve them:

1. The “Personal Hotspot” option is missing on iOS

Solution: Check the APN settings, then restart the device after installing the eSIM profile.

2. Devices connect but have no Internet

Solution: Make sure “Cellular Data” is turned on and check your remaining data. If you've run out, top up or buy a new eSIM plan.

3. The hotspot turns off after a few minutes

Solution: Turn off battery saver mode or adjust the timeout in your hotspot settings.

4. A “Tethering not allowed” message appears

Solution: Update to the latest operating system. If your device was bought from a carrier, check the carrier's hotspot restrictions. If you're using a travel eSIM, check whether the plan allows data sharing or contact your eSIM provider.

When to share WiFi while traveling, and when not to

Use a hotspot when you:

• Need quick Internet access for another device for a short time (for example, sending an urgent email from your laptop at the airport).
• Want to share data with 1–2 other devices for light tasks such as booking a ride or checking maps.

Avoid relying on a hotspot when you:

• Are sharing WiFi with a large group or streaming 4K video for long periods, as you risk running out of data and shortening your battery's lifespan.
• Need a stable connection for many hours. In that case, everyone should have their own SIM/eSIM, or you should upgrade to a bigger data plan. See also how to install multiple travel eSIMs for multi-country trips.