Using a travel eSIM as a hotspot

A phone hotspot lets a laptop, tablet or a travel companion's phone use your travel eSIM's data. It is handy when hotel Wi-Fi is slow, or when only one person in the group has an eSIM.

Check the plan first

Each Telroo product page lists hotspot support under Plan details (“Hotspot sharing: allowed”). Check the plan you choose. Hotspot traffic comes out of the same allowance as your own use.

Turn on hotspot on iPhone

1. Make sure mobile data is on and the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data.
2. Open Settings › Personal Hotspot (or Settings › Mobile Service › Personal Hotspot) and turn on Allow Others to Join.
3. Connect the other device by Wi-Fi with the password shown, or by Bluetooth or USB.

Apple notes that Personal Hotspot can appear dimmed if mobile data is off, and that it needs a provider that supports it.

Turn on hotspot on Android

1. Make sure the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen, touch and hold Hotspot, then turn on Wi-Fi hotspot. On some phones it is under Settings › Network & internet › Hotspot & tethering.
3. Connect the other device with the network name and password shown.

How much data a hotspot uses

Laptops use more data than phones: they download system and app updates, sync cloud folders and stream at higher quality. Before connecting a laptop, pause cloud sync and updates, or mark the connection as metered if your computer offers that. For planning numbers, see how much travel data you need.

Battery and security tips

• Hotspot drains the battery faster. Google suggests plugging in while tethering and turning tethering off when you are done.
• Use a strong hotspot password and only share it with people you travel with.
• Turn the hotspot off when you are not using it, so other devices do not keep using data.
• Public Wi-Fi carries its own risks; see keeping your phone and data safe overseas.

A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad can take its own travel eSIM instead of sharing your phone's data: see travel eSIM on an iPad or Apple Watch.

Travel eSIM hotspot questions

Can two people share one travel eSIM?

Yes, through the hotspot, while you are close together and your phone stays on. Both people's use comes out of one allowance, so choose a larger or daily plan.

Does hotspot cost extra on a Telroo plan?

No separate hotspot fee is charged by Telroo; hotspot use counts towards the plan's data allowance.

Why can't I turn on hotspot?

Check that mobile data is on and the travel eSIM is the selected data line, then restart the phone. If it still does not work, contact support with your order number and phone model.

Sources and last checked

Checked 16 October 2026: Apple, connect to the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone or iPad; Google, share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android. Hotspot support per plan from the Plan details on Telroo product pages.