Have you ever found yourself abroad needing to connect multiple devices to the Internet using your international eSIM ? If you are planning a business trip or vacation and are wondering if you can share your smartphone's data connection with tablets, laptops or other devices, this article will answer all your questions.
The possibility of using the hotspot with eSIM is not always guaranteed and depends on several factors that are often overlooked by travelers. Let's find out together how tethering with international eSIM works and what limitations you should know before leaving.
Hotspot vs Tethering: Do You Really Know the Difference?
Before delving into the specifics of international eSIMs , it is essential to clarify the difference between hotspot and tethering , two terms often used synonymously but which have different nuances.
What is Hotspot?
Hotspot is a feature that turns your smartphone into a portable Wi-Fi router. When you activate the hotspot, your phone creates a wireless network that other devices can connect to using a password. This mode is especially useful when you are in places where there is no Wi-Fi available .
What is Tethering?
Tethering , on the other hand , is the broader term that includes all the ways of sharing your phone's Internet connection with other devices. It includes:
Tethering Wi-Fi (hotspot wireless)
USB tethering (cable connection)
Tethering Bluetooth (condivisione via Bluetooth)
When we talk about eSIM tethering , we are referring to the ability of your virtual card to support any form of data sharing with external devices.
The Challenges of Tethering with International eSIM
Many travelers are faced with an unpleasant surprise: after purchasing an eSIM for international travel , they find that they cannot activate the hotspot or that the function does not work as expected. This problem has several causes that are worth analyzing.
Device Compatibility
Not all smartphones support eSIM tethering . Some models, especially older ones, may have technical limitations that prevent data sharing when using a virtual card instead of a traditional physical SIM.
eSIM Plan Restrictions
The most critical factor is the limitations imposed by the eSIM provider . Many international companies apply specific restrictions on the use of the hotspot, often not clearly communicated at the time of purchase.
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Provider Limitations: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Providers’ transparency regarding eSIM hotspot capabilities varies greatly, creating confusion among users. Here’s what we found when we analyzed the market:
Providers with Strict Limitations
Some operators impose severe limitations on eSIM hotspot :
Daily MB limit for data sharing
Maximum 1 device connected at the same time
Reduced speed when hotspot is active
Complete blocking of functionality in certain countries
Non-Transparent Providers
A significant number of eSIM providers do not provide clear information on:
Whether hotspot is supported or not
Any speed limitations
Additional costs for tethering
Maximum number of connectable devices
Transparent Providers: The BLIVALE Example
Fortunately, there are operators that take a more transparent approach. BLIVALE , for example, clearly communicates that their SIM cards and eSIMs support hotspot without artificial limitations. In this case, the limiting factors are:
Connection speed : The more devices you connect, the slower the speed becomes for each user
Data consumption : each connected device contributes to the consumption of the available data plan
This approach allows users to better plan their data usage and have realistic expectations about hotspot performance.
How to Check Your eSIM's Hotspot Compatibility
Before leaving for your international trip, it is essential to carry out some checks to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Checks to Perform on the Device
Check your smartphone's eSIM compatibility
Test the hotspot with your primary SIM to make sure the feature is active
Check your primary carrier's settings for any tethering blocks.
Questions to Ask Your eSIM Provider
Before purchasing an international eSIM , be sure to ask:
Is hotspot supported in the plan I am purchasing?
Are there any limitations on the number of devices that can be connected?
Are there speed restrictions when tethering?
Are there any additional costs for using the hotspot?
In which countries might the hotspot not work?
Optimize Hotspot Usage with International eSIM
Once you've verified that your eSIM supports hotspot , here are some tips to optimize its use while traveling:
Intelligent Data Management
Constantly monitors the data consumption of all connected devices
Set limits on connected devices to avoid exceeding your plan
Use monitoring apps to track usage in real time
Performance Optimization
Limit the number of simultaneously connected devices to maintain acceptable speed
Disconnect unused devices to free up bandwidth
Avoid heavy streaming and downloading when hotspot is active
Alternative Solutions for Multiple Connectivity
If your international eSIM doesn't support hotspot or has excessive limitations, consider these alternatives:
Portable Wi-Fi Routers
A portable Wi-Fi router with eSIM support can be the ideal solution for those who need to connect many devices while traveling.
My eSIM Multipli Plan
Purchasing multiple eSIMs for different devices can be more cost-effective than limited hotspot solutions.
The Future of Tethering with eSIM
The international eSIM market is evolving rapidly, with more and more providers recognizing the importance of the eSIM hotspot for modern travelers. We expect:
Greater transparency in terms of use
Dedicated plans for business users with tethering needs
Improving infrastructure to better support data sharing
Conclusions: Travel Connected and Informed
Using an international eSIM hotspot can significantly transform your travel experience, allowing you to keep all your devices connected without having to search for often unsafe public Wi-Fi.
The key to success is planning and carefully researching the eSIM provider that best suits your needs. Not all plans are created equal, and the difference between a connected journey and one filled with technological frustrations often depends on the choices made before departure.
Always remember to check your device compatibility , eSIM plan limitations , and have a plan B in case your hotspot doesn’t work as expected. With the right preparation, your international eSIM will become the most reliable travel companion you can have.
Travel smart, travel connected, travel informed.