Can I tether or hotspot from my eSIM?
Yes, on most plans and phones you can share your eSIM connection by hotspot to a laptop, tablet, or another phone. The shared data comes out of the same allowance, so a laptop behind your hotspot can spend data much faster than the phone alone: especially if it starts syncing files or updating software. Turn off auto-sync and updates on the connected device to keep it in check.
Turning on the hotspot
Enable Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Hotspot & tethering (Android) in settings, make sure the Drift eSIM is your active data line, and connect the other device to the network name shown. If it does not come up, confirm data roaming is on for the eSIM line: the hotspot can only share a connection the eSIM is actually carrying.
Shared data adds up quickly
A hotspot draws from your eSIM’s allowance, and computers are hungrier than phones. The moment a laptop connects it may start cloud backups, OS updates, or open browser tabs that refresh in the background: all on your travel data. Before you tether, pause updates and cloud sync on the connected device.
Check remaining data on the usage page after a tethering session so a hidden update does not empty your plan unnoticed.
FAQ
Can I use my eSIM as a hotspot?
Yes, most plans and phones support it. Turn on Personal Hotspot or tethering with the Drift eSIM as your active data line.
Does tethering use more data?
It uses the same allowance, but connected computers often spend it faster because of automatic backups and updates. Pause those on the other device first.
My hotspot won’t turn on: why?
Check that data roaming is on for the eSIM line and that the eSIM is your active data line. The hotspot can only share a connection the eSIM is already carrying.
Browse every setup and troubleshooting topic in the Drift Asia Help Center.