Can You Use an eSIM for Hotspot and Tethering?

Yes, an eSIM can be used for hotspot and tethering, but only when both the device and the mobile plan allow it. Apple says Personal Hotspot uses the iPhone’s cellular internet connection, and if the option is missing, the carrier may need to add it to the plan. Google's Pixel eSIM guidance shows that hotspot and tethering are controlled in the phone’s settings, but the carrier still determines whether the line is allowed to use them.

Device support and plan rules both matter

An eSIM by itself does not guarantee tethering. Apple documents that Personal Hotspot “isn’t available with all carriers,” and that additional fees may apply. Apple also says the number of devices that can join a Personal Hotspot at one time depends on the carrier and iPhone model.

uPhone’s plan details say most regional plans support personal hotspot, while unlimited plans may apply a fair-use speed cap on tethered traffic. uPhone also says fixed-data plans typically allow the full allowance to be used as a hotspot, but users should check the plan description before purchase if tethering is essential.

iPhone: where to check Personal Hotspot

On iPhone, Apple's cellular-data guidance says to go to the Settings app, then tap Cellular. Apple’s hotspot instructions say the path can be Settings > Personal Hotspot, or Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot, depending on the page version and iOS guidance.

Apple says to turn on Allow Others to Join to enable Personal Hotspot. If Cellular Data is on but the option does not appear, Apple says to contact the carrier about adding Personal Hotspot to the plan.

Apple also says Personal Hotspot uses the line selected for cellular data on iPhone models with two SIMs. Apple states that Personal Hotspot uses the cellular internet connection on the iPhone, not a Wi‑Fi network that the phone is already joined to.

Pixel: hotspot and tethering settings

Google’s Pixel eSIM guidance shows the hotspot control under Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi‑Fi hotspot. Google says to turn on Wi‑Fi hotspot there.

Google also documents a setup flow for the other device: open its Wi‑Fi list, pick the phone’s hotspot name, and enter the hotspot password. The documented Pixel page gives the settings path and button names, but it does not promise that every eSIM plan allows tethering.

Samsung and other Android phones

The retrieved first-party pages do not include Samsung support documentation for hotspot or tethering, so Samsung-specific settings paths, labels, limits, and carrier conditions are not documented here. For Android generally, the Pixel page shows the hotspot feature under network settings, but device behavior can still vary by model and carrier.

How to verify before you buy or travel

Check the phone’s settings first, then check the plan terms. On iPhone, look for Personal Hotspot under Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot; on Pixel, look under Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi‑Fi hotspot.

If the hotspot option is missing on iPhone, Apple says to contact the carrier about adding Personal Hotspot to the plan.
If the device is on dual SIM, Apple says Personal Hotspot uses the line chosen for cellular data.
On uPhone, hotspot support is described per plan, and unlimited plans may have fair-use speed rules for tethered traffic.
For travel use, Apple’s cellular-data guidance says to contact the carrier about international plans, or add a travel eSIM.

Bottom line

An eSIM can work for hotspot and tethering, but only if the phone exposes the hotspot setting and the carrier or plan allows it. The safest check is simple: verify the device menu path, then verify the plan’s tethering terms before relying on it.

For a provider-specific next step, review uPhone plan details.

More eSIM resources: Browse our eSIM guides and troubleshooting resources for compatibility, setup, travel-data and account-safety advice.