With eSIMs you can easily stay connected to your smartphone abroad. But what about your other devices? Are you without WiFi and do you need an internet connection on your laptop or tablet?

Good news: you can link your Smissey eSIM data to another device! With a few simple steps you can set up a mobile hotspot and share your eSIM data with another nearby device. Read on to learn how.

What is data tethering?

Tethering is when you use your phone's data to connect another phone, tablet or laptop to the internet. This shares your secure internet connection with nearby devices, so they can use your network to go online. The associated connection is sometimes called a cellular, personal, or Wi-Fi hotspot.

You can connect data via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB. Let's explore them all.

Wi-Fi tethering

Wi-Fi tethering is when you use your mobile data to create a Wi-Fi connection for other devices. Any laptop, computer or smartphone within range of your device will show the connection as a potential WiFi network. Your phone generates a password that you can share to manage which devices have access.

Wi-Fi tethering is a quick and easy way to share your data with other devices, such as your personal laptop or tablet. However, it uses a lot of battery power - it's a good idea to charge your phone before sharing data.

Bluetooth tethering

Bluetooth tethering is the same process as setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot (which we did above). But this time the connection is via Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth tethering is slower than Wi-Fi tethering, but better for battery life.

USB tethering

USB tethering is when you use a USB cable to connect your device to another smartphone, tablet or laptop. It is the strongest and most direct internet connection, but can put a strain on your device. It is best to do it with another smartphone to avoid draining your battery.

What is a mobile hotspot?

When you share your data with other devices, your phone becomes a hotspot. You need data and a mobile network connection to set up a mobile or personal hotspot. That connection comes from your phone's SIM or eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (or digital SIM card) is a built-in SIM card. It is a chip that is built into the hardware of your device and connects you to a mobile network. If your device supports eSIMs and has been unlocked by the carrier, you can download an eSIM data plan, install it on your device and connect to a supported network.

Set up a hotspot: SIM and eSIM

Setting up a hotspot is easy and the installation is the same whether you use a SIM card or e-SIM card to access data. Here's how to set up Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB tethering and connect another device to your network.

From Wi-Fi

To set up a personal hotspot:

• Go to your phone's settings.
• Tap Mobile.
• Turn on your personal hotspot.
• Give your phone a name and create a password.

To connect another device:

• Open the list of Wi-Fi networks from your other device.
• Choose your phone's hotspot name.
• Enter your phone's hotspot password.
• Tap Connect.

From Bluetooth

To set up a Bluetooth connection:

• Go to your phone's settings.
• Tap Bluetooth.
• Turn on your Bluetooth tethering.
• Pair your devices and make sure Bluetooth is turned on for each device.

To connect another device:

• In your list of paired devices, tap the device you want to share your connection with (for example, your tablet).
• Once paired, it will show up as a "Connected" device.

With a USB cable

• Connect your phone to the device you want to connect via a USB cable.
• Go to your phone's settings.
• Tap Mobile Hotspot or Personal Hotspot.
• Find the menu that says USB tethering and enable it.
• Your connected device now shares your phone's data connection.

The limits of data tethering

Mobile data service varies from carrier to carrier. Depending on your provider, there may be hidden fees or tethering fees for sharing your data. Always consult your provider if you want clarification about your data limits.

Smissey eSIMs come with preloaded data. There are no hidden fees or tethering fees, but you can only tether as much data as you purchase. You can top up your data on the website if your data is running low.

Using your phone to create a personal hotspot requires much more power than everyday mobile use. It can drain your phone's battery life quite quickly. And if your service provider limits shared data, it may reduce your wireless speed when you reach your data limit. Be careful - it's easy to use up a month's worth of data in one afternoon when streaming videos or catching a webinar!

What to pay attention to when sharing data

Here are a few things to remember while sharing data:

• Your subscription uses more data: your hotspot connection shares your data with other devices. Unless you have an unlimited data plan, tethering will take up some of your allotted data. Be careful which devices you share your hotspot password with, as the data they use comes from your subscription.
• There is limited range: mobile devices can only connect to your phone's hotspot if they are nearby. Coverage varies from phone to phone and network type. Typically, any device within a 10-foot radius can connect.
• Tethering consumes battery life: Tethering consumes more power than everyday mobile use. While tethering, turn off any apps or internet services you don't need. And try to keep your tethering time short. If you work from a cafe or hotel lobby, consider plugging in your phone while you tie up data.

Tethering with a Smissey eSIM

If you're using a Smissey eSIM and want to share data from your eSIM plan, here are a few more things to keep in mind.

• Global carrier services vary by region: If you use a Smissey global eSIM, your wireless speed will vary between our global carriers. Your network and connection differ depending on where you are in the world and can range from 5G, 4G, LTE and 3G. Before you start tethering, you may want to know which network you will be using by clicking on "General Information" under the destination you are going to on the website.
• Tethering speeds vary by region: Even within one country, carrier speeds can vary depending on local infrastructure. If you are in an area with slower network speeds, keep in mind that your tethering speed will also be affected.

You're all set to share your eSIM data! Browse the Smissey store to stay connected with an eSIM on your next trip!