You've set up your eSIM, but you can't share that connection with your laptop or tablet through tethering (Personal Hotspot / Internet Sharing). It's a small snag that trips up plenty of travelers, whether you're getting ready to leave or already on the ground. The good news: in most cases, eSIM tethering issues come down to three things you can check in order — is mobile data on, is connection sharing set up correctly, and does your plan allow tethering. This guide walks through how to spot the cause and the steps for each device, written so it's easy to follow even if it's your first time (general guidance as of June 2026).
- The 3 things to check first when tethering won't connect
- A quick reference table to narrow down the cause
- Step-by-step instructions for iPhone and Android
- Why tethering availability depends on your plan
- What to try next, and where to get help, if it still won't work
Start with the basics (tethering and data-only plans)
Tethering shares the data connection from your eSIM with other devices — a PC, tablet, games console and so on — over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB. That means your phone itself has to be online first. So before anything else, check that your phone alone can load a webpage or use an app. If it can't, the issue is in your basic connection settings rather than tethering.
Like many eSIMs, Bloomy plans are typically data-only. With a data-only plan there's no phone number, so you can't make or receive regular voice calls and you can't send or receive SMS. But app-based calls that run over data — WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime and similar — work as usual. Tethering shares that same data connection, so even on a data-only plan you can browse, work and make app calls just fine from your PC or tablet. If you specifically need a phone number or SMS, consider a separate option or a plan that includes a number.
Common causes and fixes (quick reference)
Find the situation below that sounds closest to yours. Most issues are solved with a quick settings check.
| Situation | Likely cause | What to check or try |
|---|---|---|
| Even the phone itself is offline | Mobile data is off, or the line isn't activated | Turn mobile data on, and confirm the eSIM line is selected |
| Phone is fine, only sharing fails | Internet sharing is off, or the password is wrong | Turn sharing on, and re-enter the correct password on the other device |
| Drops after a short while | Power saving / auto-off, or the device moved out of range | Keep it charging and move the devices closer, then reconnect |
| The sharing option doesn't appear at all | Some plans don't support tethering | Check your plan's terms (see below) |
| Slow or sluggish | Local network congestion, coverage area, or data balance | Try a different place or time, and check your balance and speed terms |
How to check on iPhone
On iPhone the feature is called "Personal Hotspot." Check it in this order:
- Go to Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data) and confirm your eSIM line is enabled and mobile data is on
- Open Settings → Personal Hotspot and turn on "Allow Others to Join"
- Note the "Wi-Fi Password" shown there, and enter the same one on the device you're connecting
- If it doesn't appear, toggle Airplane Mode off and on, or restart the phone
If you have more than one eSIM or SIM installed, an easy thing to miss is whether the line you want to tether with is the one selected for cellular data.
How to check on Android
Names vary a little by model on Android, but the flow is the same.
- Go to Settings → Network & internet and confirm mobile data is on and your eSIM line is selected
- Open "Hotspot & tethering" (sometimes "Tethering & portable hotspot")
- Turn on "Wi-Fi hotspot" and check the network name and password
- If it won't connect, switch the hotspot band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and try again
If you're unsure whether your device supports eSIM, it's worth checking our eSIM-compatible devices page too, just to be safe.
What to try next if it still won't work
If checking your settings doesn't fix it, work through these in order:
- Restart the phone you're sharing from, then turn the hotspot back on
- Toggle Wi-Fi off and on on the connecting device, then pick the network again
- Check that you haven't run low on data — look in your account page or dashboard
- See whether your plan needs initial setup such as an APN, and review the instructions
For connection problems in general, our troubleshooting page can help, and the setup guide walks through first-time configuration. If none of that solves it, rather than keep changing settings, it's best to reach out to support so we can look at your specific situation.
Tethering depends on your plan (worth checking in advance)
This one is easy to overlook: whether a plan supports tethering, and the conditions for using it on an unlimited plan, can vary from plan to plan. If you plan to do long stretches of PC work or video streaming over a tethered connection, it helps to choose with data allowance and speed terms in mind. If you expect to use a lot of data through tethering, our guide Should you tether with an unlimited eSIM? What to watch for with PC work and streaming covers when it's a good fit and what to keep in mind.
Even on an unlimited plan, there may be a speed reduction after a certain amount of use, a fair-use policy, or specific terms around tethering. Connection quality also depends on the local network, your device and the area you're in, and terms can change — so please check the latest details before you buy.
Find a plan with Bloomy
If you want a plan that fits your destination and how you'll use it, our eSIM comparison page lets you choose by country, data allowance and number of days. If you're unsure about tethering or how much data you'll need, start by comparing options there. Prices, data allowances and supported countries can change, so we recommend confirming the latest details at the time of purchase.
Still weighing up data allowance or settings? Our FAQ can help ease the small uncertainties you might have before and after buying.
Summary
When eSIM tethering won't connect, checking in this order makes it easy to pinpoint: (1) your phone's own connection, (2) the internet sharing settings, and (3) your plan's terms. Most issues are solved with a quick settings check, and even on a data-only plan you can browse and make app calls just fine from a PC or tablet. If you expect to tether a lot, check the data allowance and unlimited-plan terms ahead of time so you can prepare for your trip with peace of mind.
