After setting up an eSIM for your trip, it's common to think, "I'd love to use this data on my laptop or tablet too." That's exactly where tethering (also called a personal hotspot) comes in handy. The catch is that the setting lives in a different place depending on your device, and it can be hard to find right when you need it — leaving many travelers a little puzzled before departure or just after arrival.
The short version: Tethering lets you share your phone's mobile data with other devices, almost like a temporary Wi-Fi network. On iPhone, turn it on under "Settings → Personal Hotspot"; on Android, under "Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering." Before you rely on it abroad, it's worth checking two things: whether your eSIM plan supports tethering, and whether mobile data is switched on. Bloomy plans are generally data-only, so what you share over tethering is data (as of June 2026).
What is tethering (personal hotspot)?
Tethering is a way of sharing the mobile data your phone receives with other devices — a laptop, tablet, game console, and so on. Think of your phone acting as a small Wi-Fi router: rather than renting a separate pocket Wi-Fi device at your destination, you may be able to connect several devices using the single eSIM you already have.
There are three main ways to connect. Being able to pick the right one for the moment is handy.
| Method | What it's like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Easy to connect several devices at once. The most common and straightforward option | Using a laptop and tablet together |
| Bluetooth | Tends to use less battery, but speeds are more modest | Stretching your battery life |
| USB cable | A wired connection that tends to be stable, and it charges your phone at the same time | Long work sessions on a laptop |
What to check before tethering abroad
Confirming a few things in advance can save you a scramble on the day.
- Does your plan support tethering? Whether tethering is allowed, and on what terms, can vary from one eSIM to another. Please check the plan details before you buy and before you travel.
- Is mobile data turned on? Once you arrive, switch on your eSIM line and first confirm that the phone itself can get online before sharing the connection.
- It's data-only. Bloomy plans are generally data-only. What you share over tethering is data — not a phone number, SMS, or voice calling. If you need a number or text messaging, please look into a separate option as well.
- How many devices and how much data? Connecting a laptop or tablet at the same time uses more data. Keep in mind that video streaming and software updates can use a lot.
How to set up tethering on iPhone
On iPhone, this feature is called "Personal Hotspot."
- Open "Settings" and confirm that mobile data is on for your eSIM line.
- Go to "Settings → Personal Hotspot."
- Turn on "Allow Others to Join."
- Check the "Wi-Fi Password" shown on the screen (you can change it if you like).
- On your laptop or tablet, choose your iPhone's name from the list of Wi-Fi networks and enter the password to connect.
If you can't find "Personal Hotspot," double-check that your eSIM line is selected and that mobile data is switched on.
How to set up tethering on Android
The wording varies a little by manufacturer, but the basic flow is the same.
- Open "Settings → Network & internet."
- Select "Hotspot & tethering" (or simply "Tethering").
- Turn on "Wi-Fi hotspot."
- Check the network name and password (you can change these too).
- On the device you want to connect, select that network name and enter the password.
If you can't find the right menu, typing "tethering" into the search box within Settings often gets you there faster.
Getting your laptop online
When you want to work on a laptop while traveling, just turn on tethering on your phone using the steps above, then pick your phone's network from your laptop's Wi-Fi settings. For longer sessions or video calls where stability matters most, a USB cable connection is also worth considering. For more on what to watch out for during laptop work and video streaming — and how this fits with unlimited plans — see Do you need an unlimited eSIM for tethering? What to watch for with laptop work and video streaming. Reading it alongside this guide makes it easier to gauge how much data you'll want.
What to do when tethering won't connect or feels slow
If things aren't connecting, working through these in order makes it easier to pin down the cause.
- Can the phone get online on its own? First check that a website loads on the phone itself. If it doesn't, the connection — not tethering — is the place to look first.
- Is tethering actually on? Check that airplane mode or battery-saving settings haven't switched it back off.
- Restart Wi-Fi on the other device. Turn Wi-Fi off and back on on your laptop or tablet, then reconnect.
- Password typos. Double-check uppercase and lowercase letters and any symbols.
- Keep the devices close. Placing your phone near the connected device tends to make the link more stable.
- Congestion and location. Connection quality depends on the local network, the area, the device, and how busy the network is at the time. Trying a different spot or time can help.
If you get stuck activating your line or installing the eSIM, please also see Troubleshooting connection issues and the Setup guide.
Tips for making your data and battery last
Tethering uses more of your phone's battery and data than usual. These habits help ease the load.
- Turn tethering off when you're not using it.
- Lower the video quality, and run app auto-updates on a stable Wi-Fi connection instead.
- For long sessions, keep your phone charging while you use it.
- If you're unsure about your data allowance, choose a plan that matches how many days you'll travel and how you'll use it.
Finding a plan with Bloomy
If you're planning to tether, it's reassuring to choose a plan with a little extra room in both data and days. To browse plans by destination and usage, head to the eSIM comparison page, where you can compare by country, data amount, and number of days. Note that the available plans and terms can differ by country and region, so please confirm the latest details shown at the time of purchase (as of June 2026).
If unlimited plans catch your eye, take a look at the unlimited eSIM category too. Even with unlimited plans, a fair use policy, speed management, or specific tethering conditions may apply, so it's worth checking the terms in advance.
Wrapping up
Tethering is just a few steps away — "Personal Hotspot" on iPhone and "Hotspot & tethering" on Android. The key before using it abroad is to confirm that your plan supports it and that mobile data is switched on. If it won't connect, work through it calmly in this order: check the phone's own connection, then that tethering is on, then restart Wi-Fi on the other device. For guidance on choosing data amounts and what to watch for with video streaming, be sure to read the related article as well.
