Sharing does not add a surcharge to the same data, but the devices that join usually use far more than a phone would, especially laptops that fetch updates and sync files the moment they see Wi-Fi. The effect looks like sharing costing more, when the cause is the behaviour of the attached device. The control that works is switching automatic updates and backups off on that device before it connects.

Almost always the sharing phone's data line is not set to the eSIM, or roaming has not been enabled on that line. The joining device therefore sees Wi-Fi and connects successfully, but there is no route out to the internet behind it. Go back and set the data line correctly, then test on the sharing phone itself once before trying to share again.

That depends on the supplier and the country rather than following one sitewide rule. Some plans in some countries have tethering blocked at the network side, and the condition is stated on that plan's own page. If sharing is your main reason for buying, read the hotspot line before paying, and ask us beforehand if it is still unclear.

The ceiling comes from your handset rather than the plan and varies by model, so there is no single number we can give that applies to every phone. In practice what limits you first is divided speed and a fast-draining battery. If several devices need data at once for long stretches, giving some people in the group their own plan usually works better.

It is not a fault: the phone is receiving a mobile signal and transmitting Wi-Fi at the same time, so it uses markedly more power than usual. Keep it on charge while sharing, switch the hotspot off as soon as it is idle, lower the screen brightness, and have attached devices download in bursts rather than staying connected all day. If it gets very hot, move it out of the sun and take off a thick case.

The direct answer is to choose a plan that states hotspot support from the outset. For a trip where you will genuinely work from a laptop, picking a plan that allows sharing and carries a volume suited to computer use is worth more than trying to work around the restriction. If you have already bought and only now found that sharing is blocked, message us with the order number and we will tell you honestly what that plan's terms allow.