How to use cellular data for a laptop?

To use cellular data for a laptop, you need a device that supports mobile connectivity through a built-in SIM or eSIM slot and an active data plan. Once the SIM or eSIM is installed, you can enable the cellular connection from your network settings and connect to the internet without relying on Wi-Fi.

This option is especially useful for travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads who need a secure and independent connection on the go. Using cellular data on a laptop helps you avoid public Wi-Fi risks and stay connected across different destinations. In this guide, you’ll learn how to add internet to a laptop, what requirements to check, and which options work best depending on your device and travel needs.

How to Check if Your Laptop Supports Cellular Data

The fastest way to know if your laptop can use cellular data is by checking its network settings. Most laptops that support eSIM or a built-in SIM card run on Windows 10 or Windows 11, but the principle is the same for other operating systems, and the verification takes less than a minute. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps.

Note for Mac users: MacBooks do not currently include built-in cellular modems, so connecting to mobile data requires using a smartphone hotspot or an external device.

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular data.

How to Check if Your Laptop Supports Cellular Data

If you see the Cellular option, your laptop has a built-in modem and can use cellular data.
If you also see Manage eSIM profiles, your device is an eSIM laptop and is ready to use an eSIM plan.
If the Cellular menu does not appear, your laptop doesn’t support cellular data natively.

Options to Use Cellular Data on a Laptop

If your laptop supports a built-in SIM or eSIM, you can connect directly to a mobile network without relying on public Wi-Fi. If it doesn’t, there are still reliable ways to stay online. Below are the main options to add internet to a laptop, ordered from the most seamless to the more manual alternatives using your phone or other devices.

Built-In eSIM or SIM slot (Best Option for Travelers)

Laptops with a built-in eSIM or SIM slot allow you to use cellular data for laptop travel without extra devices. This option offers a secure, always-on connection and avoids draining your phone’s battery.

This is the best choice if you:

Have a cellular-enabled laptop (with an eSIM or SIM slot).
Want a stable connection without hotspots.
Travel frequently and need reliable data access.

If you’re unsure if your device supports this technology, you can check our updated list of eSIM-compatible laptops.

Smartphone Hotspot (The Quickest Solution)

If your laptop doesn’t support cellular data natively, using your phone as a hotspot is the quickest workaround. This method lets you use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth.

This option works well if:

Your phone has an active data plan and allows you to share it via hotspot.
You need a quick setup without buying additional devices.
You only need a short-term connection, since hotspot usage can drain your phone’s battery faster.
Your phone supports eSIM or mobile data abroad.
You’re traveling for a short period.

Keep in mind that hotspot usage can increase battery consumption on your phone, so it’s best used as a temporary solution.

Portable Wi-Fi or USB Modems (Your Portable Router)

Portable Wi-Fi devices and USB modems work like small, portable routers for your laptop. They create their own internet connection, so you can get online even if your laptop doesn’t support eSIM or a SIM card.

This option is useful if:

Your laptop has no cellular hardware.
You want a standalone device for mobile data.
You travel with multiple devices that need internet access.

Advantages of Using Cellular Data for a Laptop

If your laptop has built-in cellular connectivity, it works much like a smartphone. Once set up, you get instant internet access as soon as you open your device, without turning on hotspots or connecting extra hardware.
Cellular networks use professional encryption, making them far more secure than public Wi-Fi in airports, cafés, hotels, or shared workspaces.
Stay connected on trains, buses, or in areas where Wi-Fi is unstable or simply unavailable, whether you’re traveling or working remotely.
In many locations, 4G and 5G networks deliver more consistent speeds than overcrowded public networks, helping to avoid dropped connections during calls or online work.

To Keep in Mind

Before using cellular data for a laptop while traveling, consider the following:

Some laptops purchased through carriers may be locked, which can prevent the use of international SIM or eSIM options. Always confirm your device is unlocked.
A SIM slot doesn’t always mean the laptop supports cellular data. Checking Settings → Network & Internet → Cellular is the only reliable way to be sure.
Turn on the "Metered Connection" setting. This tells your laptop to stop downloading big updates in the background, so you don't use up your data plan accidentally.
Enable Data Roaming so cellular data on your laptop works properly when traveling abroad.

Troubleshooting Tips

If cellular data for your laptop isn’t working as expected, check the following:

Make sure Data Roaming is turned ON in Windows settings. Without this option enabled, cellular data for laptop use won’t work when traveling abroad.
If your laptop with eSIM still doesn’t connect, you may need to manually add the APN provided by your eSIM or carrier to activate mobile data correctly.
If the device shows a signal, but there’s no internet access, turn Airplane Mode ON and OFF from the Windows taskbar to refresh the network and restore cellular data on your laptop.
Restart your laptop to complete the process and ensure the data connection is properly established.

Holafly Help |

Published: June 17, 2025 | Updated on: February 5, 2026