Does your Chromebook support eSIM?
Most do not. The large majority of Chromebooks are Wi-Fi only and have no cellular hardware at all. A few LTE or cellular Chromebooks have shipped over the years, and some of the newer ones support eSIM in ChromeOS, but they are the exception rather than the rule. If you did not specifically buy an LTE Chromebook, assume it is Wi-Fi only.
To check, open Settings in ChromeOS and look for a Mobile data or Cellular section. If it is there and offers to add a profile, you have a cellular Chromebook. If not, you will tether, which works on every Chromebook.
The main way: tether your Chromebook
Since most Chromebooks are Wi-Fi only, tethering is the standard way to keep one online while traveling. A Chromebook joins your phone hotspot just like any Wi-Fi network, and ChromeOS even has a built in feature for it.
- 1
Put a Citrus Mobile eSIM on your phone
Top up from $4 and install the eSIM by QR code or direct install. See how it works.
- 2
Turn on the hotspot
iPhone: Settings then Personal Hotspot. Android: Settings then Network and internet then Hotspot and tethering.
- 3
Connect the laptop
Open the Wi-Fi menu, pick your phone, enter the password. A USB cable is steadier for heavy work.
Instant Tethering
If your Chromebook and Android phone are on the same Google account, ChromeOS Instant Tethering can turn on the phone hotspot and connect for you automatically, with no password typing. Look for your phone under the network menu.
If you do have an LTE Chromebook
- 1
Open mobile data settings
In ChromeOS Settings, go to Network, then Mobile data, and select Add.
- 2
Add the eSIM profile
Scan or enter your Citrus Mobile activation details to download the profile.
- 3
Turn mobile data on
Enable the profile and your Chromebook connects on its own, no phone needed.
Why one eSIM works wherever you go
A Citrus Mobile eSIM is not tied to one carrier. It connects to a strong local network wherever you are and switches as you travel, so your Chromebook has working data across 200+ countries on one balance, with no SIM swapping and no roaming setup.
How much data does a Chromebook use?
Chromebooks are light by nature, since most work happens in the browser, so they tend to be easy on data.
| Activity | Rough data use |
|---|---|
| Gmail, Docs, and browsing | 20 to 60 MB per hour |
| Video call on Meet or Zoom | 500 to 900 MB per hour |
| Music streaming | 50 to 100 MB per hour |
| Standard video streaming | 0.7 to 1.5 GB per hour |
| Android app downloads | Varies, 50 MB to 1 GB each |
A normal Chromebook work day usually stays under 1.5 GB unless you stream a lot of video.
What it costs
Pay as you go from $4, bonus credit on larger top ups, rates by country on the rates page, details on the pricing page. Chromebooks are light on data, so a single top up often lasts a long trip.
Related guides
See the eSIM for laptop overview, eSIM for students since Chromebooks are popular in school, and how to tether a laptop to your phone.