eSIM for Dell Laptop: Install or Tether

Dell offers mobile broadband on much of its Latitude business range and some XPS models. Here is how to install a Citrus Mobile eSIM on a cellular Dell, or tether one without it.

Dell Latitude laptops and select XPS models ordered with mobile broadband support eSIM and can install a Citrus Mobile eSIM directly under Settings, Network and internet, Cellular. Dell laptops without that option tether to a phone. One balance covers 200+ countries with automatic carrier switching.

Which Dell laptops support eSIM?

Dell calls the cellular feature mobile broadband, and it is a configure time option rather than something every model has. It is most common across the Latitude business line, where many models offered an eSIM capable modem, and it appears on some XPS and Precision configurations too. As always, the same model number without the mobile broadband option has no modem.

To confirm, open Settings, then Network and internet, and look for Cellular. You can also check Device Manager for a mobile broadband device. If present, you can install an eSIM directly in Windows.

Install a Citrus Mobile eSIM on your Dell

  1. 1

    Open cellular settings

    Go to Settings, then Network and internet, then Cellular. If this section exists, your laptop has the mobile hardware.

  2. 2

    Add an eSIM profile

    Choose Manage eSIM profiles, then Add a new profile, and scan or enter your Citrus Mobile activation details.

  3. 3

    Turn cellular on

    Enable the profile and let Windows connect. Your laptop now has its own mobile data, no phone required.

  4. 4

    Top up and travel

    Manage your balance from your Citrus Mobile account. Pay as you go across 200+ countries, with carrier switching handled for you.

Keep Dell drivers current

Mobile broadband on Dell laptops works best with the latest firmware and modem drivers from Dell Update or Dell Command Update. If the eSIM does not connect, update those first.

No mobile broadband? Tether instead

A Dell without the modem keeps online by sharing a phone connection, which works on any model.

  1. 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. 2

    Turn on the hotspot

    iPhone: Settings then Personal Hotspot. Android: Settings then Network and internet then Hotspot and tethering.

  3. 3

    Connect the laptop

    Open the Wi-Fi menu, pick your phone, enter the password. A USB cable is steadier for heavy work.

Why one eSIM is enough anywhere

A Citrus Mobile eSIM connects to a strong local carrier wherever you are and switches as you travel, so your Dell stays online across 200+ countries on one balance, with no SIM swapping and no roaming plan.

How much data does a Dell laptop use?

ActivityRough data use
Email, docs, and messaging5 to 15 MB per hour
Web browsing and research30 to 70 MB per hour
Video call on Teams, Zoom, or Meet500 to 900 MB per hour
Music streaming50 to 100 MB per hour
Standard video streaming0.7 to 1.5 GB per hour
Large file uploadRoughly 1 GB per GB sent
Windows or app update1 to 5 GB or more, one time

A normal remote work day lands around 1 to 2 GB. Defer Windows updates to free Wi-Fi to keep it predictable.

What it costs

Pay as you go from $4, bonus credit on larger top ups, country rates on the rates page, details on the pricing page. Turn on Metered connection in Windows so updates do not eat your balance.

Related guides

See the eSIM for Windows laptop guide, the eSIM for HP laptop guide, and the eSIM for laptop overview.

Why Citrus Mobile keeps you online anywhere

The whole point is simple. Get one Citrus Mobile eSIM, and it gives you a working internet connection almost anywhere on earth, as long as some carrier nearby has coverage.

Switches carriers automatically

Your eSIM is not locked to one network. It hops to whichever local carrier has the strongest signal, so you stay online when a single network would drop.

Works in 200+ countries

One eSIM covers the whole trip. Land in a new country and you are connected, with no new SIM to buy and no roaming surprises.

Pay as you go

Top up from $4 and only pay for the data you actually use. No fixed plans, no expiry, and your balance never burns down on a timer.

Built for working, not just maps

Reliable 4G and 5G data that holds up for video calls, large uploads, and a full day of remote work, not just checking directions.

Frequently asked questions

Does my Dell laptop support eSIM?

Only if it was ordered with mobile broadband, common on Latitude and some XPS and Precision models. Check Settings, Network and internet, Cellular. If present, install a Citrus Mobile eSIM directly. If not, tether.

What is mobile broadband on a Dell?

It is Dell's name for the optional cellular modem. Models with it can connect to mobile networks and install an eSIM. Models without it rely on Wi-Fi or tethering.

How do I install an eSIM on a Dell?

On a cellular Dell, go to Settings, Network and internet, Cellular, then Manage eSIM profiles, then Add a new profile, and enter your Citrus Mobile details.

The eSIM will not connect on my Dell, what should I check?

Update the modem firmware and drivers using Dell Update or Dell Command Update, make sure airplane mode is off, and confirm the cellular profile is enabled.

Can a Dell without cellular use Citrus Mobile?

Yes, by tethering to a phone running a Citrus Mobile eSIM over Wi-Fi or USB.

Does one eSIM work in many countries?

Yes. One Citrus Mobile eSIM works in 200+ countries and switches local carriers automatically.

How much data does a Dell use for work?

About 1 to 2 GB for a typical work day. Streaming and updates use more. Top up as you go.

Is it cheaper than roaming?

For most travelers, yes. You pay only for data used, with no fixed daily fee.

Keep reading

Get your Dell online

Works in 200+ countries. Top up from $4. No contracts, no expiry.