Does your ThinkPad have eSIM?
It depends on whether you ordered the WWAN option when you bought it. WWAN stands for wireless wide area network, which is the cellular modem. Many X1 Carbon, X1 Yoga, T series, and P series ThinkPads were available with a Fibocom or Quectel WWAN module that supports eSIM, but the exact same model without that option has no modem. This is a build time choice, so two identical looking ThinkPads can differ.
The simplest check is Settings, then Network and internet, then look for Cellular. You can also check Device Manager for a mobile broadband or WWAN device. If it is present, you can install an eSIM directly.
Install a Citrus Mobile eSIM on your ThinkPad
On a WWAN ThinkPad the setup lives in Windows and needs no phone.
- 1
Open cellular settings
Go to Settings, then Network and internet, then Cellular. If this section exists, your laptop has the mobile hardware.
- 2
Add an eSIM profile
Choose Manage eSIM profiles, then Add a new profile, and scan or enter your Citrus Mobile activation details.
- 3
Turn cellular on
Enable the profile and let Windows connect. Your laptop now has its own mobile data, no phone required.
- 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.
Make sure WWAN is enabled
Some ThinkPads ship with the WWAN radio disabled in BIOS or via the F8 airplane settings. If Cellular does not appear but you know you ordered WWAN, check that the radio is switched on first.
No WWAN? Tether instead
A ThinkPad without the WWAN module has no cellular hardware, so you keep it online by sharing a phone connection.
- 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.
Why one eSIM covers every trip
A Citrus Mobile eSIM is carrier independent. It picks up a strong local network wherever you land and switches as you move, so your ThinkPad has working data across 200+ countries on one balance, with nothing to swap at borders.
How much data does a ThinkPad use?
| Activity | Rough data use |
|---|---|
| Email, docs, and messaging | 5 to 15 MB per hour |
| Web browsing and research | 30 to 70 MB per hour |
| Video call on Teams, Zoom, or Meet | 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 |
| Large file upload | Roughly 1 GB per GB sent |
| Windows or app update | 1 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 based rates on the rates page, and the full breakdown on the pricing page. Set the connection as metered in Windows so updates wait for free Wi-Fi.
Related guides
See the eSIM for Windows laptop guide, the eSIM for laptop overview, and eSIM for business travel.