Which Surface models support eSIM?
Microsoft has offered cellular Surface devices for years, and they are a great fit for a travel eSIM because the modem is built in. eSIM works on the 5G and LTE editions of Surface Pro, including the recent Surface Pro with 5G, and on cellular versions of Surface Laptop and Surface Go. The key word is the cellular or 5G or LTE label. The standard Wi-Fi only versions of these devices do not have a modem.
To check yours, open Settings, then Network and internet, and look for Cellular. If it is there, you have a cellular Surface and can install an eSIM directly.
Install a Citrus Mobile eSIM on your Surface
On a cellular Surface this takes a couple of minutes and no phone is involved.
- 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.
A Surface bonus
Because Surface devices wake and connect quickly, a native eSIM means you open the lid and you are already online, even in a taxi or a terminal with no Wi-Fi. It is one of the smoothest cellular laptop experiences you can get today.
Got a Wi-Fi only Surface? Tether instead
If your Surface has no Cellular section, it is a Wi-Fi only model. You can still keep it online anywhere by sharing your 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 it works wherever you travel
A Citrus Mobile eSIM connects to a strong local carrier wherever you are and switches as you move, so your Surface stays online across 200+ countries on a single balance. There is no new SIM to buy in each country and no roaming plan to arrange.
How much data does a Surface 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, rates vary by country. See the rates page and pricing page. As with any Windows device, set the connection as metered so Windows updates wait for free Wi-Fi.
Related guides
See the general eSIM for Windows laptop guide, the eSIM for laptop overview, and eSIM for business travel if your Surface is your work machine.