Bottom Line Up Front – Locked Phone and Cheap International Data
If your main phone is carrier-locked or you can’t use eSIM, the simplest cheap path is:
Buy a cheap unlocked 5G phone, install a US Mobile travel eSIM on it, turn on hotspot, connect your locked phone, and enable Wi-Fi Calling.
That’s it. Your locked phone keeps working for calling, iMessage/WhatsApp, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes from your bank or email — without paying roaming rates.
The 60-Second Setup
- Buy a cheap unlocked 5G “hotspot phone”
Recommended examples:- iPhone SE (2022 / 3rd gen), unlocked used/refurb: ~ $125–$200
- Google Pixel 7a, unlocked used/refurb: ~ $130–$180
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your locked phone before leaving the U.S.
- Keeps your normal number working like normal while you’re on Wi-Fi abroad.
- Install a travel eSIM on the hotspot phone
We recommend: US Mobile (international eSIM)
Budget alternatives: Airalo, Nomad - Turn on hotspot + connect your locked phone
- Hotspot phone: enable Mobile Hotspot
- Locked phone: connect to that Wi-Fi
- Locked phone: keep data roaming OFF
Quick Comparison Snapshot
| Option | Best For | Cost Profile | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Cheap unlocked 5G phone used only as a hotspot + travel eSIM | 1–3 devices, most travelers, lowest cost | Lowest real cost (especially with resale) | Cheap, flexible, easy to replace/resell |
| 🥈 Dedicated 5G hotspot device + travel eSIM | 4+ devices, families, laptop-heavy trips, fewer hiccups | Higher upfront cost | Built for sustained multi-device sharing |
| Almost never worth it: pocket Wi-Fi rentals | Rare edge cases only | Usually expensive + fees | Convenience is real, value usually isn’t |
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page.
Why This Works With a Locked Phone
A carrier lock blocks adding another carrier’s SIM/eSIM to your main phone. It does not block Wi-Fi.
So your hotspot phone provides the data, and your locked phone connects over Wi-Fi like it would at home.
🥇 Option #1: Cheap Unlocked 5G Phone Used Only as a Hotspot
This is the “dirt cheap, reliable, repeatable” setup.
What to buy
A cheap unlocked 5G phone where the only things that matter are:
- Unlocked
- 5G
- Mobile hotspot/tethering works
- eSIM support
- Battery isn’t terrible
You do not care about camera, screen quality, storage, or “nice features.” This is a data modem you carry.
Recommended cheap hotspot phones (examples)
- iPhone SE (2022 / 3rd gen), unlocked used/refurb: ~ $125–$200
- Google Pixel 7a, unlocked used/refurb: ~ $130–$180
Dirt-cheap tip (optional)
If you want to go ultra-cheap, buy a used phone with a cracked screen / cosmetic damage. You’re not consuming content on it — you’re using it to turn hotspot on and forget it.
What International data to use? We recommend the following:
Install a travel eSIM on the hotspot phone:
- US Mobile (international eSIM)
- Airalo
- Nomad
1–3 devices: phone hotspot is usually plenty
A phone-as-hotspot can be just as fast as a dedicated 5G hotspot in raw 5G speed. The differences are practical: battery drain and heat during all-day HEAVY hotspot use, not raw speed.
The eBay resale play (this is what makes it cheapest)
If you don’t travel often:
- Buy the hotspot phone (new or used)
- Use it for the trip
- Sell it on eBay afterward
That usually beats rentals because you’re paying only depreciation, not daily fees and add-ons.
🥈 Option #2: Dedicated 5G Hotspot Device (Best for 4+ Devices)
If you’re connecting 4+ devices (family trip, laptops/tablets, fewer hiccups), a dedicated hotspot can be worth it.
Important nuance: a phone hotspot can often handle 4 devices — this isn’t a hard limit. The reason dedicated hotspots get recommended in this situation is they’re built to behave like portable routers during sustained multi-device sharing, with fewer “babysitting” moments.
Why We Almost Never Recommend Pocket Wi-Fi Rentals
Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are almost never worth it because the pricing model usually stacks against you:
- Daily fees add up fast
- Deposits/insurance/return rules add hassle
- Longer trips get punished
- You pay for convenience, not value
If you want convenience, owning a hotspot device usually wins long-term. If you want the lowest cost, the cheap hotspot phone wins — especially with resale.
The Key Move: Wi-Fi Calling Keeps Everything Working
Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your main (locked) phone before you leave the U.S.
Wi-Fi Calling helps your normal number keep behaving normally while your phone is connected to Wi-Fi from your hotspot device. That matters for real life:
- Calling from your normal number
- Texts (carrier-dependent, but often works well)
- Account access flows that assume your number is reachable
Gotchas (All Solvable)
- The hotspot device must be unlocked
- Some travel eSIM plans may restrict hotspot/tethering — confirm before buying
- Keep data roaming OFF on your locked phone to avoid accidental roaming charges
Decision Shortcut
- 1–3 devices, lowest cost → cheap unlocked 5G hotspot phone + travel eSIM
- 4+ devices, want fewer hiccups → dedicated 5G hotspot device
- Thinking about rentals → almost never worth it; buy used and resell instead