Mobile broadband for Surface Pro LTE: FAQ

To use mobile broadband on Surface Pro LTE, you can use a nano SIM card and data plan from your mobile operator, or use the embedded SIM (eSIM) that comes built into Surface Pro LTE plus a data plan from the Microsoft Store. To learn how to set up your LTE connection, see Set up your LTE connection on Surface Pro LTE.

Switch to a non-metered Wi-Fi network

When there’s a Wi-Fi network available that you trust, it’s a good idea to use that instead of your data plan (it’s usually less expensive, or even free). To learn how to connect to Wi-Fi, see Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 10.

Switch to a different data plan

If you have both types of data plans (one from your mobile operator and one from the Microsoft Store), you can switch between them at any time in Cellular settings. To use the mobile operator SIM card, select SIM 1 for Use this SIM for cellular data. To use the Microsoft Store data plan on your eSIM, select SIM 2 for Use this SIM for cellular data.

Talk to your mobile operator about the right data plan for you. One size doesn’t fit all. It really depends on how you use your device, how often, and where. Here are some things to consider:

• Connect to a Wi-Fi network whenever available. Wi-Fi is typically less expensive than a cellular data connection.
• Ensure that your cellular data connection is set to use metering. This can help you reduce the amount of data you use by doing things like limiting the scope of updates, pausing downloads, not updating Start menu tiles, and restricting other things that send and receive data. To learn how to do this by setting a data limit, see Set your data limit.
• Keep track of your estimated data usage. Do this by using an app from your operator or through Windows network settings by selecting Settings  > Network & Internet  > Data usage  > View usage details.
• Limit the amount of syncing you do over a metered connection. For example, in your settings for OneDrive, turn off syncing over metered connections. Enable syncing only when you need to upload or download to OneDrive. To do determine which apps can use cellular data, select Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular  > Choose apps that can use your cellular data.
• Change your email download settings to manual instead of automatic.
• Limit data-intensive activities. These include using apps that stream data to your Surface and sharing your connection—for example, playing videos, games, or music, or using your Surface as a mobile hotspot.

Using an app from your mobile operator

Many mobile operators provide an app you can use to view your account information, data usage, and more.

Your mobile operator’s app may be installed automatically during setup. Or, you can look for an app on your mobile operator’s website or in the Microsoft Store.

To see whether you have an app from your mobile operator installed:

1. Go to Start  > Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular .
2. Under Cellular, select the network you want to use. If you see View My Account, you have an app from your mobile operator installed.

If you’re concerned about costs, and have a plan with a mobile operator, contact them to learn about international data plan options. You may also be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card or mobile broadband data plan from a local operator when you get to the country you’re visiting.

If you have a plan through the Microsoft Store, open the Mobile Plans app for your device and then contact your plan provider.

Either way, you may want to change some settings on your Surface to avoid possible data charges For example, don’t allow roaming for the times when you’re in an area that’s not covered by your mobile operator. For more info, see Don’t allow roaming to help avoid extra charges.

Tip: When traveling, turn off cellular data and use a Wi-Fi connection when it’s available to avoid charges.

Wi-Fi is recommended, but not required, because Wi-Fi is often less expensive than mobile broadband.

If you’re setting things up and you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can set up a cellular data connection instead by going to Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular  > Advanced options.

Note: Your cellular account must be active, or you must have purchased a plan through the Microsoft Store for your eSIM to connect to a cellular data network.

It could be one or more of the following:

• You need to install the latest Surface and Windows updates.
• You may not have cellular coverage.
• You may not have an active data plan.
• You need to make sure the access point name (APN) is recognized for your mobile operator. To learn how to add or change an APN, see Cellular settings in Windows 10.
• If your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network or using a wired Ethernet connection, cellular data isn't used if you have selected the Let Windows manage this connection check box in Settings  > Network & Internet  > Cellular . To connect to a cellular network and use cellular data, you’ll need to disconnect from any other networks first.

For info about how to solve these problems, see Can’t connect to mobile broadband?

Contact your mobile operator about replacing your SIM card.

If the SIM card tray on your Surface is lost, damaged, or stuck, contact us.

Yes. Connecting to mobile broadband a cellular network uses the antennas in Surface PCs that have models with mobile broadband. This uses battery power, and draws power from the battery. For tips on making your battery charge last longer, see Surface battery and power.