Many users reported that the Airtel unlimited 5G data does not function when used via a mobile hotspot. This is because, according to the terms and conditions of Airtel, the unlimited 5G data plan cannot be shared with other devices using the mobile hotspot. Moreover, the same terms also mention that Airtel 5G Plus is available only in selected areas depending on network availability. Unlimited 5G data can be used only where Airtel’s 5G network is available. Here’s everything you need to know about the Airtel unlimited 5G data restrictions.
Tipster Utsav Techie recently shared a post on his official X handle where he pointed out that ‘Airtel’s official Unlimited 5G Data Offer Terms & Conditions explicitly state that customers cannot share Unlimited 5G data via a mobile hotspot.’ After the screenshot went viral, many users said that they were unaware of the hotspot restriction and argued that such conditions should be more visible when the plans are promoted as unlimited.
Airtel's official Unlimited 5G Data Offer Terms & Conditions explicitly state that customers cannot share Unlimited 5G data via a mobile hotspot. pic.twitter.com/cWfSkTSusT
— Utsav Techie (@utsavtechie) July 16, 2026
Along with the hotspot restriction, users also found that some Airtel plans advertised as unlimited 5G have a hidden usage limit. Recently, Karan Shroff, a user on X, also shared an email from Airtel’s customer support about the 5G data usage on his Rs 399 prepaid plan.
@airtelindia @Airtel_Presence @DoT_India @TRAI @jagograhakjago @consaff
— Karan Shroff (@KShroff15) July 14, 2026
Your own email confirms the ₹399 "Unlimited 4G+5G Data" plan is capped at 300GB/30 days. If there's a cap, why advertise it as "Unlimited"? Please remove the restriction on my data immediately. pic.twitter.com/6DtmhTQpbX
Alongside the hotspot restrictions, it was also found that certain Airtel plans that were marketed as unlimited 5G plans have a hidden cap. Recently, a user named Karan Shroff on X posted an email he received from Airtel’s customer support about using 5G data in his Rs 399 prepaid plan.
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As per the email, the Rs 399 plan offers unlimited 4G+5G data. But what it also mentions is that the usage of data is capped at 300GB within 30 days since usage over that limit will be considered commercial usage.
The email has made users raise questions about the plan, as some feel that there shouldn’t be a cap on usage when a plan is sold as an unlimited plan.
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The issue has triggered strong reactions on social media, as one user questioned how unlimited 5G could be called ‘unlimited’ if it cannot be shared through a mobile hotspot.
Another user said they depend on hotspot connectivity for work because their laptop does not support a SIM card. People said that blocking hotspot use makes the unlimited data plan less useful, even though they are paying for unlimited data.
Moreover, some users compared Airtel with Jio and said Airtel costs more while also having a 300GB monthly limit and hotspot restrictions which just make the ‘unlimited’ claim vague and confusing.