No results found
How to set up an eSIM on Apple Watch
In this post, you’ll learn how to set up an eSIM on your Apple Watch, one of the best smartwatches on the market.
March 23, 2023
+1M
Unlimited data
Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees
Plans that may interest you
We have already told you how to set up an eSIM on your Apple phone, such as the iPhone XR, XS, and iPad. But if you need to set up your eSIM on Apple Watch, pay attention because here we will tell you how to do so.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card, that is, a chip already embedded in your Apple Watch, so you don’t need to insert an actual chip into any slot. As a matter of fact, some cellphones, including iPhones, support this technology. This way, you can use two SIMs (Dual SIM), in other words, a digital card and a physical card. Therefore, with a single device, you can use two phone numbers at the same time.
To explain, here we will tell you in greater detail what an eSIM is and how it works.
Apple Watch and eSIMs
As a device that can operate as an extension of your cellphone, the Apple Watch -or smartwatches from Apple – also allow you to use Dual SIM funciontaolities.
How to set up an eSIM on Apple Watch?
In particular, the eSIM on the Apple Watch works thanks to the eSIM manager installed on the iPhone. So, to learn more, check the requirements below:
What do you need?
– Have an iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR device with the latest version of iOS (iPhone operating system).
– Have an Apple Watch Series 4 or 3 (GPS + Cellular) with the latest version of WatchOS (Apple Watch operating system).
– Check that the operator supports eSIM on Apple Watch devices.
What do I have to do?
Setting up the eSIM on an Apple Watch consists of two phases:
- Pair Apple Watch to iPhone
- Add data plan
To clarify, below we describe each phase and its respective steps simply:
1. Pair Apple Watch to iPhone
Follow these steps to pair your iPhone to your Apple Watch. After all, you’ll be able to control the functions of your iPhone through the Apple Watch. However, they still need to be near to each other so that they remain connected and work paired up.
Time required: 10 minutes.
Steps to synchronize your cellphone with your Apple Watch:
- Connect your iPhone to the internet
Make sure your cellphone is connected to a WiFi network or your cellular data plan is activated.
- Activate Bluetooth
Go to Settings, Bluetooth, and then activate it.
- Turn on your Apple Watch
To turn on your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
- Connect your iPhone to your Apple Watch
Bring your iPhone near your Apple Watch and wait until the message “Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch” appears on your iPhone, then tap Continue.
- Confirm that the Apple Watch is paired to your iPhone
Center the watch face in the viewfinder on your iPhone. Wait for a message to say that your Apple Watch is paired.
- Set up your Apple Watch
Click to set up Apple Watch. Keep in mind that if you have already had an Apple Watch, you may want to choose a backup.
- Agree to Terms and Conditions
Read the Terms and Conditions and tap Agree.
- Create a passcode
It’s important to set up a passcode when going through money transactions or payments.
- Choose the apps for your Apple Watch
Install the apps of your choice on the Apple Watch.
- Confirm both devices are synced
Wait until the pairing procedure is finished. The devices should be near each other until you hear a sound and a light press on the Apple Watch.
- If you need more information
Certainly, you can find more specifications to set up your Apple Watch on the Apple support page.
2. Add data plan
Follow these steps to add a data plan via eSIM to your Apple Watch. Once you finish, you’ll be able to turn off or leave your iPhone at home and go for a walk with your watch, as it will have an independent internet connection.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app. Tap the My Watch tab, then tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular. Follow the instructions for your carrier. Enter your username and password to access the account you manage with your carrier.
- Review the Terms and Conditions, fee, and tap Agree. Another key point is that the activation fee is usually around between $5 USD and $10.
- The download of the eSIM profile to your Apple Watch will begin. This process will take a few minutes.
- You will be notified of service activation. Some carriers notify you by SMS on your watch, others do it by popping up on your iPhone.
- Your new profile will appear under Cellular. This is inside the Apple Watch app.
- Your watch will already appear with a 4G signal indicator.
In conclusion, your Apple Watch will work as an extension of your cellphone. So, if your cellphone has x contact numbers (and one of them is an eSIM), your Apple Watch will be able to answer calls, make calls, and send or receive messages as if it were your cellphone.
Keep this in mind!
- Apple Watch as an extension of your cellphone: With Apple smartwatches, you can dial out and receive calls, and send and receive messages, among other essential functions, all without the need to have your cellphone nearby.
- Compatibility between Apple Watch and iPhone: In the case of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS and Cellular), iPhone 6 and later versions are compatible. For Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS), iPhone 5s or later versions are compatible.
- Multiple numbers on your Apple Watch: On your Apple Watch you can use up to five numbers, but not at the same time, only one at a time.
- To point out, the data consumption used on your Apple Watch is deducted from your main line on the iPhone.
You might also be interested in:
- What is eSIM Manager?
- eSIM vs iSIM: Which one is better?
- How to set up an eSIM on iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, and iPad Pro
- Best eSIM New York: Which one to buy
- European eSIM card for iPhone
