How to install an eSIM on Apple Watch
How to install an eSIM on Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 3 and later models (GPS + Cellular)
Welcome to Oracces! This guide will walk you through setting up your eSIM on your Apple Watch. The Apple Watch uses the eSIM from your paired iPhone, making setup quick and easy.
Before we begin
Ensure that the following conditions are met:
- You have an Apple Watch GPS + Cellular (Series 3 or later)
- Your Apple Watch is paired with a compatible iPhone
- Your iPhone has iOS 16 or later
- Your Apple Watch has watchOS 9 or later
- You are connected to the Internet (WiFi recommended)
- Your Apple Watch and iPhone are not carrier locked.
Preliminary step: Install the eSIM on your iPhone
The Apple Watch cannot install an eSIM independently. It shares your iPhone's cellular plan via cellular pairing.
Install the eSIM on your iPhone
Before setting up your Apple Watch, you must first install your Oracces eSIM on your iPhone.
👉 Check out our guide: How to install an eSIM on iPhone
iPhone
eSIM installed ✓
Apple Watch
To configure
Configure the cellular network on Apple Watch
Once the eSIM is installed on your iPhone, configure your Apple Watch to share this connection.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone
On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
Watch Application
Black icon with dial
Access Cellular settings
In the Watch app:
- Tap the My Watch tab
- Press Cellular
⌚ My watch
Activate the cellular network
Activate Cellular if it is not already activated.
Your Apple Watch will automatically detect and use your iPhone's eSIM plan.
Cellular
Active connection
✓ Connected
Automatic configuration
The Apple Watch automatically configures the cellular network using your iPhone's eSIM.
- Please wait a few seconds for the configuration to complete.
- A confirmation message will be displayed.
- You will see signal bars on your watch
Cellular network connection
Check that everything works
To ensure your Apple Watch is set up correctly:
Cellular connection test
- Move your Apple Watch away from your iPhone (or turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone)
- Raise your wrist to wake up your Apple Watch
- Check that green dots appear at the top of the screen (indicates an active cellular connection)
- Try sending a message or doing an activity that requires the internet.
Green dots = Active cell
Connection indicators
What you can do with your cell phone
With your eSIM active on Apple Watch, you can:
- Make and receive calls - Same number as your iPhone
- Send and receive messages - iMessage and SMS
- Using Siri - Voice search and commands
- Listen to streaming music - Apple Music, podcasts
- Receive notifications - Apps, emails, calendar
- Use apps - Weather, maps, news, etc.
- Share your location - Locate, Maps
- Make purchases - Apple Pay
Manage the cellular connection
Temporarily Enable/Disable Cell Phone
From your Apple Watch:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (Control Center)
- Tap the Cellular icon (signal bars)
- The icon turns grey when deactivated, green when activated
From the Watch app on iPhone:
- Open the Watch app
- Tap My Watch > Cellular
- Turn off Cellular
Track data consumption
- On iPhone: Watch > My Watch > Cellular
- View cellular data usage
- Check which apps are using the most data
Common problems and solutions
⌚ No cellular connection on Apple Watch
Solutions to try:
- Check that the eSIM is properly installed and active on your iPhone
- Check that cellular is enabled in the Watch app
- Restart your Apple Watch and your iPhone
- Make sure you are in an area covered by the network
- Check that your plan supports Apple Watch pairing
🔴 Persistent red dot on Apple Watch
The red dot indicates that the watch cannot connect:
- Check that roaming is enabled on your iPhone (if abroad)
- Turn the cellular service on the watch off and then back on.
- Unpair and then re-pair your Apple Watch
- Contact our support team if the problem persists.
📞 Unable to make/receive calls
Checks:
- On iPhone: Settings > Phone > Calls on other devices
- Enable Allow Calls
- Check that your Apple Watch is on the list
- Make sure the cell phone is active on the watch
🔋 The battery drains quickly
Battery optimization:
- Turn off your cell phone when you don't need it
- Limit audio streaming on cell phones
- Disable unnecessary apps running in the background
- Activate Power Saving mode for long rides
⚠️ "Configure cell phone" does not appear
This message may appear if:
- Your Apple Watch is a GPS-only model (not GPS + Cellular).
- Your iPhone does not have an eSIM installed
- Your carrier does not support Apple Watch pairing
- Your Apple Watch is carrier locked.
Using your Apple Watch abroad
The Apple Watch automatically uses your iPhone's roaming settings.
Enable roaming
- On iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data
- Select your Oracces line
- Enable Data Roaming
- Your Apple Watch will automatically use roaming
Thank you for choosing Oracces!
Enjoy your freedom with Apple Watch 🌍⌚