As an Apple Watch owner, I’ve often wondered if my device has its own phone number. After all, it is capable of receiving and making calls, so it seemed like a reasonable question. After some research and testing, I’m here to share with you what I’ve learned: Does Apple Watch have its own phone number? I’ll explain the answer and also share some other solutions I discovered as I searched for the answer.
The answer is no. While some versions of the Apple Watch have a cellular option, they don’t have an actual SIM card. Instead, these versions of the Apple Watch have an eSIM, which allows your Apple Watch to have a cellular connection.
| Tips for Setting up Cellular Services on Apple Watch |
|---|
| – Make sure both your iPhone and your Apple Watch are updated to the latest software version before setting up cellular services on your Apple Watch. |
| – Check the list of countries and carriers that support the eSIM cellular feature on Apple’s website before setting up the cellular service on your Apple Watch. |
| – Use the Apple Watch application on your iPhone to set up the cellular service. |
| – The cellular service plan for Apple Watch usually costs around $10 a month in the US. |
| – When you make a call using your Apple Watch, your regular number will appear on the recipient’s screen. |
| – You can’t remove the eSIM from your Apple Watch. |
| – The eSIM inside your Apple Watch provides a cellular connection to your watch so that you don’t have to carry around your phone all the time. |
| – You don’t need to activate the cellular feature on your Apple Watch if you don’t want to. |
Table of Contents
Does Apple Watch Have a SIM Card?
The Apple Watch has an eSIM card, which is a built-in SIM card. Unlike the regular, plastic SIM card, you can’t remove the eSIM from your Apple Watch.
Apple used this technology to provide network connections for Apple Watches. Unlike the old SIM cards, the eSIM doesn’t take up a lot of space in your device. So, no SIM card door, no big plastic SIM card, just a tiny chip that does the same job.
Why Does Apple Watch Contain an eSIM Card?
The eSIM in your Apple Watch provides a cellular connection to your watch so that you don’t have to carry around your phone all the time. Think of it as a portable Wi-Fi connection or a second phone that has your number.
The eSIM allows you to make calls, reply to messages, stream music, and receive notifications without being in the same room as your phone.
However, when you use your Apple Watch to send or receive calls and messages, it takes on the identity of your phone.
In other words, if you call someone using your Apple Watch, your regular number will appear on their screen.
Typically, your Apple Watch receives calls, messages, and other forms of data-related services through a connection with the paired phone or a Wi-Fi connection.
When none of these options are available, your Apple Watch will use its cellular connection to receive data-related services.
Read more: does Apple Watch count calories while sleeping?
Which Models of the Apple Watch Have a Cellular Connection Feature?
Here’s a list of the Apple Watch models that have a cellular connection feature:
- Series 3 (GPS and Cellular version)
- Series 4 (GPS and Cellular)
- Series 5 (GPS and Cellular)
- SE (GPS and Cellular)
- Series 6 (GPS and Cellular)
- Series 7 (GPS and Cellular)
Do All Carriers Support the Apple Watch eSIM?
The eSIM in your Apple Watch is built in, so it must be optimized for the service provider in your country.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch eSIM isn’t supported in all countries. Additionally, each version of the Apple Watch is optimized to be used in the country of purchase only with a carrier that supports Apple Watch eSIM.
To make sure this feature is available in your country, you can check the list of countries and carriers that support the eSIM cellular feature on Apple’s website.
Read more: Do Apple Watches come charged?
How to Set Up the Cellular Feature on Your Apple Watch
First and foremost, you need to make sure that both your iPhone and your Apple Watch are updated to the latest software version.
Second, you need to make sure your carrier supports the eSIM services.
Then, to set up the cellular services on your Apple Watch, proceed with the following steps:
- Open the Apple Watch application on your iPhone
- Select “My Watch”
- Choose “Cellular” then tap “Set Up Cellular”
- Follow the instructions according to your carrier
If you face any problems setting up your cellular services on your Apple Watch, you can contact Apple Support or contact your carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to activate the eSIM cellular feature on Apple Watch?
If you have an Apple Watch with an eSIM, you’re not obligated to activate the feature. You can connect your Apple Watch to your iPhone, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the features.
However, your phone needs to be nearby at all times. If you lose connection to your phone, you won’t be able to receive calls, texts, or any data-related services.
Can you make calls using the eSIM in your Apple Watch?
Yes, you can make calls with your Apple Watch. It will take on the identity of your original phone number and process the call just as you’re calling from your phone.
How much does Apple Watch’s cellular service cost?
The cellular service plan costs around $10 each month on average in the US.
One thing worth mentioning is that this service comes with the watch. So, you won’t be able to activate the cellular services on an Apple Watch model that doesn’t support it.
Conclusion
Does Apple Watch have its own phone number? While the Apple Watch has a built-in eSIM, it doesn’t have its own phone number. The eSIM is used to provide a cellular connection to your watch when your phone isn’t nearby.
So, you’ll still be able to make calls, reply to messages, stream music, and receive notifications without being anywhere near your phone.
