Nowadays, technology defies the limits of mobility and the existence of the eSIM bears witness to this. It's a SIM card that promises to be a revolution, especially for aficionados of connected watches.
Imagine yourself, with your smartwatch on your wrist, walking down the street without your smartphone, but still staying connected. Such convenience is possible thanks to eSIM! This virtual chip, a feat that operators such as Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom are rushing to offer, transcends the connectivity.
No need for a physical SIM card—the eSIM gives you real freedom: send messages, make calls, or stream music directly from your smartwatch, wherever you are. Zoom.
What is an eSIM for smartwatches?
The eSIM, or «Embedded SIM,» is a integrated SIM card. This 5 x 6 mm chip, soldered directly into the device, cannot be removed or replaced, unlike traditional SIM cards. It retains the same functionality as a regular SIM card, ensuring technical continuity regardless of the format used.
The real innovation of the eSIM card lies in the following points:
- Its ability to be reprogrammed, making it easy to switch phone carriers without needing to physically replace it.
- The transition to a new supplier can be done easily and digitally: by scanning a QR code provided by the operator, using the provider's dedicated app, or entering the eSIM information manually.
- Its integration into space-constrained devices such as smartwatches.
With an eSIM card, your smartwatch becomes a miniature mobile phone with cellular capabilities. This technology is redefining how we use our connected or «smart» devices, simplifying access to mobile networks and propelling telecom services toward new horizons.
How can eSIM be integrated into a smartwatch?
The integration of eSIM technology into a smartwatch transforms the device into an extension of your smartphone that works on its own, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and connect to the Internet even when your phone is not with you.
To activate this feature, the process is carried out via the companion app for your watch on your smartphone.
Subscribing to the eSIM option
Open the app dedicated to your smartwatch (the «Watch» app for an iPhone, «Galaxy Wearable» for a Samsung, or «Wear OS» for Android devices. Then, subscribe to the eSIM option.
Activation and use
Once the eSIM option is activated, your watch is ready to send and receive communications. Whether for calls, messages, or using online services, you will no longer need to have your smartphone close at hand.
Here's a video explaining how to activate the eSIM on your connected watch:
N.B : If you change your iPhone, please note that some smartphones allow you to transfer eSIM settings from one iPhone to another via Bluetooth.
Which connected watches are eSIM-compatible?
eSIM technology has been adopted by several smartwatch manufacturers, enabling connectivity that doesn't depend on the Internet and offering users greater freedom. Here's a list of smartwatches, organized by manufacturer, suitable for eSIM:
Apple
Apple, renowned for its innovation, integrated eSIM technology into the Apple Watch Series 3. Here are the compatible models (S. = Series):
- Apple Watch S. 3
- Apple Watch S. 4
- Apple Watch S. 5
- Apple Watch S. 6
- Apple Watch S. 7
- Apple Watch S. 8
Samsung
This brand also offers a range of smartwatches equipped with eSIM:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 4G
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 3 4G
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
- Gear 2 3G Classic
- Gear S3 Frontier (LTE)
- Gear S3 Classic (LTE)
Huawei
Although offering a more limited range, this brand also offers this technology in its watches (H. = Huawei):
- Watch 2
- Watch 3
- Watch 3 Pro
Other manufacturers
Other technology companies are also integrating eSIM into their smartwatches. Here are some other models available on the market:
- Xiaomi Mi Watch (from Xiaomi, a promising new entrant in the field)
- Oppo Watch
- TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE
- Vivo Watch 2
Why is eSIM a revolution for smartwatches?
The benefits of using the eSIM card are tangible:
Convenience
The first thing that marks the difference between eSIM and the traditional card is the convenience. While changing providers can be a hassle with a traditional SIM card (especially when traveling, where purchasing a new local SIM card is often necessary), eSIM makes it easy to switch from one service to another.
Security
Another major advantage of eSIM is the enhanced safety. Physical SIM cards can be vulnerable to hacking or cloning, presenting security risks. With an eSIM, however, the information is securely stored. Its integrated nature also makes it less susceptible to being removed or damaged, reducing the risk of hacking.
Flexibility
The eSIM makes it easier to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device, which is quite difficult with traditional SIM cards.
Extended autonomy and functionality
Beyond these advantages, integrating eSIM into your smartwatch allows you to perform tasks usually reserved for smartphones, such as making calls, sending messages, or listening to music, directly from your watch, without needing to have your phone nearby.
What eSIM packages are available for smartwatches?
When it comes to choosing an eSIM package for your smartwatch, the options are not limitless. In France, the main providers currently offering these packages are SFR and Orangeeach with its own particularities.
Smartwatch option at SFR
SFR offers a specific package for smartwatches in the form of the «Connected Watch» option. This offer allows plan sharing between the smartphone and the watch, facilitating connectivity and data usage.
- Price: €5 per month (€60 per year)
- Activation fee: €10
- Special offers: SFR regularly runs promotions or deferred rebates (ODR) to encourage the purchase of smartwatches.
Multi-SIM option Calls & Internet eSIM at Orange
At Orange, you have to subscribe to the « Multi-SIM Calls & Internet eSIM ". As with SFR, this option also enables bundle sharing between cell phone and smartwatch.
- Price: €5 per month
- Activation fee: €10
- Special offers: Orange stands out with the first three months free of charge.
Our advice
Depending on the operator (SFR or Orange), the process is fairly standardized:
- Package sharing : You don't need to add mobile data specifically for the watch, as it uses your existing mobile plan.
- Restrictions: There may be limits on the number of connected devices, and some options may not be compatible with your current plan. The best thing to do is to contact your SFR or Orange operator directly to clarify these details.
Before committing, be sure to carefully review all terms and conditions and consider your personal connectivity needs to choose the most appropriate option.
Smartwatch eSIM plan: How much data to choose?
When selecting an internet plan for your smartwatch, it is important to understand that these devices generally require less data than other mobile devices.
Minimum data consumption
This type of watch is designed for simple functions and brief interactionsWith smaller screens and less data-hungry applications. As a result, these devices consume considerably less data than smartphones. It's rare to run out of data after combining a cell phone and a watch.
Recommended package for your smartphone
Even though the watch itself uses little data, it is advisable to have a robust smartphone plan—ideally, with at least 10 to 20 GB of mobile data. This ensures that you won't run out of data if you use it regularly on your watch or smartphone.
Needs assessment and package adjustment
Before pairing your smartwatch's eSIM, assess your current mobile data needs based on your usage outside of the watch. If necessary, consider opting for a plan that better suits your consumption at the ideal price, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and stay comfortably within your plan's limits.
Smartwatch and eSIM smartphone plans: can they be different?
Unfortunately, the current structure of eSIM packages does not allow for personalization or independence between a smartphone package and a smartwatch package. Operators offering this technology, such as SFR, Orange, Red by SFR, or Sosh, require that your smartwatch and smartphone are on the same cell phone planIn addition to the above, we also offer a wide range of other services, limiting the options for those wishing to explore different packages or alternative operators.
Restriction by operator
Here, your choice of operator is crucial.
If you are already a customer of operators such as SFR, Orange, Red by SFR, or Sosh, you can add a smartwatch eSIM option to your main plan.
However, those who use Bouygues or Free Mobile services find themselves in a dead end, as they must change operators to take advantage of the eSIM plan on their smartwatch.
Number and package sharing
As you may have already understood, the eSIM option for smartwatches is designed to share the same phone number and benefits as your main smartphone plan. This means that everything you use on your watch, whether it's mobile data, call minutes, or text messages, comes from the same plan as your phone.
Get eSIM for your smartwatch!
If you have a smartwatch compatible with the eSIM technology, purchasing this type of chip allows you to access the Internet and various services while on the go, or to use your watch independently, without relying on your smartphone.
To obtain a local eSIM, simply contact Orange customer service or your operator's customer service (Red by SFR, Sosh, or SFR) and explore the available options, making sure to choose a plan that suits your usage and connectivity needs.
So which operator do you choose to buy the eSIM card for your smartwatch: SFR, Orange, Red by SFR, or Sosh?
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