Nowadays, technology defies the limits of mobility and the existence of 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, roaming the streets without your smartphone, but staying online all the same. Such convenience thanks to eSIM! This virtual chip, a feat that operators such as Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom are eager to offer, transcends the connectivity.
No need for a physical SIM card, eSIM gives you real freedom: send messages, make calls or stream music directly from your smartwatch, wherever you are. Zoom in.
What is an eSIM for smartwatches?
eSIM, or "Embedded SIM", is an innovative integrated SIM card. This 5 x 6 mm chip, soldered directly into the device, cannot be removed or replaced, unlike conventional SIM cards. It retains the same functionalities as an ordinary SIM, 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 change telephone operators without the need for physical replacement.
- The transition to a new supplier can be done simply and digitally: by scanning a QR code provided by the operator, by using the provider's dedicated application, or by entering the eSIM information manually.
- Its integration into space-constrained devices such as smartwatches.
Thanks to the eSIM card, your smartwatch becomes a miniature cell phone with cellular functionality. It's a technology that redefines the way we use our connected or "smart" objects, simplifying access to mobile networks and propelling telecom services to new horizons.
How can eSIM be integrated into a smartwatch?
Integrating eSIM technology into a connected watch turns 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 away.
To activate this feature, the process is carried out via your watch's companion app on your smartphone.
Subscribing to the eSIM option
Open the application dedicated to your smartwatch (the "Watch" application 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 has been activated, your watch is ready to send and receive communications. Whether you're making calls, sending messages or using online services, you won't need to carry your smartphone around with you.
Here's a video explaining how to activate the eSIM on your connected watch:
N.B : If you're changing iPhones, 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, has integrated eSIM into the Apple Watch Series 3. Here are the compatible models (S. = Serie):
- 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, and here are some of the 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. Whereas with a traditional SIM card, switching providers can be laborious (especially when traveling, where buying a new local SIM card is often necessary), with eSIM you can switch from one service to another with ease.
Security
Another major advantage of eSIM is the enhanced safety. Physical SIM cards can be subject to hacking or cloning, thus presenting vulnerabilities. With an eSIM, on the other hand, information is well stored. Its embedded nature also makes it less likely to be extracted or damaged, reducing the risk of hacking.
Flexibility
eSIM makes it easier to manage multiple phone numbers on the same device, which is rather difficult with traditional SIM cards.
Extended autonomy and functionality
Beyond these benefits, the integration of eSIM into your smartwatch enables you to perform tasks usually reserved for smartphones, such as making calls, sending messages or listening to music, directly from your watch, without the need 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 enables flat-rate 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 reimbursements (ODR) to encourage the purchase of smartwatches.
Multi-SIM option Calls & Internet eSIM at Orange
With Orange, you need 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 data plan.
- Restrictions: There may be limits on the number of devices connected, and some options may not be compatible with your current package. The best thing to do is to contact your SFR or Orange operator directly to clarify these details.
Before committing yourself, be sure to check all the terms and conditions and consider your personal connectivity needs to choose the most appropriate option.
Smartwatch eSIM plan: How much data to choose?
When it comes to selecting an Internet package quantity for your smartwatch, it's essential 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 very little data, it is advisable to have a robust smartphone package - 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 associating your smartwatch's eSIM, assess your current mobile data needs in terms of usage, excluding the watch. If necessary, consider opting for a package that better matches your consumption, at the ideal price, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience, and stay comfortably within the limits of your package.
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're already a customer of operators like SFR, Orange, Red by SFR, or Sosh, you have the power to add an eSIM smartwatch option to your main package.
However, those who use the services of Bouygues or Free Mobile find themselves in a bind, as they have to change operator to take advantage of the eSIM package on their smartwatch.
Number and package sharing
As you've already guessed, the eSIM option for smartwatch is designed to share the same phone number and benefits as your main smartphone package. This means that everything you use on your watch, whether it's mobile data, call minutes or SMS, comes from the same plan as your phone.
Get eSIM for your smartwatch!
If you have a smartwatch compatible with the eSIM technologyWith this type of chip, you can access the Internet and other services on the move, or use your watch autonomously, without depending on your smartphone.
To get a local eSIM, simply contact Orange customer service or that of your operator (Red by SFR, or Sosh, or SFR) and explore the options available, making sure to choose a plan that matches 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?
