eSIM for Apple Watch - Prerequisites

Whether you can use an eSIM to make calls and mobile surf with your Apple Watch depends on which model of Apple Watch you have. Find out which models support the eSIM and how to set it up in this article.

For these Apple Watch models the eSIM is available

If you have an Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4 or the new 5th generation Apple Watch, you have the option to use an eSIM instead of a normal SIM card. This is a small chip that is already permanently installed in the Apple Watch and is used to access the mobile network with your Apple Watch. To use the eSIM, however, you need an eSIM-enabled Apple Watch as well as a mobile carrier that offers eSIM. These currently include Telekom, O2 and Vodafone.

How to use eSIM on the Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch that supports eSIM, the next step is to order an eSIM profile or activate it. Which procedure is necessary for this depends on your provider.

1. If you have a contract with Vodafone, you can exchange your SIM card under "My Vodafone" > "New SIM card" or via the 1212 into an eSIM. You will then receive an activation code and an ePIN, which you need to activate the eSIM.
2. For Telekom, it is possible to activate the eSIM directly in the Apple Watch app by going to "Mobilfunk" > "Mobilfunk konfigurieren".
3. For users of O2, the eSIM activation is also possible in the Apple Watch app. To do this, tap on "Configure mobile communications" and scan the activation code received.