eSIM-Compatible Smartwatches in 2025: What Works and How to Get Connected

Want to stay connected without dragging your phone around? eSIM-enabled smartwatches might just be your new favourite travel companion. Whether you're running errands, working out, or jetting off somewhere exciting, a smartwatch with eSIM lets you stay online, take calls, and get messages without needing your phone nearby.

In this guide, we’ll break down which smartwatches support eSIM, how it works, and how you can use a Sim Local eSIM to stay connected wherever life takes you.

If you’ve ever wanted to leave your phone behind but still stay connected, an eSIM smartwatch can make that possible. With an active eSIM, your watch connects directly to a mobile network. That means you can take calls, send messages, stream music, use maps, or check notifications even if your phone is nowhere nearby.

This can be especially useful for:

• Travelling light without sacrificing connectivity
  
  
• Exercising outdoors while listening to music or tracking your route
  
  
• Parents or carers who need to stay contactable at all times
  
  
• Commuters and professionals who want fewer distractions
  
  

Because the eSIM is built into the watch itself, there's no need to insert a physical SIM card. Activation is usually quick, and there’s less chance of losing or damaging a SIM while you travel.

• Battery life can drain faster when your smartwatch is using mobile data, especially during calls or streaming.
  
  
• Your carrier needs to support smartwatch eSIMs. Not all networks do, and some only offer support for phones. Sim Local provides eSIMs that can work with many compatible smartwatches, but it’s always worth checking your device model first.
  
  
• Not all eSIM smartwatches are fully standalone. Some still need to be linked to your phone for features like initial setup or shared plans.
  
  

Expert Tip: For frequent travellers, using a data-only eSIM from Sim Local is a smart way to avoid roaming charges. You’ll still be able to use maps, music, and messaging apps through your smartwatch, without needing your phone.

Here’s an up-to-date list of smartwatch models that support eSIM connectivity. If you're using one of these, you’re already halfway to going phone-free.

• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)
  
  
• Series 4 through Series 10 (all GPS + Cellular)
  
  
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, Cellular)
  
  
• Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2
  
  

• Pixel Watch LTE
  
  
• Pixel Watch 2
  
  
• Pixel Watch 3
  
  

• Galaxy Watch (Active 2 4G, Active 3 4G)
  
  
• Gear 2 3G Classic, Gear S3 Frontier (LTE)
  
  
• Galaxy Watch 3 LTE, 4 LTE, 5 LTE, 5 Pro, 6, 6 Classic, 7, and 7 Classic
  
  

• Watch 2 Pro
  
  
• Watch S3
  
  
• Mi Watch
  
  

• Watch 2 / 2 Pro
  
  
• Watch 3 / 3 Pro / 3 Active 4G
  
  
• Watch 4 / 4 Pro
  
  

• Oppo: Watch, Watch SE, Watch 2, Pro 3, Pro 4
  
  
• TicWatch: Pro 5, Pro 4G/LTE, Pro 3 Ultra
  
  
• Amazfit: Nexo
  
  
• Vivo: Watch 2
  
  
• Fossil: Gen 5 LTE, Gen 6 LTE
  
  
• Garmin: Forerunner 945 LTE
  
  

(⚠️ Not all models are sold with eSIM functionality in every region. Always double-check before you buy.)

Yes. Wear OS (Google’s smartwatch operating system) is compatible with eSIM. Many eSIM-capable watches, especially from Samsung, Google, and TicWatch, run Wear OS, which supports standalone data and call functionality.

As the tech matures, we’re likely to see even more eSIM-ready watches using Wear OS in the future.

Sim Local offer eSIMs for over 200 destinations worldwide. They’re designed to give you fast, affordable data while you travel, without the hassle of roaming charges or physical SIM cards.

Our eSIMs are best suited for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and certain smartwatches when used alongside a phone.

If you’re using a smartwatch, here’s what to know:

• Travelling with both phone and smartwatch?
  You can install your Sim Local eSIM on your phone, then connect your watch via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This lets your smartwatch access the internet using your phone’s data.
  
  
• Want a quick, flexible connection abroad?
  Our eSIMs activate in minutes and are perfect for travelling. No physical SIM swap, no waiting around.
  
  
• Planning to install a Sim Local eSIM directly onto your smartwatch?
  Compatibility can vary. Most eSIM smartwatches are designed to work with local mobile plans that include voice, calls, and number sharing. Our travel eSIMs do not offer phone numbers or voice services, so the best experience is usually pairing your watch with a phone that has a Sim Local eSIM.
  
  

Need help deciding what’s best?
Our support team is here to help you check device compatibility and find the right plan for your trip.

Can my smartwatch work without my phone?
Yes. If your smartwatch supports eSIM and LTE, it can connect to mobile networks on its own. This means you can make calls, send messages, and use apps even when your phone isn’t nearby.

Will it work with any phone?
In most cases, yes. As long as your smartwatch and phone use compatible operating systems like iOS or Android, they should work together. Some features might be limited depending on the model and software.

Can I make calls on my watch with an eSIM?
Definitely. Many eSIM-compatible smartwatches let you make and receive calls directly. Most use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. You can say the name of a contact or speak the number you want to call.

What does LTE mean?
LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution. It’s another way of saying 4G, which allows your smartwatch to connect to the internet and mobile networks without needing Wi-Fi or a phone nearby.

Stay Connected with Sim Local

Whether you're off for a morning run or a month-long adventure, Sim Local eSIMs keep your smartwatch connected. No roaming fees, no SIM swaps, no drama.

👉 Explore travel eSIMs