If you have an Apple Watch with LTE functionality, you can configure a mobile network on the smart watch. This way you stay connected to the internet, even when your iPhone is not nearby. This is also possible when you are abroad using data roaming.
To use the mobile network, your provider must support the multi-SIM technology of the Apple Watch, all providers can be found here back. In the Netherlands, KPN, Vodafone and Odido support the cellular Apple Watch and Telenet in Belgium.
Apple Watch multi-SIM
Multi-SIM is used to use a mobile connection on the Apple Watch. This is a special eSIM, but it works differently than on an iPhone. On a smartphone, your physical SIM card is converted to a digital one or you can take an extra number thanks to dual SIM. This is not the case on an Apple Watch.
Unlike dual SIM, the Apple Watch uses the same number as the iPhone. This means you can receive calls on both the Watch and the iPhone, even when the smartphone is not nearby. This makes it possible to stream music, receive messages, use apps and make calls with your Apple Watch without the intervention of your iPhone.
Data roaming for Apple Watch
If you have activated a data subscription on your Apple Watch, you can also use data roaming in some cases. This means that you can also use the LTE functionality of your Apple Watch abroad.
Unfortunately, roaming is not supported by all providers outside your carrier’s coverage area. This means that you cannot use mobile data via the Apple Watch abroad. Then your iPhone must be nearby.
In the Netherlands, KPN has supported data roaming since watchOS 10, so you can use cellular abroad, subject to the conditions of your iPhone subscription.
Enable Apple Watch roaming
- Open Settings on your Apple Watch
- Go to ‘Mobile network’
- Enable the ‘Data roaming’ option
You can also quickly turn roaming on and off by opening Control Center on your Apple Watch and tapping the cellular network icon. You can then immediately adjust data roaming.