Category: Wearables & Companion Plans · Last updated 5 Oct 2026
Setting up your Apple Watch companion eSIM
Step-by-step guide to activating a companion eSIM plan on your Apple Watch so it can take calls and use data without your iPhone nearby.
You set up a companion plan yourself from the Watch app on your iPhone, and it usually takes just a few minutes. There's no physical SIM involved.
Before you start
- Check that your iPhone, Apple Watch and mobile plan are eligible.
- Keep your Apple Watch paired and nearby, connected to your iPhone by Bluetooth, and make sure both are connected to the internet.
- Have your mobile number and your 6-digit PIN ready. Contact us if you don't have your PIN.
- Keep your iPhone handy - we'll send a one-time code to your mobile number by SMS.
Setting up your companion plan
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone Then tap Mobile (or Cellular).
- Tap Set Up Mobile Plan Setup continues on a secure page hosted by our network partner, Telstra Wholesale, so you'll see Telstra branding on the next few screens.
- Tap Connect Then enter your mobile number and 6-digit PIN, and tap Continue.
- Enter your one-time code Type in the code sent to your mobile by SMS.
- Wait while your service is checked This confirms your plan and devices are eligible.
- Accept the plan details Read the details, then tap Accept & add device.
- Tap Done Your companion plan is confirmed, and activation usually completes within minutes.
Checking your watch is using mobile
Open Control Centre on your Apple Watch and look at the Mobile button:
- Green - your watch is connected to the mobile network. The bars show signal strength.
- White - your plan is active, but your watch is currently connected through your iPhone or Wi-Fi. This is normal, and your watch switches to mobile automatically when it's away from your iPhone.
You have three attempts to enter your PIN and your one-time code correctly. If you're not sure of your PIN, contact us before trying again.
Related Articles
- Wearables & Companion PlansCompanion eSIM plans for Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy WatchHow a companion plan lets your smartwatch take calls and use data on its own, using your existing mobile number.
- Wearables & Companion PlansWhich phones and plans are eligible for a companion watch eSIMThe phone plans, phones and smartwatches that work with a companion eSIM.
- Wearables & Companion PlansSetting up your Samsung Galaxy Watch companion eSIMStep-by-step guide to activating a companion eSIM plan on your Samsung Galaxy Watch so it can take calls and use data on its own.
- Wearables & Companion PlansManaging your companion eSIM planCancelling your companion plan, swapping watches, getting a new phone, and what to do if your watch is lost.
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