---
title: "Setting up your Apple Watch companion eSIM"
description: "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."
url: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/mobile/setting-up-apple-watch-companion-esim"
canonical: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/mobile/setting-up-apple-watch-companion-esim"
updated: "2026-10-04"
---

# 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

1. **Open the Watch app on your iPhone** - Then tap Mobile (or Cellular).
2. **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.
3. **Tap Connect** - Then enter your mobile number and 6-digit PIN, and tap Continue.
4. **Enter your one-time code** - Type in the code sent to your mobile by SMS.
5. **Wait while your service is checked** - This confirms your plan and devices are eligible.
6. **Accept the plan details** - Read the details, then tap Accept & add device.
7. **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.