Transfer eSIM between iPhone and Watch

Question

Transfer eSIM between iPhone and Watch

I’m looking at a new Apple Watch, and debating to buy the Cellular version.

I have an active eSIM on my phone that is a secondary line, and was wondering how easy it is to move between an iPhone and an Apple Watch.

I rarely need that line on my iPhone, was wondering if moving an eSIM between an iPhone and watch was easy like it is between iPhones, so I can move it back to my phone the few times a year I need it on the phone, and then move it back to the watch the rest of the time.

Have never owned a Cellular capable Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Ultra

Posted on Mar 12, 2023 10:56 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 12, 2023 11:12 AM in response to LostOnPurpose

I found a detailed answer online for you, “the Apple watch uses NumberShare to link your iPhone with the watch for calls and texts. The watch will technically have it's own line and number, but will not be able to receive text messages on that line”.

In order to do what you are asking, you will need to keep that secondary line active and connect your watch to that secondary line. You will no longer need to carry your secondary iPhone on you and in fact it can be powered off and stored away until you need it. The caveat is, that secondary iPhone needs to remain connected to the line that entire time. You can’t pass the number between phone & watch and then use the phone with a different number.

For example, when I go camping or I am at work I shut my phone off and store it away but can still receive phone calls, messages & listen to music on my cellular Apple watch. Think of your cellular Apple Watch as essentially a second screen to the phone line it is connected to.

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