Why Switching To eSIM For Your Smartwatch Is The Smartest Move
If you’ve ever found yourself juggling roaming woes, paying inflated data rates abroad, or lugging extra SIMs around on holiday, switching to a smartwatch with eSIM support might just solve it. With that in mind, the following article gives a practical update for 2026 and explains why choosing a plan from Holiday eSIM could be your most reliable way to stay connected globally.
By the end of this page, you’ll know how eSIM works on smartwatches, how to pick the right plan and device, which devices support it, and exactly how the Holiday eSIM service works. Holiday eSIM is the best and reliable eSIM provider for travellers.
What is eSIM in a smartwatch?
eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. It’s a programmable digital profile built into your device instead of a removable physical SIM card. On a smartwatch, this means:
- No physical tray or card to insert when you’re travelling
- You activate a mobile plan via QR code or digital profile
- Your smartwatch can operate independently of your phone (in many models)
Why eSIM is better than a physical SIM for wearable devices
Space efficiency
Because the eSIM is built into the watch’s internal circuitry, the device can be slimmer and more water/dust-resistant. The physical card slot and its mechanical components are eliminated.
Flexibility
You can switch mobile plans, add a local data profile or select a travel plan without physically changing anything. For travellers, this is a big plus.
Durability
No SIM tray means one less moving part exposed to wear and tear. Especially important for devices you wear while exercising, swimming or in the outdoors.
Convenience and security
Activation and management are done digitally. No risk of losing or damaging a tiny SIM card. Set up typically via QR code scan or provider app.
Better user experience
Once activated, the smartwatch behaves like a full mobile device: you can get notifications, calls/messages (if supported), and data without relying on your phone’s tethering.
In short, for a wearable that needs independent connectivity while you exercise, roam or move freely, eSIM is the clear modern choice.
Getting started: How to set up an eSIM on your smartwatch
There’s a step-by-step you can follow:
- Ensure your smartwatch supports eSIM connectivity (most recent models typically do).
- Purchase your travel or data plan (for example, via Holiday eSIM).
- Within the plan’s instructions, you’ll receive a QR code or activation link.
- On the smartwatch or its companion phone app, go to Settings → Mobile/Connections → Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code or enter activation details.
- Enable data roaming in the watch’s settings (if required).
- Once profile shows as active you can test by sending/receiving data, using WiFi off, etc.
Note: Always check the manufacturer’s support resources for your exact watch model.
Smartwatch market in 2024-2026 and why it matters
Wearables are no longer “just smartwatches” — they’re full mobile companions. The market size reached approximately USD 43.6 billion in 2023, with projected growth at about 15.6% annually through to 2032. By 2025, many smartwatches support 4G/5G, GPS, health sensors, eSIM and full mobile data. This means your travel connectivity isn’t limited to your phone. With eSIM built-in, you can leave your phone behind and rely on your watch. That opens up freedom for travel, workouts or minimalist packing.
Device compatibility with eSIM
Most newer phones, tablets and many watches support eSIM. Below is a full list of devices grouped by brand for reference. Always confirm with the manufacturer or your device’s settings before purchasing a travel plan.
Apple (iPhone):
iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 mini/Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
Samsung (Galaxy Series):
Galaxy Note20, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra, Note20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20/S20 5G/S20+/(+5G)/S20 Ultra/(+5G), Galaxy S21/S21+ 5G/S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S22/S22+ 5G/S22 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Z Flip/Z Flip 5G/Z Flip3 5G/Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Fold
Google (Pixel):
Pixel 2 (only from Google Fi), Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 (excluding AU/TW/JP variants), Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a/3a XL, Pixel 4/4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 5/5a, Pixel 6/6 Pro, Pixel 7/7 Pro
Huawei:
Huawei P40, P40 Pro, P50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro
Sony Xperia:
Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV
Motorola:
Motorola Razr 2019, Razr 2020, Razr 5G
Other Brands & Devices:
Nuu Mobile X5, Gemini PDA, Rakuten Mini, Rakuten Big-S, Rakuten Big, Surface Pro X, Honor Magic 4 Pro, Fairphone 4
If your smartwatch supports eSIM and has a companion phone with eSIM or physical SIM, you’re all set.
Highlighted eSIM travel plans for watches & travel
Below are some strong plan options relevant for travel or wearable use. These can be especially useful for smartwatches when you’re away from home.
Plan: Unlimited Europe Data eSIM 1 – 30 Days
Short intro: Data-only plan designed for travelers across 50+ European destinations.
Features:
- Unlimited high-speed data up to 30 days.
- Hotspot/tethering allowed.
- No voice number or SMS.
- Instant activation with QR code.
Click Here to Activate Unlimited Europe Data eSIM 1 – 30 Days
Orange Holiday 100GB Voice & Data Europe eSIM 30 Days
Short intro: Robust 5G-ready plan with voice number and texts for Europe/UK travel.
Features:
- 100 GB high-speed data.
- French phone number included.
- 120 international minutes + 1,000 international SMS outside Europe, unlimited within Europe.
- Tethering/hotspot supported.
Click Here to Activate Orange Holiday 100GB Voice & Data Europe eSIM 30 Days
Orange Holiday 20GB Europe eSIM 30 Days
Short intro: More affordable option for shorter or lighter usage across UK/Europe.
Features:
- 20GB 5G-network data.
- French phone number.
- 30 minutes of calls outside Europe (unlimited within).
- 200 SMS outside Europe (unlimited within).
Click Here to Activate Orange Holiday 20GB Europe eSIM 30 Days
Worldwide Holiday Data Only eSIM (20GB Allowance in Zone 1)
Short intro: Data-only global plan covering over 100 destinations — ideal for global travel.
Features:
- 20GB high-speed data (Zone 1) for up to 30 days.
- No voice calls or SMS.
- Coverage in 100+ countries (zones apply).
Click Here to Activate Worldwide Holiday Data Only eSIM (20GB Allowance in Zone 1)
Why you can trust Holiday eSIM for your smartwatch and travel
- Holiday eSIM delivers digital-only activation and supports devices compatible with eSIM profiles in travel settings.
- Independent reviews highlight this provider as an authorized reseller of the well-known travel network offering strong coverage in over 200 destinations.
- Frequent comparisons place them among top global options, thanks to reliable data, region/ global plans and ease of installation.
- For wearables this matters: simple activation, no need for physical SIM swaps, immediate connectivity and support.
What to look for when choosing an eSIM for your smartwatch
When you evaluate any eSIM plan for your travel-wearable setup, keep these key factors in mind:
- Device compatibility: confirm that your watch supports eSIM and the network bands in your destination.
- Coverage and network speed: check that the plan offers 4G/5G access where you will be travelling. Independent sources emphasise coverage matters.
- Data allowance & usage: how much you’ll need for streaming, tethering, maps, apps.
- Voice/ SMS support: If your smartwatch supports calls or texts, pick a plan that includes them (e.g., Orange Holiday 100 GB plan).
- Activation experience: ease of installing via QR code, app support, pre-travel setup.
- Customer support: ability to get help if something goes wrong while abroad. Reviews list this as a key differentiator.
Smartwatch use-cases for eSIM
These are real-life ways you might use a smartwatch with eSIM while travelling or working remotely:
- Leave your phone in your hotel safe, go for a run or cycle with only your smartwatch using its data connection and maps.
- Use tethering from your smartwatch to connect a tablet or laptop when travelling light.
- Swap from your home mobile plan to a regional travel plan with one scan and stay connected globally without changing physical cards.
- If your watch supports voice/SMS, call local numbers or receive alerts while abroad using a foreign number included in the plan (e.g., French number in the Orange Holiday plan).
- Sports/fitness: track GPS workouts, stream music, get live updates while on the move with network connectivity via eSIM.
Things to double-check before purchasing your travel eSIM
- Make sure your watch is unlocked and supports the destination’s carrier bands.
- Check roaming/data‐use charges for your existing mobile plan (so you understand how the travel plan compares).
- Download the QR code or activation details before you depart (some countries block access to provider sites/ apps once you’re in-country). For example, Turkey recently banned websites/ apps of major eSIM providers, meaning travellers must install before arrival.
- Set your data roaming and preferred data profile in your watch settings once activated.
- Keep a backup plan (e.g., local WiFi or a small physical SIM) in case you encounter coverage issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is eSIM?
An eSIM is a built-in programmable SIM profile allowing mobile service activation without a physical card.
2. How do I know if my smartwatch supports eSIM?
Check the connectivity or network specifications of the watch model (often labelled “Cellular” or “LTE/eSIM”).
3. Can I use a travel eSIM in my smartwatch and my phone simultaneously?
Yes, you can keep your regular mobile number on your phone and add a separate travel eSIM profile for your smartwatch or another device — each will use its own plan.
4. Does a smartwatch with eSIM need a phone to stay connected?
Not always — many watches with full cellular/eSIM support can connect independently. For best results, ensure data roaming is enabled and the eSIM profile is active.
5. Can I make calls or send texts with a data-only eSIM plan?
If the plan supports voice/SMS this is possible (e.g., the Orange Holiday 100 GB plan). If your plan is data-only, you’ll need apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype for calls/messages.
6. What if I travel through multiple countries? Do I need a new eSIM for each?
That depends on the plan. Some are regional or global and work in many countries (e.g., Worldwide Holiday Data Only uses 100+ destinations). Others are country-specific. Always check destination coverage.
7. How fast is eSIM data when travelling?
Speeds depend on the local network. Reviews of the Orange Holiday eSIM reported download speeds of ~145 Mbps in a test region.
