How to use Dual SIM with Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models

Written By Sajid Reviewed By Apple Watch How-to 6 Min Read

Things you need to know:

  • You’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer models with GPS + LTE support.
  • Your carrier should support cellular service support.
  • You can only use one cellular plan at a time.
  • You should connect your Apple Watch to iPhone XS or newer models running iOS 12.2 and above.
  • You must set up the second cellular plan on your iPhone.

Do you want to seamlessly use two phone numbers on your Apple Watch to make calls and send messages? But if you’re wondering how you use Dual SIM to your Apple Watch. Luckily, you can add multiple cellular plans to your Apple Watch.

How to set up multiple cellular plans on Apple Watch

You’ll need to set up a cellular plan on your Apple Watch before setting up the second one. And once you’ve done setting up your Apple Watch, follow along to add a secondary cellular plan to your Apple Watch.

  1. Open Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Select the My Watch tab.
  3. Tap Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Add a New Plan option.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the secondary cellular plan.

The onscreen instructions might vary from one carrier to another. Both your plans will get a separate bill. Furthermore, you can add up to five cellular plans to your Apple Watch. Although, you’ll be able to connect to one cellular plan at a time.

Also, this feature isn’t available for pre-paid and some older accounts. However, you can contact your carrier provider to check if Apple Watch supports your cellular plan or if you have an enterprise or corporate cellular plan.

How to switch between plans

Once you’ve set up multiple cellular plans on your Apple Watch, you can switch between these carriers using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Here’s how you can switch between cellular plans.

On iPhone

Open the Apple Watch app and tap My Watch → Cellular. Tap on your preferred plan, and your Apple Watch will switch to that carrier.

On Apple Watch

Open Settings → Cellular and tap on your preferred plan on your Apple Watch to switch to your preferred carrier plan.

Receive calls and messages on Apple Watch with multiple carrier plans

Taking calls and messages on Apple Watch will differ depending on whether your iPhone and Apple Watch GPS + Cellular are in range.

Apple Watch and iPhone connected

When your Apple Watch and iPhone are connected, you can receive calls and messages from both plans directly on your Apple Watch. You’ll also see a badge indicating the cellular plan in use.

A “P” icon indicates the primary SIM; an “S” icon indicates the secondary SIM. Furthermore, your Apple Watch will respond using the same plan in this scenario.

Apple Watch showing incoming call from a connected iPhone
Apple Watch Connected with an iPhone

Apple Watch and iPhone not connected

If your iPhone is switched on but not in the range of your Apple Watch, you’ll receive calls and messages on your Apple Watch from both carriers. While responding, it’ll also use the same plan from which the call or message came.

If your iPhone is off, you’ll receive calls and messages on your Apple Watch but only from your current active plan. Although, you can change your current active plan from your Apple Watch by going into Settings → Cellular and selecting a different cellular plan.

How to remove secondary cellular plan on Apple Watch

Removing any cellular plan from your Apple Watch is as easy as adding it. Follow along to know how to remove it.

  1. Open Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Select My Watch tab → Cellular.
  3. Tap the “i” button next to the cellular plan you want to remove.
  4. Select Remove [carrier] Plan.
  5. Tap Remove [carrier] Plan for confirmation.

You can remove all cellular plans from your Apple Watch when you erase and unpair it and select the “Erase All” option.

FAQs

Do I need a second SIM for Apple Watch?

If you regularly use Dual SIM on your iPhone, you can add both to your Apple Watch. If not, you can leave your Apple Watch with a single SIM. Given that your Apple Watch will be close to your iPhone most of the time, you wouldn’t be relying on your SIM for cellular data.

Can you connect two phone numbers to an Apple Watch?

You can set up and use up to five cellular plans on your Apple Watch. However, you’ll need to set them up on your iPhone to add them to your Apple Watch.

So this is how you can set up and remove multiple carrier plans on your Apple Watch GPS + Cellular models. You might have a lot of queries about the same thing, and I’ve answered a few of your most common questions.

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By Sajid Senior Writer
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Sajid Shaik is a tech enthusiast who explains complex concepts in a clear and concise way. For the past 7 years, he has been a regular contributor to tech blogs and publications, including MakeUseOf and iGeeksBlog. Sajid also has extensive knowledge of the Apple ecosystem, which he shares with his readers through his words. He has created a wide range of content, such as How-Tos, Reviews, Listicles, and much more. Aside from that, Sajid has a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, which gives him an advantage in better understanding technology at hardware level. Apart from writing, you can find him fiddling with Apple products or keeping up with all things Apple.
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