User level: Level 1 (4 points)Telekom offers a low budget contract for eSIM for apple watch with extra number. Is it necessary, that iPhone has the same provider ? If yes why. I only will use the number of the watch to phone in emergency cases.
whatch and iphone should synchroniize in spite of different numbers.
who can help or has experience
Posted on Oct 21, 2026 6:58 AM
User level: Level 10 (233,174 points)Oct 21, 2026 7:47 AM in response to Kdb_qlb
Kdb_qlb wrote:
Telekom offers a low budget contract for eSIM for apple watch with extra number. Is it necessary, that iPhone has the same provider ? If yes why. I only will use the number of the watch to phone in emergency cases.
whatch and iphone should synchroniize in spite of different numbers.
who can help or has experience
The extra number Telekom is offering for your Apple Watch is NOT a number which anyone can call. It is a number for billing purposes only. Your watch will ONLY use the phone number from your iPhone for phone calls.
WheelieNick is correct that you can configure your watch to work as a Kids Watch using the method he mentioned, but that will limit the features available to you on your watch and as an adult, wouldn't be recommended.
You don't have to have cellular service on your watch in the first place. But you do need to have your iPhone with you for your watch to work. Adding the cellular service to your watch for a nominal monthly fee liberates your watch to work without the need to have your iPhone with you at all times. Just don't be confused about the number which will be assigned for the watch as it's for billing only.
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)Oct 21, 2026 6:59 AM in response to Kdb_qlb
Yes, it is possible to use a different provider for the watch, but only if you configure the device through a specific method called Apple Watch For Your Kids (formerly known as Family Setup).
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256380225