There is no doubt that a smartwatch is a convenient device here to improve our lives. It works more like a smartphone but from the convenience of your wrist. And you know what, SIM Card smartwatch design is taking the whole smart-watch concept to a whole new level.
Today, the smartwatch world has evolved to the extent that you don’t need your smartphone to enjoy the smartwatch features.
Unlike the smartphone-pared models, standalone smartwatches can operate independently, thanks to their cellular functionalities.
Of course, you can still use it with your smartphone like a regular smartwatch, but how far can it be from your phone?
You can only go 30 feet away. If the device isn’t connected to the phone’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you cannot go far from that. You will need your phone to accompany you.
The best solution for such a limitation is to enjoy your cellular-enabled Smartwatch’s full potential by getting a Smartwatch SIM card.
What are the Characteristics of a SIM Card-Compatible Smartwatch?
Even though it’s quite easy to know if your Smartwatch supports a cellular network, you could still be using a model that is SIM-card enabled without knowing it. Here are the characteristics of a standalone Smartwatch.
If your Smartwatch description lists either 3G, 4G, 4G LTE functionality or says it’s a standalone model, it’s a SIM Card compatible model.
Another thing, if your Smartwatch asks for a SIM Card upon starting, it means it can operate on itself without relying on the smartphone’s connectivity.
Lastly, if there is a SIM card slot on its side or inside the back cover, your model can use a SIM card. It’s usually a Nano-SIM card so, look for a small slot, smaller than that of a memory card.
Note: a standalone Smartwatch can also use an eSIM, but it has to be compatible. Check the product description for information on eSIM compatibility.
Why Get a SIM Card for your Smartwatch
As aforementioned, a Smartwatch brings us the convenience of using our phones right from our wrist. With the cellular network giving them the ‘superpower’ they need to work a phone, you need a SIM card to enjoy its benefits.
When the Smartwatch has an activated SIM card with a cellular data plan, you can call, browse the internet or even send your daily workout data directly to a server.
What’s more, a SIM card allows you to text, read and reply to message, make and receive calls right from your wrist. You don’t have to carry your Smartwatch everywhere you do.
Besides this, if your Smartwatch has got a SIM card with a data plan and GPS functionality, you can use it to find your route and back.
Lastly, if you’re a music lover and enjoy listening to or watching videos online, inserting a SIM card to a smartwatch with SIM card slot can be key to all these benefits.
How to Choose a SIM Card for your Smartwatch
After getting yourself a SIM card Smartwatch, you will need to find the right SIM card for you to enjoy its cellular functionality. But before you can make your purchase, it’d be best to consider the following.
Smartwatch SIM Card Provider
Today, most companies that sell mobile phone SIM cards also offer SIM Card for Smartwatch. All you need to do is visit their offices for inquiries, or you can use their online support system if available. You can also call since most of these companies have a service-free support line.
Your preferred phone cellular network provider might even be providing the Smartwatch SIM card. Once you get a SIM card, ask for a subscription plan. Instead of getting an annual plan, get a monthly plan; it’ll be more convenient.
SIM Card Compatibility with Your Smartwatch
You cannot use any SIM Card with your tiny standalone Smartwatch. Most models use Nano SIM Cards but check for the slot size your watch has before buying.
Your SIM Card network carrier must be compatible with the Smartwatch. The devices must unlock the network.
Suppose it doesn’t unlock, ask for an activation code from the manufacturer. They might give it to you free or for a fee, depending on their reasons for blocking the network.
SIM Card Data Plan
Like your smartphone, a SIM card Smartwatch is dependent on a data plan. It’s what provides the necessary connectivity to network carrier cellular services.
When getting the data plan, you must consider the quantity and the quality of the internet you need.
If you’re planning to substitute your phone’s data with the smart data, get something enough, anything between 10 and 20 GB per month.
If you don’t need to get yourself two cellular data plans, you could get a smartwatch with an eSIM functionality. It allows you to clone your phone’s SIM card and use it directly as if you’re using the same service.
Where Can You Get a SIM Card for Smartwatch?
Now you know everything about cellular networks in smartwatches, you might be asking yourself, where can I get a SIM card for my Smartwatch?
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and others have many SIM cards for smartwatches, allowing you to order from your home’s comfort.
But before you can buy one, call your preferred cellular network provider to check if their network is compatible with SIM card smartwatches.
Some countries don’t support the Smartwatch cellular feature. It’d be best to make contact with your local cellular network provider before purchasing.
You could also visit their local shop or a dealer shop. Some companies will have SIM cards in their product catalog, and they might be cheaper.
And you know what, the technological advancements in this industry are on a whole new level. A cellular network provider might even give you a duplicate SIM card for Smartwatch. That means you will be using the same number but on two different devices.
How much is a SIM card for a Smartwatch?
Smartwatch SIM cards are relatively rare but also cheap. If you buy SIM Card from Amazon, you can get it for $3 to $10. If the SIM card has other benefits like premium service or something, the price will be higher, around $19 and above, depending on the extras and the seller pricing.
How to activate SIM Card for Smartwatch
Normally, the SIM Card network provider will give you the instructions to activate your new SIM card. If not, here are the steps you should follow.
- Download your smartwatch app on your smartphone. Install it to allow the two devices to link. Check the operating system (Android or iOS) compatibility before downloading. Your Smartwatch might give you a way to download the app easily, like scanning a barcode.
- Contact your mobile carrier provider and ask for an eSIM link.
- Once they send the link, copy-paste it at the given URL on your browser on the smartphone paired with the Smartwatch.
- Once the browser opens, enter the SIM card details and accept the terms and conditions, then hit continue.
- A 6-digit OTP will be sent, and the browser will redirect you to the page where you will enter the digits.
- After entering the OTP digits, you’re good to go. But other smartwatches might require you to restart the device to complete the configuration.
Final Verdict
Where do I get a SIM card for my Smartwatch? You can buy from Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers. Or you can visit your local mobile network provider and request for duplicate SIM card for Smartwatch. Remember to consider the data plan once you get your SIM card, as you cannot use it without it.