eSIM Companion Plan

What is the eSIM Companion Plan?

Stay connected — right from your wrist.

  • Connect a compatible Apple or Samsung smartwatch to the Telstra network.
  • Make calls, send messages and use data directly from your smartwatch.
  • No need to carry your phone — stay connected on the go.
  • Share the same mobile number across your phone and smartwatch.

Why customers love it

Go phone-free

Leave your phone behind while working out, running errands, or on the go.

Stay reachable

Use the same number across your phone and smartwatch.

Feel secure

Access emergency features and location sharing when it matters.

Eligibility & Compatible Devices

Please check the following before activating your eSIM Companion Plan.

Plan and device eligibility

  • Your primary mobile service must be on an eligible 5G mobile plan (data-only plans are not eligible).
  • You need a compatible cellular (GPS + Cellular) Apple or Samsung smartwatch — the eSIM Companion Plan does not work with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-only watches, phones, tablets, or other wearables.
  • Your smartwatch and phone must be from the same ecosystem (Apple Watch with iPhone, or Samsung Galaxy Watch with a Samsung/compatible Android phone).
  • The eSIM Companion Plan is designed for use within Australia only — it does not support international roaming.
If any of these conditions are not met, you'll see an error message during activation and won't be able to proceed. See Troubleshooting below.

Compatible smartphones

Your phone must support eSIM.

BrandCompatible models
AppleiPhone 6 series and above (including SE)
SamsungGalaxy S8 series+, Note 5+, Z Fold & Z Flip series, A5 (2017), J2 Pro
GoogleNot supported for smartwatch pairing

Compatible smartwatches

You must have a GPS + Cellular model (this is what contains the necessary eSIM).

BrandCompatible models
AppleApple Watch Series 4 and later, including Ultra
SamsungGalaxy Watch: Active2, Watch 3 series, and Watch 4 Ultra or later
GoogleNot supported for smartwatch pairing

Three rules to remember

  • Stay in the family: your watch and phone must be from the same brand to sync properly.
  • Update your tech: make sure both devices are running the latest software/OS version.
  • No tablets: this plan is for smartphones and watches only.

How to Activate: Apple Watch

Activation is completed through a secure ConnectTel web flow. It only takes a few minutes and there's no physical SIM or manual setup required.

Part 1: On your Apple Watch app (iPhone)

  1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to Mobile (or Cellular).
  3. Select Set Up Mobile Plan.
  4. Tap Set Up Mobile.

Part 2: ConnectTel web activation

Before you begin: contact ConnectTel to confirm pricing and terms and conditions, and to get your 6-digit ConnectTel PIN (your Customer ID). Email support@connecttel.com.au or call 03 5246 8888.
  1. Read the on-screen details and tap Connect to begin.
  2. Enter your mobile number (MSN) and your 6-digit ConnectTel PIN, then tap Continue.
  3. ConnectTel will send a one-time SMS passcode (OTP) to your mobile number. Enter this code to verify.
  4. Wait a moment while the network completes verification.
  5. Review the subscription details and terms, then tap Accept & Add Device.
  6. Once confirmed, tap Done. You're now subscribed to the eSIM Companion Plan.

Note: if ConnectTel has not set up the Companion Plan on your account, you won't be able to proceed past the login step.

How to Activate: Samsung Galaxy Watch

Activation is completed through a secure ConnectTel web flow. It only takes a few minutes and there's no physical SIM or manual setup required.

Part 1: On your Galaxy Wearable app (phone)

  1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
  2. Go to Watch Settings.
  3. Go to Mobile Plans.
  4. Tap Next to set up a mobile plan.

Part 2: ConnectTel web activation

Before you begin: contact ConnectTel to confirm pricing and terms and conditions, and to get your 6-digit ConnectTel PIN (your Customer ID). Email support@connecttel.com.au or call 03 5246 8888.
  1. Read the on-screen details and tap Connect to begin.
  2. Enter your mobile number (MSN) and your 6-digit ConnectTel PIN, then tap Continue.
  3. ConnectTel will send a one-time SMS passcode (OTP) to your mobile number. Enter this code to verify.
  4. Wait a moment while the network completes verification.
  5. Review the subscription details and terms, then tap Accept & Add Device.
  6. Once confirmed, tap Done. You're now subscribed to the eSIM Companion Plan.

Note: if ConnectTel has not set up the Companion Plan on your account, you won't be able to proceed past the login step.

How to Tell If Your Watch Is Connected

Your watch can connect either via cellular (independently of your phone) or via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (only when your phone is nearby).

Apple Watch

ModeHow to check
CellularThe Mobile signal button turns green when connected. The number of bars shows signal strength.
Bluetooth / Wi-FiThe Mobile signal button turns white — your plan is active, but your watch is connected via your iPhone or Wi-Fi.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

ModeHow to check
CellularLook for the “4G” icon at the top corner of the watch status panel.
Bluetooth / Wi-FiOnly the Bluetooth icon is displayed (no 4G icon).

Key features and things to know

  • eSIM-only — no physical SIM card is used.
  • Single number: your watch shares the same number as your primary mobile service.
  • Seamless calling across devices, with incoming calls ringing on both at once.
  • No native SMS/MMS on the watch — use messaging apps such as iMessage or WhatsApp instead.
  • Device capabilities may vary by model.

Managing Your eSIM Companion Plan

How to remove your eSIM Companion Plan

You can cancel your Companion Plan directly through the management app on your smartphone.

  1. Open your management app and go to Manage Telstra Account (do not tap Remove Telstra Plan). On iPhone, open the Watch app; on Samsung, open the Galaxy Wearable app.
  2. Select your connected watch from the device list and tap Remove.
  3. Review the details, then tap Accept & Remove Device to finalise the disconnection.
Do not tap “Remove Telstra Plan” — this cannot be undone and will remove the plan without cancelling your subscription. You'd need to contact ConnectTel separately.

Important things to know before you cancel

  • Loss of connectivity: your watch will no longer make calls or use data independently of your phone.
  • No pro-rata refunds: cancelling mid-month still incurs the full monthly fee for that cycle.
  • Reactivation fees: reconnecting later incurs a new minimum monthly fee and eSIM once-off charge.

If you're unable to remove the plan yourself, contact ConnectTel Support and we'll disconnect it on your behalf.

How to swap your smartwatch

If you already have an active Companion Plan and want to connect a different smartwatch, the new device will replace your existing one.

  1. Go to your watch app and follow the same steps as the activation process above.
  2. Follow the web activation flow to confirm the swap — you'll confirm that your current watch will be disconnected before the new one connects.
Swaps only work between watches on the same operating system (Apple to Apple, or Samsung to Samsung). Changing ecosystems? Contact ConnectTel Support for help.

Plan Details & Pricing

ItemDetails
Price$10.00 per month (inc. GST), in addition to your primary mobile plan
Minimum term1 month
DevicesMaximum of 1 eligible smartwatch connected per mobile plan at a time
Data allowance1GB standalone data per month (non-shareable). Typical usage is around 100MB/month
CallsUnlimited domestic calls, aligned with your primary plan
NumberShares the same mobile number as your primary service — incoming calls ring on both devices
CoverageAustralia only — no international roaming or overseas usage
SpeedMaximum download speed capped at 100 Mbps
Excess usageNo excess data charges. If your 1GB allowance runs out, data pauses until your next billing cycle
BillingAppears as a separate line item on your primary account bill, charged monthly in advance

Pricing and full terms and conditions are set by ConnectTel and may be updated from time to time. Contact ConnectTel Support for current pricing.

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong during activation, you'll usually see one of the messages below.

What you seeWhat it meansWhat to do
You are not authorisedToo many unsuccessful attempts to verify your mobile number/PIN or OTP (3 attempts).Wait and try again, or contact ConnectTel Support to confirm your PIN.
Your mobile service does not meet the requirementsYour primary plan isn't eligible (e.g. not a 5G plan).Contact ConnectTel Support to check your plan is eligible.
Sorry, we were unable to connectA temporary connection issue.Try again in a few minutes. If it persists, contact ConnectTel Support.
Provisioning order in progressYour activation is still being processed on the network.Please wait for activation to complete before trying again.
Subscriber has been locked out from pairing3 pairing attempts within 24 hours.Wait 24 hours and try again.
Cannot swap deviceThe new device isn't compatible or eligible for a swap.Confirm the new watch is eSIM-capable and matches your phone's ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can more than one smartwatch be connected to my mobile plan?

No. Only one cellular-enabled smartwatch can be connected to your primary mobile service at a time. To connect a different watch, disconnect the existing one first.

If I downgrade to a 4G plan, can I keep my Companion Plan?

No. The eSIM Companion Plan requires an eligible 5G plan. Downgrading to 4G means you'll lose the Companion Plan.

Can I use my main mobile plan's data instead?

No. The Companion Plan is self-sufficient and comes with its own 1GB monthly data allowance.

What happens if my Companion Plan runs out of data?

Your watch's independent data will pause until your next billing cycle. Typical usage is around 100MB per month, so this is uncommon.

Do I need my phone nearby to activate the plan?

Yes. Your phone needs to be connected to your smartwatch via Bluetooth during setup and activation.

Can I use my Companion Plan while travelling overseas?

No. The Companion Plan is for use within Australia only and does not support calls or data usage overseas.

What if I don't see the option to connect my smartwatch?

Check that your smartwatch is a cellular-enabled model that supports eSIM, its software is up to date, and both devices are connected to the internet.

What if I change my phone or watch after subscribing?

Deactivate your Companion Plan first, unpair your smartwatch from the old phone, pair it with the new phone, then set up the Companion Plan again.

Need Help?

Our team is here to help with pricing, terms and conditions, your activation PIN, or any issues connecting your smartwatch.