If you are planning to travel to Europe, then there are only limited facilities that you can enjoy. Now, even if you are using a cellular Apple Watch, it will function like the GPS model because you do not have an active European cellular plan.
So, if I have Wi-Fi and my iPhone is paired to it, then it will work. However, without it, Apple Watches cannot work independently in Europe or any other country. To make it work, you can get a European active eSIM and plan to enjoy the benefits of cellular Apple Watch.
What Features Work And Do Not Work In Europe
| Feature | Works in Europe? | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timekeeping | Yes | Works worldwide, no restrictions. |
| Workout tracking (indoor/outdoor) | Yes | GPS and motion sensors function globally. |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | No regional restrictions. |
| Activity rings / Fitness tracking | Yes | Works as normal. |
| GPS (for maps/workouts) | Yes | Global functionality. |
| Bluetooth (e.g., AirPods, accessories) | Yes | Fully functional. |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Works on any standard network. |
| Siri (voice assistant) | Yes | Language & region settings may affect responses. |
| Notifications | Yes | Works over Wi-Fi or via paired iPhone. |
| App Store / Downloading apps | Yes | Works if connected to Wi-Fi or iPhone. |
| Apple Pay | Yes (in supported countries) | Approved in EU, UK, Switzerland, etc. Region settings may affect access. |
| ECG (electrocardiogram) | Yes (in most countries) | Available in EU/UK, but the region must support it. |
| Blood Oxygen (SpO2) | Yes (in most countries) | Works if the paired iPhone is nearby and connected. |
| Fall detection | Yes | Global functionality. |
| Emergency SOS (via iPhone) | Yes | Works if paired iPhone is nearby and connected. |
| Emergency SOS (on Cellular model) | Maybe | Only if the watch supports local LTE bands and has a local eSIM plan. |
| Cellular connectivity (LTE) | Maybe | U.S. models may not support European LTE bands. EU-purchased watches work best. |
| eSIM activation (Cellular models) | Maybe | Must use a European carrier that supports Apple Watch plans. |
| Walkie-Talkie | Yes | Works over Wi-Fi or paired iPhone. |
| iMessage / Calls (via iPhone) | Yes | Works over Wi-Fi or with iPhone nearby. |
| iMessage / Calls (via Cellular) | Maybe | Requires a local eSIM and a compatible watch model. |
Why Your Apple Watch Is Not Working In Europe
Apple Services Not Available
Apple Watches come with regionally locked services. So what features work in my country might not work in yours. These features include Siri, Apple Pay, ECG, and many more. So, how do you fix it, you may ask?
Well, you cannot change the region on your Apple Watch, but it will automatically get updated when you move out of the country. Some Apple Watch features depend on the region and local regulations of the area you’re in; therefore, it might work a little differently than in your home country.
change in Time zone
If you’re traveling to Europe, then there will be a Time Zone change. Although this will change automatically when connected to a Wi-Fi, till it doesn’t, your Apple Watch might not work properly. This can be frustrating, so just make sure to establish a connection with your iPhone once it is connected to Wi-Fi.
iPhone Not Nearby
By now, you already know that even cellular Apple Watches do not work independently in different regions. Hence, if your iPhone is not nearby, then your Apple Watch won’t work accurately. If you are wondering why you are not receiving calls, messages, or notifications, then it is basically because you do not have your iPhone nearby.
No Wi-fi
Lastly, make sure that your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi at all times for it to function properly. If you are busy and need to stay alert, consider getting an active eSIM for Europe. This will be compatible with your Apple Watch and work normally, but in a different timezone.
Final Thoughts
If I were in your shoes, I would consider getting an active cellular plan on an eSIM if I were traveling to Europe for longer. Yes, you can find Wi-Fi anywhere, but if you have a hectic schedule and need to be updated, then getting an eSIM would be the best choice.
Then again, this factor depends on how long you are planning to stay in Europe. Usual features like GPS, timers, stopwatches, and a camera will work, but cellular watch features like calls and messages won’t. However, with a Wi-Fi connection, the same is possible.
