Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE: any eSIM NZ can work?

Forums › Android › Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE: any eSIM NZ can work?

maveric

40 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#323925 4-Feb-2026 08:31

I got a pixel 8 pro running an eSIM from Contact NZ and have put a Skinny eSIM in my watch 2 LTE. For the majority of its time, it shows out of service in its sim status but there are small window where Skinny eSIM goes active then drops again.

has anyone been successful using Google Pixel LTE as a standalone device with an eSIM in NZ? Any workarounds other than sideloading an old pixel watch app?

One Life. Live it.

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3458539 4-Feb-2026 08:32

Does the Pixel Watch support all of the New Zealand 4G / LTE frequency bands?

maveric

40 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#3458580 4-Feb-2026 09:39

Key Findings:

Frequency Support: The Pixel Watch supports crucial bands for NZ, including 4G B3 (1800MHz) and B28 (700MHz), which are essential for coverage.
Carrier Support: Major NZ operators (One NZ, Spark) do not officially support Pixel Watch eSIMs, often limiting use to independent plans rather than shared-number tethering.
Activation Difficulty: Users have reported needing specific workarounds to activate LTE due to the lack of official support.

While in paper it says it can support, but the problem is that major telco only supports Apple and Samsung watches.

One Life. Live it.

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3458584 4-Feb-2026 09:43

@maveric B28 700Mhz is good but what about LTE 850/900Mhz?? which are the main bands for New Zealand carriers

Edit:

SparkNZ: 850Mhz

OneNZ & 2degrees: 900Mhz

KiwiSurfer

1722 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 993

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#3458598 4-Feb-2026 10:09

Linux:

@maveric B28 700Mhz is good but what about LTE 850/900Mhz?? which are the main bands for New Zealand carriers

Edit:

SparkNZ: 850Mhz

OneNZ & 2degrees: 900Mhz

Spark doesn't have L850. Only U850 or NR850 -- of which U850 will be gone soon and NR850 is probably not supported by current watches.

Spark and One NZ generally operates at least L700/L1800 -- any additional bands are on top of those two. 2deg is generally at a minimum L900/1800 (older pre-700MHz sites) or L700/1800 (newer sites).

Wonder if Spark/Skinny are blocking watches on their end?

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3458602 4-Feb-2026 10:18

Wow I never knew Spark did not run LTE in the 850Mhz that explains a lot and why I see 3G so often on my Spark work handset

maveric

40 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#3458795 4-Feb-2026 18:06

I went to walk outside today without the phone and the Skinny eSIM went active. Tried calling but given I don’t have credits, it didn’t push through but I heard the automated response that I don’t have credits so I think the call function can work. Tried messages but prompted me I don’t have the phone with me.

This is a positive observation but inside home, I think the antenna of the watch to pickup the network signal isn’t as strong as the phones.

One Life. Live it.

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

Aucklandjafa

522 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 249

#3458796 4-Feb-2026 18:11

Linux:

Wow I never knew Spark did not run LTE in the 850Mhz that explains a lot and why I see 3G so often on my Spark work handset

Not sure why Spark would run LTE in 850mhz when then have amples of spectrum in 700mhz - better coverage footprint than 850 too.

Linux

12182 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8476

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3458846 4-Feb-2026 18:54

Aucklandjafa:

Linux:

Wow I never knew Spark did not run LTE in the 850Mhz that explains a lot and why I see 3G so often on my Spark work handset

Not sure why Spark would run LTE in 850mhz when then have amples of spectrum in 700mhz - better coverage footprint than 850 too.

@Aucklandjafa you are kidding?