With the adoption ofWear OS, you can sideload apps on your Samsung Galaxy Watch. You can download and install apps from the Google Play Store and other sources. Installing apps on a Samsung Galaxy Watch remains the same across different models, for example, the SamsungGalaxy Watch 4, theGalaxy Watch 5, and one of thebest Android smartwatchesof 2023, theSamsung Galaxy Watch 6.

These methods don’t work for older Samsung Galaxy Watches as they run on Tizen OS. In this guide, we share the methods to install apps on your Samsung Galaxy Watch.

A person adjusts the knob on the side of a grey Pixel Watch 2.

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How can I install apps on my Samsung Galaxy Watch?

Installing apps on your Galaxy Watch is a simple process, but there are different methods to do so. We go through each method.

Install apps from the Play Store app on your Galaxy Watch

Here are the steps to install apps from the Google Play Store on your Galaxy Watch. You must be connected to the internet to download the app via this method.

Install apps from the Play Store on your smartphone

You can also use your phone to install any app on your Samsung Galaxy Watch. Here are the steps:

Similar to your Android phone, you can install apps fromthird-party app storeson your Samsung Galaxy Watch. The switch to Wear OS opened doors for the Samsung Galaxy Watch to install any app on it. It doesn’t need to be a Wear OS-specific app, meaning you can install apps meant for your smartphone on your Samsung Galaxy Watch.

screenshot showing play store app icon on galaxy watch 4

But this method is a bit complicated. So, follow all the below steps carefully.

Make sure that your Samsung Galaxy Watch and your Android smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

screenshot showing search bar on play store on galaxy watch 4

The app takes some time to install on your Galaxy Watch. During the process, ensure that the Wi-Fi, ADB Debugging, Debug over Wi-Fi, and other necessary options aren’t turned off.

FAQs about installing an app on a Samsung Galaxy Watch

Here are the commonly asked questions regarding installing an app on a Samsung Galaxy Watch.

How do I uninstall the app from my Galaxy Watch?

Uninstalling an app from your Samsung Galaxy Watch is an easy process. Open the app drawer on your Galaxy Watch. Tap and hold the app icon that you wish to delete, and selectDelete.

Can I install WhatsApp on my Galaxy Watch?

Yes, you can. We have a detailed guide to help you with the steps to install andset up WhatsApp on your Galaxy Watch. You can apply the same steps for any Wear OS 3 smartwatch.

How can I close all the recently opened apps on my Samsung Galaxy Watch?

Open the app drawer on your watch and tap theRecent appicon, which is usually located at the top of the app screen. Swipe up on the recently opened apps you wish to close. If you want to close all apps, tapClose all.

Get more out of your Samsung Galaxy Watch

Installing apps on your Galaxy Watch gives you options to accomplish more tasks. Often, certain apps don’t come pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy Watch, so it makes sense to install them yourself. If you are a fitness freak, check out our guide that lists thebest wearable appsyou must have on your smartwatch.

Screenshot showing the install button on the Play Store for installing apps

The WhatsApp Messenger on the Google Play Store with the Install button highlighted.