How to Add Apps to a Samsung Galaxy Watch

This article explains adding apps to a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch via a connected Android phone or the watch itself.

How to Install Apps to a Galaxy Watch From a Phone

The easier way to put apps on your Galaxy smartwatch is to use your phone. You can browse the Google Play store for watch apps much like you can for phone apps. You'll just choose your watch as the destination instead of your phone. Here's what to do:

1. Make sure your watch is turned on and connected to your phone.

2. Open Play Store on your phone and tap Categories.

3. Tap Watch apps.

4. Tap an app that you would like to add.

   

5. Tap the down arrow to the right of the install button.

6. Tap the box next to your watch if it isn’t already checked.

   Some apps also need to be installed to your phone to work on your watch.

7. Tap Install, and then wait for the app to install.

   

How to Add Apps Directly From a Galaxy Watch

The other way to install Galaxy Watch apps is directly from your watch. It's not as easy as using a phone, but it has the added benefit of showing you the watch versions of apps you already have on your phone. Follow these steps to add an app directly from the Galaxy Watch:

1. Swipe up from the main watch face to access your apps.

   

2. Tap the Google Play Store icon.

   

3. Tap the magnifying glass.

   

4. Choose an input method, such as the keyboard.

   

5. Say, write, or type the name of the app you want.

   

6. Tap the app in the search results.

   

7. Tap Install.

   

   Some apps will be ready to use immediately, while others will prompt you to complete the setup process on your phone.

Why Does My Galaxy Watch App Say 'Installing Soon'?

If you see the "Installing soon" message on your watch after triggering an installation from your phone, there may be a connectivity issue. Check that Bluetooth is enabled and that your watch and phone are connected. If everything’s connected, you may need to force the installation on your watch. Here's what to do:

1. Open Google Play on your watch.

   

2. Tap Apps on your phone.

   

3. Scroll through the list, and tap the app you’re trying to install.

   

4. Tap the Install button if you see one.

   

   If you see a downloading or installing message, that means the watch is already downloading or installing the app. The app will eventually be ready to use if you continue to wait.

What Apps Can You Download on Samsung Galaxy Watch?

You can download any compatible app on a Samsung Galaxy watch. That includes media apps like Spotify and Pandora, messaging apps, productivity apps, and more. Both your watch and your phone have a handy app store you can use to download and install apps.

Can I Put Facebook on My Galaxy Watch?

You can’t put Facebook on your Galaxy Watch, but you can receive notifications from both Facebook and the Facebook Messenger app if you have them installed on your phone. Here’s how to get notifications from these apps on Galaxy Watch:

1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.

2. Go to Watch settings > Notifications > App notifications.

   

3. Enable the Facebook toggle and/or the Messenger toggle.

   

4. Go back to the previous screen, called Notifications, and make sure Show phone notifications on watch is turned on.