What app are you using? I have not yet found any that work directly from the watch. Best that I have found so far is to use Listen on my phone and to use Music Boss to control it, but there is a terrible lag between the watch and the phone.
General Official List of Sideloaded Apps and Workarounds For Galaxy Watch 4 (GW4)
- Thread starter bingblop
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I use wear casts app using the local file option on phone app to send the converted file to my watch. I've listened to a couple audiobooks that way, its the only one I have found that keeps track of your place while your listening. I would love to use audible on it though.
kingwicked
Senior Member
I have been trying to get a terminal emulator/ ssh client running, I have tried tmux and juicessh(I use this on my phone) both seem very feature full and no crashing or real issues except that neither can bring up a keyboard to type.
I have used snippets on juicessh to send simple commands to servers but often they require some input( Sudo password, additional parameters, answer queries.
Would xhatting the dpi help to fix this?
I have used snippets on juicessh to send simple commands to servers but often they require some input( Sudo password, additional parameters, answer queries.
Would xhatting the dpi help to fix this?
Just wanted to ask one thing. The Translate app doesn't output sound of the translation right? Is there any way to enable it?
Continuing to what @Tefzors suggested, I went through one post of oppo watch where in the comments they were discussing about using app cloner to change the display size of the app and then sideloading it to the watch, will it be possible on GW4? there are some apps that I'd like and i guess many other would like to use with a better view. Has anyone tried this?
Edit: I tried it with files go app, usually we need to change the dpi to get rid of that popup when we first start the app but I cloned the app with display size of 75% and it was showing the continue button without any other step, I don't know how the app looked on 100%(after we get rid of the popup) but on 75% it is looking pretty good. So you might as well give a try and if necessary add it to your OP.
Edit: I tried it with files go app, usually we need to change the dpi to get rid of that popup when we first start the app but I cloned the app with display size of 75% and it was showing the continue button without any other step, I don't know how the app looked on 100%(after we get rid of the popup) but on 75% it is looking pretty good. So you might as well give a try and if necessary add it to your OP.
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Good morning, could you pass me the tutorial to test it with other applications? Thanks.
Buenos días, ¿podría pasarme el tutorial para probarlo con otras aplicaciones? Gracias.
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Hi, actually there not many painstaking or to say not even many steps for this, just download the app from here and apply these settings to the app that you want to clone
1. Display options>display size> anywhere between 50%-100% (through my personal experience), though 75% looks pretty good.
2.(Optional) Cloning Options> remove app cloner branding.
3. Click on clone and follow the instructions to install the cloned app.
4. Just sideload it using any of you preferred method
If possible, please try and experiment around all the options that are available in appcloner for the best optimisation possible, Thanks!
Wow, thanks for this. It's that simple? Thanks for the research, might have to do something similar.
I am unable to login to the spotify mod app, when I try to sign in with email and after I enter the email and password the login button still remains disabled for me, I tried both samsung keyboard as well as gboard but the results are same, am i missing anything?
Hello, thank you for all this info. it works fine except for google trad. I used the apk which is provided in the 1st post. everything seems to work but the answers are displayed upside down... is this normal? it's not practical to have to turn your arm to read the answer (sorry for my bad english)
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2Continuing to what @Tefzors suggested, I went through one post of oppo watch where in the comments they were discussing about using app cloner to change the display size of the app and then sideloading it to the watch, will it be possible on GW4? there are some apps that I'd like and i guess many other would like to use with a better view. Has anyone tried this?
Edit: I tried it with files go app, usually we need to change the dpi to get rid of that popup when we first start the app but I cloned the app with display size of 75% and it was showing the continue button without any other step, I don't know how the app looked on 100%(after we get rid of the popup) but on 75% it is looking pretty good. So you might as well give a try and if necessary add it to your OP.1I found an alternative app that works ok on my GW4 for audiobooks but has anyone gotten any audible apk to run and work ok on the watch? Thanks.1
What app are you using? I have not yet found any that work directly from the watch. Best that I have found so far is to use Listen on my phone and to use Music Boss to control it, but there is a terrible lag between the watch and the phone.1I
I use wear casts app using the local file option on phone app to send the converted file to my watch. I've listened to a couple audiobooks that way, its the only one I have found that keeps track of your place while your listening. I would love to use audible on it though.1
Good morning, could you pass me the tutorial to test it with other applications? Thanks.
Buenos días, ¿podría pasarme el tutorial para probarlo con otras aplicaciones? Gracias. -
56--->SIDELOAD LIBRARY<---Google Assistant GO v2.8 (ApkMirror): It can do all the important functions you look for in a voice assistant such as phone calls, messaging, app launcher, smart home control, reminders, timers, alarms, perform searches, and is as good as it gets when it comes to answering questions. In terms of a workaround, it's really good and much better than the Wear OS Bixby which is essentially useless. This is the best option not just for GW4, but for all Wear OS given the current state it's in.
CATALOG
USE LINKS I PROVIDED FOR EACH APP IF THE APP YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ISN'T IN GD APKMIRROR
Google GO v1.7 (ApkMirror): Best way to use this is as a portal to quickly perform Google Searches and open links in your default browser. It can display quick search results without having to open any links (Weather, Dictionary, Tracking, Etc). It's essentially a stripped down version of the Google App. Newer versions will open links using a Chromium style browser which will crash on your watch unless you also have the Chrome browser app installed (listed below). Older versions will launch links in your default browser app.
Google Chrome for GW4 (XDA)(Google Drive): This version of Chrome is listed in the XDA Google Assistant for GW4 Mega-Thread. It works well Sideloaded but I'm not sure if it's just an older version or also modded to not crash on GW4. This is my go-to personally.
Messenger Lite v18 (ApkMirror): Fully functional Facebook Messenger. If you use Facebook Messenger regularly, this app is a mandatory must have on watch!
Facebook Messenger (Wear OS) (ApkMirror): This is the official Facebook Messenger Wear OS plugin that comes preloaded on some brands that use Wear OS (Not Samsung). It's extremely lightweight and offers a very nice interface designed for watches when you tap "Open App" from a received Messenger notification. It's a convenience that you can install and then forget... It's difficult to explain but I use this and the Messenger Lite app listed above since this is only a plugin that operates as a system app with limited functionality but it's the best at what it does do.
Facebook Lite v49 (ApkMirror): This version works exceptionally well. No bottom bar blocking screen and includes dark mode. It even has it's native Messenger interface that looks amazing and gives you the option to load Messenger Lite or stay in the app. You don't even need Messenger Lite if you have this app and don't mind a couple extra taps to get there. Includes Marketplace, News Feed, profile editing, and all the other features you care about without the ones you don't.
YouTube Go v1.22.54 (ApkMirror): Finally found a YouTube app that works on GW4! It's 100% functional and looks AMAZING! The version I posted works excellent compared to others I tried. It's almost like it was designed for round screens. Also verified that it has no problem playing videos.
Google News v5.5 (ApkMirror): Compared to what's available on the Play Store, this app has no competition. The display isn't perfect but you'll have no problems accessing all content within the app. Several versions don't work but I posted and included a version of Google News that verified does work.
Google Translator (Google Drive): This is the old Translator app that used to come installed on Google Wear OS watches. It works perfectly. Very hard to find.
Google Home v2.7.21.2 (ApkMirror): After extensive testing with various versions of the APK, I can confirm v2.7 is the best version currently for GW4. I was surprised by just how well this app integrates into GW4. If you use Google Home then this is a must have for your GW4!
Google Files Go v1.0.19 (ApkMirror): Excellent file manager for your watch that includes an app manager, automatic junk removal, and cache cleaning. You will have to lower your DPI to dismiss the initial dialog upon installing the app. Newer versions work too with more features at the expense of performance and visibility.
Wear Mail (Watch) (Phone): This is an older standalone/companion email client designed for Wear OS that's available on the mobile Play Store but not Wear OS Play Store. You'll have to extract the Wear OS apk from the mobile apk using one of the sideloading apps I listed below or download it directly from the Google Drive account I linked for your convenience. It's still the best email app available for GW4 and includes linking to all the major players (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc). It can do all the basic email functions you'd expect for an email app. Honorable Mentions: Wear Messages, Wear Photos, Wear Videos, Wear Calendar, and Wear Wifi
Gallery Go (ApkMirror): Lite version of Google photos for easy offline management and editing of your photos and videos. This does not sync photos between your devices. Only download if you store photos on your watch. Note: Wear Photos works better and is located within the Sideload library!
Spotify MOL (Google Drive): A modded Spotify Lite version. I've tried several modded Spotify apps and this is the best one I've found. It can play anything from your Spotify premium account directly from your watch as a standalone. You don't need your mobile device at all.
GW4 Remap (Download): This app is new to the scene by XDA user BigBoot93 and packs a huge punch that I think ya'll are gonna want. With the release of this app, we can now Remap the Bixby and/or Samsung Pay shortcuts to Google Assistant Go or Google Pay respectively. That's right! How it works is when you long press the hardware button, the app of your choice will override the built in app and launch over it. For the Bixby shortcut, it's highly recommended you change your settings to open the power menu instead of Bixby when long pressed. Then configure the app to launch Google Assistant whenever the Power Menu is shown. It's the best option for overriding Bixby hardware. This should help until Google releases an official version of GA for Wear OS 3.0. Update: Ultimate Alexa was just added to the list of configurable apps.
Source: GitHub | XDA
Discord v40.8 (ApkMirror): Works ok. Very clunky but functional if you absolutely need to get on Discord and don't have your phone. Skip this unless you're a Discord junkie.
Instagram Lite v200+ (ApkMirror): Old versions crash. It doesn't look the greatest but it's fully functional. The problem is that the bottom status bar covers 20-25% of the display with blank white space for some absurd reason. Unless you use Instagram often, I recommend skipping.
User Recommendations: Google Voice and Google Hangouts (Have not tried personally so I don't know).
NOTE: You can lower your font size to optimum viewing by using the following ADB command:adb shell settings put system font_scale 0.80
---Can replace 0.80 with any number. Normal size font uses 1.00.
Bugjaeger (Link): My personal favorite. Good for any ADB related action that you could possibly need for side loading including bundled installation. Do not prefix commands with "adb".
Apps Used For Side Loading
Easy Fire Tools (Link): Basically the same thing as Bugjaeger with a multitude of other features that could be considered useful or useless depending on the user.
Wear Installer (Link): Good app for quickly extracting the companion Wear OS apk from the mobile companion APK since several outdated apps aren't included in the Wear OS Play Store. Can save the APK or install directly on your watch. No command input functions however.
Change DPI:
ADB Commandsadb wm density xxx
Display Current DPI:adb wm density
Reset DPI:adb wm density reset
Install App:adb -e install <filename.apk>
Uninstall App:adb pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package_name>
Customize Font Size:adb shell settings put system font_scale x.xx
Example: Using ADB Commands To Sideload
Tasker Debloat Task: My own self-made Tasker script to automate the ADB commands for uninstalling/disabling any app (including system app). I'm addicted to Tasker. If you don't know what Tasker is or how to use it, I recommend just running the commands manually for uninstalling system apps. Otherwise, use this: TaskerNet Import Task
OLD vs NEWI did not create or develop any of the application content within this thread, nor am I in association with any of the developers that did. There is absolutely no monetary compensation for myself regarding anything in this post. My intent was to create a free public library of available content for Galaxy Watch 4 because I knew it would be useful. Everything here has been tested by myself by searching high and low for the best apps I could find and testing each one extensively on my own GW4. I experimented with various versions of each apk to confirm the best compatibility. I'm simply putting together a library of what I confirmed works good enough to sideload. If you know any other apps that aren't included in this list, please share below!
The Best place to download various versions of ANY apk is ApkMirror. Some APK versions have multiple variants available. Only armeabi-v7a "Arch" types work on Galaxy Watches. The reason newer versions of apk's developed for mobile phones don't work is because most newer versions use armabi-v8a arch types for compatibility with newer models. However, Galaxy Watch 4 doesn't support v8a. For DPI, use nodpi for best results. Super old versions of an APK have a high likelihood of no longer working with any device due to outdated files, authentication, or security protocols. Test it on your phone first. Just bounce around the hundreds of available versions available for most major apps until you find one that works. Newer versions have more features (which may or may not work), but older versions have a more fluid and visible interface on watches. If you're trying to use an app that uses WebViews or Chrome Custom Tabs, it will crash on watches unless you install the chrome browser app I listed above which gives your watch the ability to use Chrome Custom Tabs.
DISCLAIMER10List of additional APKs that can be Sideloaded to your watch by Appfour developer (Extracted from the phone app version). These apps are wear apps but were removed from the wear side of the play store.
Wear Messages: Syncs to Default sms and Facebook messenger.
Wear Mail: Provides standalone or companion access to Gmail and various other emails. Full email functionality.
Calendar for Wear or Calendar W: 2 of them included. Both can link to Google or Samsung calendar account. I prefer Calendar W.
Wear Photos: Standalone or linked app that can view all the images from your phone.
Wear Video: Standalone or linked that can view all the videos from your phone.
Wear WiFi: Great Standalone Wi-Fi manager. (This app is available on both play stores, no need to sideload).
Those are all the appfour apps that I have installed that WORK. All the other ones don't work so I didn't include them like the YouTube or Document viewer.
I highly recommend the Email if nothing else.
Note: Wear Mail was too big to import at 7mb so I had to zip it first.
Also: I attached the old Facebook messenger addon that wear OS used to have installed. It can't open messenger directly but when you receive a messenger notification on your watch, there's an option to "open app" which will then open a messenger interface that is designed for wear OS with full functionality.6I had to get an account for XDA because I could not go without thanking everyone here for making my galaxy watch 4 something I am satisfied with. I love the hardware of this watch, but the lack of some applications left some to be desired. I really appreciate you all!5
For me it was 2.8
Google Assistant Go 2.8.0.343042221.release (arm-v7a) (Android 8.0+) APK Download by Google LLC - APKMirror
Google Assistant Go 2.8.0.343042221.release...
www.apkmirror.com
4Hey everyone, New Apps added to the initial post. I personally tested several versions of all apps and verified which ones work good/best. See OP. I'm excited to report that the YouTube Go works extremely well on GW4! We finally have a YouTube solution! Check OP for the versions that work though!!!
YouTube Go
Instagram Lite
Gallery Go (Google Photos Lite)
Gmail Go
Google Calendar
