General Official List of Sideloaded Apps and Workarounds For Wear OS (Tested on Galaxy Watch)

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73sydney

Senior Member
Jul 21, 2018
3,056
3,226
Sydney
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
DerpSpears said:
There is actually a really good free app called fair mail
github.com

Releases · M66B/FairEmail

Fully featured, open source, privacy friendly email app for Android - M66B/FairEmail
github.com github.com
that works really well. Can confirm that its standalone and requires you to sign in on the watch. I recommend using app passwords on your google account and use adb keyboard to input your email and pass via adb.

Edit: BONUS its open source so u dont have to worry about the dev stealing your passwords
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

cheers im aware of this, i just wish Google would make a native Gmail app already
 
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bingblop

bingblop

Senior Member
Sep 2, 2020
276
231
Northeast, USA
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
73sydney said:
Believe me when i tell you i tried everything, including paying for it...no bueno, and you will find others who went through similar hell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, can't argue with that. Very odd that it doesn't work for some people. I personally never had an issue. I think it's probably due to syncing issues between watch and phone.. really not sure.

If all else fails, download Wear Mail from the play store on phone. Use Wear Installer to extract the APK and install directly into watch. If that doesn't work, then you have software issues because it literally still works flawlessly. Has never even glitched or crashed on me.
 
Z

Zotyoo

Member
Jul 11, 2015
39
11
Messenger call not working after One UI 4.5 update. He calls the other party according to the clock, but in reality he does nothing. Part of the message is still working (Messenger Lite v18).
 
P

paul.laup

New member
Aug 5, 2015
2
3
I found that SnartTubeNext works pretty well on my GW4. You have to open the menu with the go back button and apply the maximum scaling and set the default resolution to 360p. Scrolling is not working properly due to TV inputs, but you can scroll by tapping the adjacent video
AnesuC said:
Wanted to point out that YouTube go has been discontinued I think. It won't work anymore on my watch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
 
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lumos77

New member
Jun 21, 2019
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0
hi @bingblop great thread, im getting the "error getting apk information" message when trying to sideload, saw your message addressing someone else with this issue and the .apk file is properly named, ive also tried multiple versions with no luck. any ideas?
 
raphael.atienza

raphael.atienza

Senior Member
Nov 22, 2017
101
30
Samsung Gear S3
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (2017 Phone)
Google Home is available on Preview on my Galaxy Watch4. Very limited functionality. No media or volume controls. Just on and off toggles for switches, fans, lights.
 

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AnesuC

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Oct 17, 2016
2
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paul.laup said:
I found that SnartTubeNext works pretty well on my GW4. You have to open the menu with the go back button and apply the maximum scaling and set the default resolution to 360p. Scrolling is not working properly due to TV inputs, but you can scroll by tapping the adjacent video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright this works! Only down side is there is no offline downloads support but understandable since its a Tv App technically.
 
motisu

motisu

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Apr 2, 2006
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bingblop

bingblop

Senior Member
Sep 2, 2020
276
231
Northeast, USA
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
miked0602 said:
I have to thank you OP for this info and testing by yourself and every member involved in this thread.

I am one of the lucky ones that has a Galaxy watch 5 pro with no Google Assistant due to issues in the app connection to the phone.
It goes to open the Google app to start activating assistant like it does with the 44mm Galaxy Watch 5, but it fails to go to the next step of activation and lands on the discovery page.

Well knowing how well this threads info worked for us on the Galaxy Watch 4, I have gone ahead and installed the Google Assistant Go version listed in the post using Bugjaeger.

This time we go into the watch settings >> about watch >> software info >> keep clicking the software version until it tells you developer mode ON.
Then goto watch settings >> Developer Options >> 1. turn on adb debugging
Then goto watch settings >> Developer Options >> 2. debug over wireless
Then goto watch settings >> Developer Options >> Wireless debugging >> + pair new deveice

In Bugjaeger we then start up the connection and click pair, enter the IP, the port and the passcode.
At this point it will be connected in Bugjaeger and the watch will beep showing a new notification for debugging.

Install the Google Assistant GO apk and voila you are good to go.
I did have to do an interactive shell to "wm density 280" in order to click the continue button for activation.
Remember to reset your density to its original number(which on the 5 pro is 340)

If you are like me and need assistant or the device gets returned, use this as a solution until google fixes their routine for activating assistant.

Feel good moment since I wont be returning this loved watch 5 pro!

EDIT1: Nothing above was editing only this addition,

I have also found that the workaround method for the BP/EKG by Dante is still working with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Installation of his APK for the watch can be installed with Bugjaeger just like we installed Google Assistant Go just above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the GW5 compared to the GW4? Is it absolutely worth the upgrade or would waiting 1 more update be wise?

My understanding is that the battery life is pretty much the main thing between them. Can you confirm your battery life is night and day compared to GW4 and its horrendous battery life?
 
bingblop

bingblop

Senior Member
Sep 2, 2020
276
231
Northeast, USA
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
I honestly did not expect this thread to become as big as it did. Thank you everyone for the kind words and it's comforting to know that the hours of work I put into this wasn't in vain.

If the file doesn't work then it's probably no longer compatible or similar. I will not be updating this thread with new files or new content unless it's really noteworthy. Please drop any compatibility tips in a comment for other users.

A lot of helpful material and FAQ in the comments of this thread. Please check comments before asking your question to reduce bloat.
 
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    Dante63
    Dante63
    malpsaridayi said:
    Maybe some of you guys realized there is a new feature on GW 5 and Pro which is named Routes and we can trace back the routes from GW5,Is there any way to do this in Galaxy watch 4 or maybe is there any solution like the restriction removed ?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    Samsung health is a core app, hard to mod and with a successful mod, it's hard to maintain as it's linked to cloud, constantly needs patching to bypass detection, and when it is detected, you'll lose connection to cloud, the app will save everything locally and never save to the cloud...

    The big risk in using a mod linked to your cloud account is potentially one day Samsung shutting down your account as a "security" concern, that hasn't happened yet but it's enough they are collecting info on accounts that used a modded Samsung Health...
    View
    1
    Lucas0511
    Lucas0511
    rossrosh007 said:
    Yup it's got LTE. I'll check online how to change the CSC on the watch 4
    Click to expand...
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    No CSC change necessary, just follow these steps
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  • 77
    bingblop
    bingblop
    SIDELOAD LIBRARY
    COMPATIBLE WITH WEAR OS 3
    TESTED ON GALAXY WATCHES
    All Smart Watches Can Probably Benefit From This Guide
    Special thanks to everyone who has contributed to testing and providing feedback on various apps and versions. Thanks to you guys, this library remains up to date. I recommend disabling most permissions associated with these apps including notifications to prevent excess battery drain. Please post to this thread or PM me if you find any discrepancies. Enjoy!
    ​
    Google Assistant GO v2.8 (ApkMirror)
    Official Google Assistant for Wear OS 3 now available!

    Google GO v1.7 (ApkMirror): Lightweight Google browser that can perform quick Google searches or display quick search result answers (such as weather or definitions). Tapping a link will launch in default browser app due to watches not having WebView support. Need to lower DPI temporarily after installing to get past initial language selection screen (see below for instructions on how to do this).

    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.
    Samsung browser is also a good option for default browser. In case you need it, here it is from ApkMirror: Samsung Internet Browser (Wear OS)

    Messenger Lite v25 (ApkMirror): Very convenient app to have if you use Messenger often. This app gives you full Messenger functionality for your wrist. Period. Stick to low versions due to clutter in later versions makes it impossible to tap on chat bar to write a message. If you also use Messenger on phone, to avoid getting notifications from both apps, disable Messenger Lite notifications.
    If you have issues getting past 2FA, try to login on watch and then go to your Facebook notifications on phone to approve unrecognized device. Next time you try to log in on watch it should skip the 2FA.

    Facebook Messenger (Wear OS) (ApkMirror): Official Wear OS implementation for Messenger. This is not an application that can be launched directly. It functions as a bridge between watch and phone so when you receive a message, pressing the "open app" button on the watch side notification will launch a convenient conversation window designed for round screens to message back and forth. This only works with Messenger installed on phone when it syncs notifications with watch. Does not work with Messenger Lite.

    Facebook Lite v39 (ApkMirror): Easy to use Facebook scrolling from your watch screen. Dark mode and quality options available in settings. For better visibility, in the Facebook Lite settings menu, set the font size option to small. This app also includes it's own Messenger interface built into it that can be used for sending and reading messages.
    If you have issues getting past 2FA, try to login on watch and then go to your Facebook notifications on phone to approve unrecognized device. Next time you try to log in on watch it should skip the 2FA.

    YouTube Go v1.22.54 (ApkMirror):
    YouTube Go has been discontinued by Google. Applications no longer work.

    Google News v5.7 (ApkMirror): This is the best News option available to Smart Watches and It looks good on small round screens. You can set dark mode and data saver by launching settings (upper right corner) and while in the settings menu (not before or you won't be able to access the settings menu), lower the DPI to 200 (see below on how to do this). You'll then be available to see and access all available settings. Reset your DPI when you're done prior to exiting settings menu to avoid UI jank.
    Update 12/18/2022 - Due to previous uploaded version now requiring update to use, v5.7 is now the ONLY VERSION left that doesn't crash or force mandatory update to use.

    Google Translator (Google Drive): This is the old Translator app that used to come installed on Google Wear OS watches.

    Google Phone (Wear OS) (Google Drive)(ApkMirror): Google's own phone app used on other Wear OS watches isn't available to Galaxy Watches on the Play Store due to Samsung wanting us to use Samsung Phone I'd imagine. However, the app can be sideloaded and works perfectly. If you use Google Phone app on your phone then I suggest sideloading the app on your watch as well and setting it as your default phone app.
    Due to the Pixel Watch version of Google Phone lacking functionality on Galaxy Watches, I linked the older Google Phone app. Does all the same things with a different UI. If you're interested in the Pixel Watch version of Google Phone, you can find it in the link below.
    PIXEL WATCH VERSION - Phone By Google (Wear OS) (Buggy on Galaxy Watches)

    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 Galaxy Watches.
    Official Google Home app now available on Wear OS Play Store as a pre-install.
    UPDATE 12/11/2022: Currently, still only a preview version is out which doesn't include much functionality other than launching directly to phone. Not ready to write the workaround off yet.

    Google Files (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.

    Google Calendar (ApkMirror): There are plenty of calendar apps available for Wear OS that include syncing with Google Calendar. However, if you want the real deal, it does work on Galaxy Watches with any of the recent versions. It crashes a few times when you first launch it, but then it seems to work fine once it's cached making it not the most stable option. However, all features are functional and it doesn't look too bad either. Dark mode available in settings manually.

    Wear Mail (Watch) (Phone): Standalone or companion email client designed for Wear OS that's available on the mobile Play Store but not Wear OS Play Store. Excellent functionality and UI that is pretty much the only email client for Wear OS that supports direct Gmail account linking and access. It does all basic email functions including composing, reading, archiving, deleting, syncing, and sending of emails in standalone or companion mode directly from watch. Must upgrade to premium version for full functionality. Reported that application doesn't work at all in free mode anymore. If you upgrade to premium and find it doesn't work, you can request an instant refund through the pay.google website.
    2/20/2023: Confirmed application still functions normally despite last update in 2021.

    Other Semi-Functional Wear Apps
    Google Cloud Access Disabled
    Wear Messages
    Wear Photos
    Wear Videos
    Wear Calendar
    Wear Documents
    ​
    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.
    Here's a link I found on XDA of a Spotify version modded and adapted specifically for Wear OS. Have not tried: Click Here

    GW4 Remap (Github): Button remapping for Galaxy Watches using Logcat. It can Remap both hardware keys to launch any application you want. There's a short delay between pressing and launching however. See link below for guide on using this. Despite the name, it does work on Galaxy Watch 5. Older version will launch over Samsung Pay instead of using logcat for button press which is instant but requires Samsung Pay remain installed and enabled. For watches without Samsung Pay pre-installed, see below for alternative option.
    INSTALL GUIDE
    Source: XDA / Github
    SPayToGPay (XDA / Github):     If you live in a region that doesn't have Samsung Pay, use this version to launch Google Pay using hardware key long press.
    ​
    Discord v89.11 (ApkMirror): Not the best UI for round screens due to Discord's side swiping layout. However, works pretty good and just requires a little patience.
    NOTE: If you run into captcha or other login issues, check out the workaround HERE. To summarize, while your watch and phone are connected, log into Discord on the web to trigger captcha using phone. After verifying with phone, you should be able to log into Discord on watch without triggering a captcha verification.

    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 there's no reason to bother with this.

    Any Custom Font Guide: We can use zFont 3 to install custom fonts. The Samsung Cloud procedure isn't required since there are no font restrictions on watch. Here's the steps to set a custom font on your watch:
    1. Download and install zFont 3 on phone HERE.
    2. Import your font file into zFont using their custom font wizard. Google Fonts is a giant open source option for custom fonts that can be downloaded in TTF or OTF format. Google Sans is not available in Google Fonts but a simple Google Search will locate it easily. I recommend Product Sans as an alternative.
    3. You'll need to install SamsungSans from Galaxy store. Most steps in application can be ignored since watches don't have the font restrictions that phones do and therefore don't require Samsung Cloud workaround. Start at the step that has you uninstall SamsungSans followed by installing CustomFontName(zFont 3).apk, STOP THERE. You're done with zFont.
    4. Once you have the custom font installed on phone, use a third party application or ADB command (GUIDE) to extract the .apk file to device storage. Once extracted, sideload it directly to your watch through any method you prefer. GeminiMan (see below) can extract the APK and sideload directly to watch and is the best method.
    5. Once sideloaded, from your watch go to Settings > Display > Font > CustomFontName. Done.
    Sideload Ready Fonts
    Google Sans Regular - DOWNLOAD
    Google Sans Bold - DOWNLOAD
    Product Sans Black -     DOWNLOAD
    The Google Sans fonts are under the name CircleRounded so you can only have bold or regular installed at 1 time. Product Sans is under the name SamsungSans.

    User Recommendations
    Google Voice
    Google Chat
    WhatsApp - GUIDE
    ​
    Side Loading Applications
    Below are a few applications designed specifically to streamline the ADB process for Wear OS so that even beginner's or non-tech savvy people can make use of sideloading applications, uninstalling bloatware, and sending commands to watch
    • GeminiMan Wear OS Manager (Play Store):     This is an extremely useful app by @Dante63. It's essentially an app that simplifies any ADB related function for your smart watch. It allows you to sideload or debloat apps by selecting from the list of installed apps or apk's directly. Also includes an interface for sending custom commands to watch with an option to save commands for quick access. I was able to debloat and sideload everything I wanted on a freshly installed Galaxy Watch 5 within 10 minutes thanks to this app. PM @Dante63 directly with questions, feedback, or suggestions. You can accomplish any ADB related operation to Wear OS using this app. It smartly includes a reinstall option if you debloat something you shouldn't have.
    • Wear Installer 2 (Play Store): This is the easiest app available for sideloading apps to Wear OS. It dumbs it down to the point where you never have to enter a command since it doesn't have a manual command input. Also includes ability to modify the screen density so that you can get past the initial setup in some sideloaded apps. In my experience, this is the best and most stable app available when it comes to just sideloading.
    • Bugjaeger (Play Store): This app is an all inclusive ADB app designed for Android devices. This is my go-to option for ADB operations on my phone. However, it can pair to Galaxy Watch 5 using the Wireless Debugging option with a six digit pairing code and port number. This application isn't easy to use like the first two options but includes more advanced operations. Free and premium version available in Play Store.
    ​
    ADB COMMANDS
    Change DPI
    wm density xxx
    Display Current DPI
    wm density
    Reset DPI
    wm density reset
    Install App
    -e install <filename.apk>
    Uninstall App
    pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package_name>
    Reinstall Debloated System Apps
    pm install-existing <package_name>
    Customize Font Size
    settings put system font_scale x.xx

    APK Version Selection
    The best place to download various unmodified versions of any application is ApkMirror. Some APK versions have multiple variants available. Only architecture (Arch) "armeabi-v7a" is compatible with Galaxy Watches. If it's listed as "Universal" then the manifest includes support for all architectures but uses up more storage to compensate. The more modern "armabi-v8a" is not compatible with Galaxy Watches and will crash if you try to launch it. Older versions typically look and run better on smart watches due to less cluttering and memory usage. With smart watches, less is more.

    Last updated on 2/29/2023​
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    11
    bingblop
    bingblop
    List 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.
    View
    7
    C
    chitowncubsball
    I 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!
    View
    5
    bingblop
    bingblop
    I honestly did not expect this thread to become as big as it did. Thank you everyone for the kind words and it's comforting to know that the hours of work I put into this wasn't in vain.

    If the file doesn't work then it's probably no longer compatible or similar. I will not be updating this thread with new files or new content unless it's really noteworthy. Please drop any compatibility tips in a comment for other users.

    A lot of helpful material and FAQ in the comments of this thread. Please check comments before asking your question to reduce bloat.
    View
    5
    D
    DenMasiano
    ilpincio85 said:
    I have tried to install different versions of GO Assistant with no success. The 1.x versions do not even start (the loading circle remains). The 2.x versions start but then he doesn't "hear" me when I speak (even if from the interface it is listening and I obviously gave permission for the microphone).
    Which version have you installed successfully?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    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 www.apkmirror.com
    View

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