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

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bobby janow

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2010
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You can try to install the app from Play Store, it's available from there. See whether it works from there.
I did try that a couple of times but it's kind of a preview version that has absolutely no functionality. At least the app in the OP launches the app and sees the devices but simply can't connect to them. Same wifi network and everything.
 
The Home app in the OP installs and opens correctly but when I go to connect with any of the devices it says, "Not responding". What am I doing wrong?
Your watch needs to be connected to the same WIFI network as the device your trying to connect to most times. Problem is, watch when paired and connected to phone, turns off WiFi automatically. You'd need to turn off Bluetooth and connect to wifi directly from watch, then see if you're able to can connect to the Home device.

You could also see if you can get the latest version of Home app from ApkMirror to run on watch. The one in OP is old because I believe newer versions crashed.
 
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bobby janow

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2010
6,581
2,480
Your watch needs to be connected to the same WIFI network as the device your trying to connect to most times. Problem is, watch when paired and connected to phone, turns off WiFi automatically. You'd need to turn off Bluetooth and connect to wifi directly from watch, then see if you're able to can connect to the Home device.

Another possibility is that watch can't support the interface required to connect to the particular device. Even in the play store version of the Home app, some devices can't be controlled from watch, and instead opens the interface on connected phone.

Also keep in mind, the Home app serves as a middle man between you and your devices. At a minimum, it displays the status of your devices. However, when you try to connect directly to a device, it requires specific software and connection compatibility to do so. Older android versions have limitations with newer software. Our Galaxy Watches are like running older android versions. Watches have nowhere near the compatibility our smart phone do. You could also see if you can get the latest version of Home app from ApkMirror to run on watch. The one in OP is old because I believe newer versions crashed.
Thanks, I did make sure it was connected to the same network. Wifi was on but also BT and LTE. Perhaps the last two threw a monkey wrench into the mix. Thing is that when I'm out without the phone is the time I need it most and naturally I can't connect to the same wifi then. On the Home app on the phone it doesn't matter where I am it will show the camera which it pretty much the feature that is needed. The companion app gets updated to the Google Home preview app which basically says "sorry pal not this time, maybe in the future" or some such words.

I did read that they are planning on more functionality, but I'm not quite sure what that means. We shall see. Your explanation regarding the older watch software makes perfect sense and I'm sure that is the issue. I know I'm trying to get the watch to be more like the phone but I'm probably pushing the envelope. The GW5 software and update are having some issues atm so perhaps it's time to just hang and let them fix it all. Once again, thanks and certainly for all the time you put into this. I have been keeping tabs on this issue and I'll update it here if I find out anything.
 
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Amaeloeze07

Member
Nov 30, 2022
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Anyone got a good app the keep games scores the like the score app?

Also anyone got a good working reddit app?
 

malpsaridayi

New member
Dec 26, 2016
4
1
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 ?
 
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 ?
It's gated to GW5 Pro within the Samsung Health app similar to how Google Assistant Call Screening is gated to Pixel Devices on Google Phone app. You'd have to alter the manifest or build prop. Anyways, doing something like that will likely require root access or a modded Samsung Health app. I have not seen anything like that since most modded health apps are designed for removing location based restrictions which is something else entirely. Samsung Health is guarded by Knox Security which makes altering it infinitely harder.

My knowledge in this area is limited though and I welcome a more seasoned tinkerer to chime in.
 
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Dallebull

Member
Jun 28, 2010
26
4
Yes. Not 100% sure on GIFs.. probably in the Messenger Lite app it might work however I don't know if GW has the software compatibility for that. However, still images do show up and can be saved.
Perhaps i should try one then, im sick of not seeing pictures that get sent. "xxxx has sent a picture"...
What version do you use?
 

malpsaridayi

New member
Dec 26, 2016
4
1
It's gated to GW5 Pro within the Samsung Health app similar to how Google Assistant Call Screening is gated to Pixel Devices on Google Phone app. You'd have to alter the manifest or build prop. Anyways, doing something like that will likely require root access or a modded Samsung Health app. I have not seen anything like that since most modded health apps are designed for removing location based restrictions which is something else entirely. Samsung Health is guarded by Knox Security which makes altering it infinitely harder.

My knowledge in this area is limited though and I welcome a more seasoned tinkerer to chime in.
So is there a any app for tracing the route or track .gpx file,do you suggest any?
 
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 ?
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...
 
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malpsaridayi

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Dec 26, 2016
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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...
Thank you for response, So is there a any app for tracing the route or track .gpx file,do you suggest any?
 

rossrosh007

Member
Jul 25, 2012
28
2
Is there way to side load an e-SIM?
I'm in a country that Samsung has not allowed eSIM to be added to the GW4. The local network service provider has eSIM that work on all devices including apple watches, but Samsung has not allowed it to work here.

Is there a way to use adb to upload the eSIM info into a specific directory?
 
Thank you for response, So is there a any app for tracing the route or track .gpx file,do you suggest any?
Sorry but not a clue, I don't think I have that as I own galaxy watch 4 classic and if I did have it, I'm uncertain about how to even use it because I don't use routes at all...

My activity is pretty much all about walking and walking at work, that's my daily workout I suppose...
 
Thank you for response, So is there a any app for tracing the route or track .gpx file,do you suggest any?
I recently stumbled across an article that was a workaround involving "Routes" support through third party app Strava. I'm sure you'll find it if you do some digging but It was an entire guide that mentioned uploading .gpx file and then accessing it through Strava's own Wear application on watch.

I personally don't use Routes so I didn't try it myself but If you can't find what I'm referring to, let me know and I'll see what I can do to get you that information.
 
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Is there way to side load an e-SIM?
I'm in a country that Samsung has not allowed eSIM to be added to the GW4. The local network service provider has eSIM that work on all devices including apple watches, but Samsung has not allowed it to work here.

Is there a way to use adb to upload the eSIM info into a specific directory?
Does your watch have LTE support? If it has LTE support and it's just gated by location, your best bet is changing the CSC of the watch. Sorry, but that's about as much as I know but there's a lot of information about changing your CSC without root on XDA.

Just to clarify, Galaxy Watches with LTE support are typically sold through Carriers and I don't think Samsung even sells LTE compatible Galaxy Watches themselves. So, I'd verify you have a model that contains the framework to support radio signals before trying anything.
 
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Badr-vip111

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Mar 1, 2023
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االسلام عليكم
ابي برنامج الدبوس

Mod translation:
Hello
Abi pin program
 
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prsco424298

Member
Jul 20, 2021
10
2
Does anyone know of a workaround for the new bezel zoom feature that's restricted to eligible one ui devices. Only
 

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  • 1
    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 ?
    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...
    1
    Yup it's got LTE. I'll check online how to change the CSC on the watch 4
    No CSC change necessary, just follow these steps
  • 77
    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
    11
    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.
    7
    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!
    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.
    5
    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?
    For me it was 2.8