How To Guide Watch4 ADB Commands - Disable/Enable/Uninstall/Restore system app, Install/pull Apps

[Dante63]

Hello Everyone,
I hope you all are good,
So I see some on you wondering about how to uninstall, reinstall, install, pull, enable and disable apps for the watch, so I decided to make this thread to address these different scenarios, this is based on test of users, if there is any incorrect command, let me know and I will update the thread...

Requirements: ADB (to execute adb commands)...

~~~ Enabling Watch4 ADB ~~~​

The first thing you need to do is enable the watch developer mode by going into watch settings then about and tap the version many times till it says switched on, inside developer mode enable ADB, it will enable ADB Wi-Fi, if it doesn't, enable then go to Wi-Fi and make sure that Wi-Fi is connected to the same network of the PC, head back to developer mode and you will see under ADB Wi-Fi IP address...

~~~ Running ADB & Connecting to the Watch4 ~~~​

Watch is ready for some ADB action and adventure lol, on pc start PowerShell or CMD inside ADB folder by holding down SHIFT and right clicking on empty area:

or if you have cmd-here.exe, run it...

type the following:
adb connect <IP>
(if it's your first time, check your watch for RSA authentication and allow the PC to connect)
Now here is the list of scenarios...

~~~ Scenario 1: Installing Apps ~~~​

Place the apk in adb folder then type:
adb -s <IP> install <apk-name>.apk
once you are done disconnect:
adb disconnect

~~~ Scenario 2: Uninstalling System Apps ~~~​

Be very careful, don't uninstall vital system apps, uninstall apps that you see on the watch home screen drawer or watch widgets...
Enter Shell mode typing:
adb shell
then type:
pm list packages
Find the packages you want to remove then type for each package
pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package-name-to-uninstall>
once you are done exit and disconnect:
exit
adb disconnect

~~~ Scenario 3: Disabling/Enabling System Apps ~~~​

Enter Shell mode typing:
adb shell
then type:
pm list packages
Find the packages you want to:

• Disable then type for each package

pm disable-user --user 0 <package-name-to-disable>

• Enable then type for each package

pm enable --user 0 <package-name-to-enable>
once you are done exit and disconnect:
exit
adb disconnect

~~~ Scenario 4: Reinstalling/Restoring System Apps ~~~​

Enter Shell mode typing:
adb shell
Find the package you want to restore (thanks to @adfree)

com.android.cts.priv.ctsshim

com.google.android.ext.services

com.samsung.android.knox.wkes

com.sec.location.nfwlocationprivacy

com.android.providers.telephony

com.sec.android.app.parser

com.android.dynsystem

com.samsung.android.networkstack

com.samsung.android.calendar

com.samsung.android.watch.cameracontroller

com.android.providers.calendar

com.sec.automation

com.android.providers.media

com.google.android.ext.shared

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.analoguefont

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.simplecomplication

com.skms.android.agent

com.samsung.android.wear.shealth

com.samsung.android.incallui

com.sec.usbsettings

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.premiumanalog

com.sec.factory

com.android.companiondevicemanager

com.android.mms.service

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.myphoto

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.mystyle

com.android.providers.downloads

com.samsung.android.video.wearable

com.google.android.networkstack.tethering.overlay

com.samsung.android.storage.watchstoragemanager

com.monotype.android.font.foundation

com.samsung.android.gallery.watch

com.samsung.android.watch.compass

com.sk.vas.tshare

com.sec.android.app.factorykeystring

com.samsung.android.watch.runestone.app

com.sec.android.app.samsungapps

com.samsung.android.sdk.handwriting.watch

com.samsung.android.watch.findmyphone

com.samsung.android.watch.findmywatch

com.sec.android.app.wlantest

com.google.android.overlay.modules.permissioncontroller

com.android.vending

com.android.networkstack

com.samsung.android.watch.weather

com.google.android.wearable.batteryservices

com.android.modulemetadata

com.android.certinstaller

com.android.carrierconfig

com.google.android.marvin.talkback

com.samsung.android.app.esimkeystring

com.samsung.SMT

com.samsung.rtl

android

com.samsung.rtlassistant

com.google.android.overlay.modules.cellbroadcastreceiver

com.samsung.android.aircommandmanager

com.google.android.apps.wearable.settings

com.android.mtp

com.android.nfc

com.samsung.android.messaging

com.android.backupconfirm

com.samsung.android.stextclassifier

com.samsung.android.app.telephonyui

com.android.statementservice

com.samsung.android.wear.musictransfer

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.basicclock

com.samsung.android.bixby.agent

com.sec.android.app.hwmoduletest

com.sec.bcservice

com.sec.modem.settings

com.samsung.hidden.SKT

com.monotype.android.font.samsungone

com.google.android.permissioncontroller

com.android.wearable.resources

com.sec.android.app.servicemodeapp

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.simpleclassic

com.android.providers.settings

com.samsung.accessibility

com.sec.imsservice

com.samsung.android.service.health

com.google.android.apps.wearable.systemui

com.android.webview

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.dualwatch

com.android.se

com.android.inputdevices

com.samsung.advancedcallservice

com.samsung.android.app.contacts

com.samsung.android.app.reminder

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.together

com.samsung.android.watch.flashlight

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.typography

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.large

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.animal

com.google.android.apps.maps

com.samsung.android.qrreader.watch

com.samsung.advp.imssettings

com.samsung.android.watch.alarm

com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver

com.sec.android.RilServiceModeApp

com.samsung.android.mdecservice

com.samsung.android.watch.timer

android.ext.shared

com.samsung.android.smartgesture

com.samsung.android.wear.blockednumber

com.android.server.telecom

com.samsung.euicc

com.android.keychain

com.google.android.packageinstaller

com.google.android.gms

com.google.android.gsf

com.google.android.tts

android.ext.services

com.android.wifi.resources

com.google.android.partnersetup

com.sec.android.diagmonagent

com.android.localtransport

com.samsung.android.batterysavingsettings

com.samsung.android.wearable.knox.attestation

com.samsung.android.watch.stf

com.google.android.wearable.ambient

com.samsung.packageinstalleroverlay

com.samsung.android.shealthmonitor

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.aremoji

com.android.managedprovisioning

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.analogmodular

com.android.networkstack.tethering

com.android.soundpicker

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.emergency

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.simpleanalogue

com.samsung.android.dialer

com.samsung.android.watch.safety_assistance

com.samsung.android.dqagent

com.google.android.clockworkicons

com.google.android.wearable.overlay.home.merlot

com.samsung.android.wearable.setupwizard

com.sem.factoryapp

com.samsung.android.watch.stopwatch

com.google.android.wearable.healthservices

com.samsung.wear.contacts.sync

com.ims.dm

com.google.android.apps.wearable.retailattractloop

com.sec.android.soagent

com.samsung.android.wearable.sysui

com.sec.phone

com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup

com.samsung.android.honeyboard

com.samsung.android.scloud

com.samsung.android.location.locproxy

com.sec.app.RilErrorNotifier

com.samsung.euicc.wmservice

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.bitmoji

com.sec.android.app.bluetoothtest

com.sec.android.sdhms

com.android.networkstack.permissionconfig

com.samsung.android.mediacontroller

com.google.android.wearable.app

com.android.cts.ctsshim

com.samsung.android.watch.screencapture

com.samsung.android.wear.samsungvoiceinput

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.digitalmodular

com.samsung.android.wcs.extension

com.samsung.android.wearable.samsungaccount

com.samsung.android.providers.contacts

com.android.phone

com.android.shell

com.android.wallpaperbackup

com.android.providers.blockednumber

com.android.providers.userdictionary

com.android.providers.media.module

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.superfiction

com.google.android.clockwork.oemsetup

com.wssyncmldm

com.samsung.android.watch.worldclock

com.android.hotspot2.osulogin

com.samsung.android.clientconnection

com.android.location.fused

com.sec.android.app.personalization

com.samsung.android.apps.wearable.recent

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.digitalfont

com.samsung.aasaservice

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.endangeredanimal

com.samsung.android.cidmanager

com.android.bluetooth

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.companionhelper

com.samsung.sec.android.application.csc

com.samsung.android.samsungnetworklocation

com.google.android.wearable.frameworkpackagestubs

com.samsung.android.watch.watchface.tickingsound

com.samsung.android.mcfds

type to restore
pm install-existing <package-name-to-reinstall>
once you are done exit and disconnect:
exit
adb disconnect

~~~ Scenario 5: Pulling Apps ~~~​

Enter Shell mode typing:
adb shell
then type
pm list packages
Find the package of interest then type
pm path <package-name>
this returns the path of the apk package location, exit shell
exit
now pull it typing:
adb pull <path-to-apk-package> <package-name>.apk
you have pulled the apk into the adb folder...

~~~ End of Scenarios ~~~​

I have one thing to say, sorry for the caps in advance, but I got to do it

TURN OFF ADB ON WATCH​

otherwise it will drain your watch battery...

~~~ Don't forget to ~~~
Don't forget to smash the THANKS
PS. if you are super happy and want to thank me, It is highly appreciated if you'd consider supporting me through my Patreon Page ​

✯ XDA: https://forum.xda-developers.com/m/dante63.7047928/
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✯ Telegram: https://t.me/xda_dante63

 

[Dante63]

I am gonna reserve this just in case I need it in the future

 

[strokk]

Hi, thanks for that, will be helpful.

Has anyone tested disabling samsung pay? Or any other system apps? Just curious if its safe to disable it..

Thanks

 

[Dante63]

Hi, thanks for that, will be helpful.

Has anyone tested disabling samsung pay? Or any other system apps? Just curious if its safe to disable it..

Thanks

SHM is a system app and has been disabled, no issues...

You can try disabling Samsung pay, the expected scenario is the watch will call Samsung pay, it doesn't find it returns "no supported app found" or "enable Samsung pay?" Or take you to the playstore or (last or I promise lol) it will switch to another pay method...

Uninstalling is the dangerous command...

 

[pleitegeier]

someone tried to install google assistant via adb?
Can´t find an apk and have no other watch to extract it -.-

 

[Diaconescu_Tiberiu]

I apologise for dumb question: i always wanted to play with adb (for uninstalling and disabling apps) on my phones...but i didn't have the guts or knowledge. Can i use this guide (to the letter) to do it on my phone?
Including using the minimal adb zip you provided?
I intend to uninstall stuff when my fold3 and watch 4 classic lte arrive

 

[Dante63]

someone tried to install google assistant via adb?
Can´t find an apk and have no other watch to extract it -.-

When I get my watch and see that I have it, I will pull and upload it for you...

I apologise for dumb question: i always wanted to play with adb (for uninstalling and disabling apps) on my phones...but i didn't have the guts or knowledge. Can i use this guide (to the letter) to do it on my phone?
Including using the minimal adb zip you provided?
I intend to uninstall stuff when my fold3 and watch 4 classic lte arrive

No question is dumb and yes you can use the guide as a reference, just keep in mind that packages of phone are different than the watch, also, on the phone you can disable system apps but you can't uninstall them like the watch (as far as I know) and finally, no need to do adb install on the phone because it's a direct install...

Unless when you said use it on the phone as in execute adb commands on the phone for the watch, yes it will work too...

 

[MrBigRed]

Thanks! Works great.

 

[renton82]

There is an error for enabling package: pm enable-user --user 0 <package-name-to-disable> should be : pm enable --user 0 <package-name-to-disable>

 

[Dante63]

There is an error for enabling package: pm enable-user --user 0 <package-name-to-disable> should be : pm enable --user 0 <package-name-to-disable>

Thank you for sharing, I'll fix it right away

 

[al52025]

Hey man great guide. I noticed you are missing a few apps. I removed it myself

com.samsung.android.wear.calculator

com.microsoft.office.outlook

com.samsung.android.wearable.music

 

[Dante63]

Hey man great guide. I noticed you are missing a few apps. I removed it myself

com.samsung.android.wear.calculator

com.microsoft.office.outlook

com.samsung.android.wearable.music

Thank you for sharing, I'll add them when I can

 

[AwkwardUberHero]

Will disabling or uninstalling apps cause the watch not to take OTA updates, or any updates to the system at all? I have my TWP3 debloated, and it works with items uninstalled/disabled etc.

 

[Dante63]

Will disabling or uninstalling apps cause the watch not to take OTA updates, or any updates to the system at all? I have my TWP3 debloated, and it works with items uninstalled/disabled etc.

You'll still get OTA updates and you might see things you debloated get installed again, depending on what the update has

 

[AwkwardUberHero]

You'll still get OTA updates and you might see things you debloated get installed again, depending on what the update has

Thanks. That makes sense. Appreciate you making this thread on how to do all of this.

 

[Mini Jay]

Hey finally a topic I was looking for !

I have a question. Is that the same as ADB Minimal Fastboot ?

I will buy the GW4 very soon and since I am in China, therefore buying the Chinese version that doesn't come with the Playstore, I was planning to install the Playstore APK on it.

Then I Googled and found a post about using ADB to install APK from PC to WearOS and I found that some use ADB Minimal ADB Fastboot to do that. Reading this post it looks the same, but I haven't used ADB so I can't be sure for sure

[EDIT]

I just click on the ADB link and saw that it was ADB Minimal Fastbook, my bad I haven't checked on the link first. Well awesome nice and thanks for the post!

Do you guys think that I can install the Playstore APK on the GW4 (China version doesn't have Playstore and I work in China now) ?

 

[Mini Jay]

or if you have cmd-here.exe, run it...

type the following:
adb connect <IP>
(if it's your first time, check your watch for RSA authentication and allow the PC to connect)
Now here is the list of scenarios...

~~~ Scenario 1: Installing Apps ~~~​

Place the apk in adb folder then type:
adb -s <IP> install <apk-name>.apk
once you are done disconnect:
adb disconnect

~~~ ​

Here when you say "type the following: adb connect <IP>", where do I find the IP I should replace "IP" with?

Same question for "adb -s <IP> install <apk-name>.apk"

Sorry if the question sound stupid, I haver used the command window, I'm a total novice

 

[AwkwardUberHero]

Here when you say "type the following: adb connect <IP>", where do I find the IP I should replace "IP" with?

Same question for "adb -s <IP> install <apk-name>.apk"

Sorry if the question sound stupid, I haver used the command window, I'm a total novice

On your watch. When you enable adb over wifi, it'll show you your ip address. Something like 192.168.1.1:5555

 

[Mini Jay]

On your watch. When you enable adb over wifi, it'll show you your ip address. Something like 192.168.1.1:5555

thanks!

 

[AwkwardUberHero]

thanks!

Welcome!