You can download apps for your smartwatch directly from the watch itself or through your paired smartphone, but the exact steps depend on whether you own an Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy Watch. Before you begin, check platform compatibility: an Apple Watch requires an iPhone, and Samsung’s Wear OS Galaxy Watch models are not compatible with iOS devices.
How to download apps for smartwatch: Platform compatibility
Apple Watch apps can be downloaded either from the App Store on the watch or from the paired iPhone’s Watch app. By default, Apple Watch automatically installs the watch-compatible versions of iPhone apps if available. For Samsung Galaxy Watch models, the installation path depends on whether the watch runs Wear OS or the older Tizen operating system. Samsung states that Wear OS Galaxy watches are not compatible with iOS devices, so an Android phone is required.
Download apps directly on your Apple Watch
To install apps using the watch itself, press the Digital Crown, then swipe up to see all apps. Tap the App Store icon, then tap Search or scroll to browse featured apps and curated collections. The App Store shows curated collections alongside featured apps. Tap an app to view its description, ratings, reviews, screenshots, and release notes. App details include release notes. To install, tap the price or Get, then confirm by double-clicking the side button under the Digital Crown. The app will download and appear on your watch.
Install Apple Watch apps using your iPhone
Open the Watch app on your iPhone, then tap My Watch. Tap Apps, then scroll to the Available Apps section. Find the app you want and tap Install. The app will transfer to your watch. To turn off automatic installation of watch-compatible iPhone apps, go to My Watch, tap General, and turn off Automatic App Install.
Download apps on a Samsung Galaxy Watch
Wear OS Galaxy Watch models (Galaxy Watch4 series, Galaxy Watch5 series, and newer)
You can install apps directly on the watch by opening the Play Store, tapping the search icon or browsing categories, then tapping an app and selecting Install. Selected apps install automatically to the watch after tapping Install. Alternatively, use your paired Android phone: open the Galaxy Wearable app, swipe to and tap Store, which opens the watch version of the Play Store on your watch. Tap Install to send the app to your watch.
Older Tizen-based Samsung watches (Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch Active2, and earlier)
Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone, then tap Discover > Find more in the Galaxy Store. Navigate to the Watch tab, find the app, and tap Install. On the watch itself, you can also use the Galaxy Store app to browse and install apps directly. The Galaxy Store on the watch itself can also be used to browse and install apps directly.
Manage automatic downloads and app updates
On Apple Watch, you can control automatic installations from two places. In the Watch app on iPhone, go to My Watch > General and turn off Automatic App Install. On the watch itself, the App Store settings include an Automatic Downloads option that automatically installs the watchOS version of free and paid apps purchased on other devices. The Automatic Downloads setting in the watch's App Store settings installs watchOS versions of apps purchased on other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download apps for my smartwatch?
Yes, you can download apps for your smartwatch. Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch each have dedicated app stores, the App Store on the watch or the Watch app on iPhone for Apple, and the Play Store or Galaxy Store for Samsung, where you can browse and install apps designed for the watch’s screen and capabilities.
What kind of apps are available for smartwatches?
Popular categories include fitness and health tracking, productivity, music and media control, messaging, weather, navigation, and watch face customization. Apps are specifically optimized for the smaller screen and limited input methods of a smartwatch.
Can I use my smartphone apps on my smartwatch?
In most cases, smartphone apps cannot be used directly on a smartwatch. However, many iPhone apps have a companion watchOS version that installs automatically if you have Automatic App Install enabled. For Samsung watches, you install watch-specific versions from the Play Store or Galaxy Store. If you need help comparing which watch model supports the apps you want, check smartwatch and tracker comparisons before buying.
Are smartwatch apps free or paid?
Smartwatch apps can be both free and paid. The App Store and Play Store show a price or Get button before you install. Some free apps offer in-app purchases for additional features. Always check the app description and ratings before downloading.
Why is my smartwatch not connecting to my phone?
If you have trouble pairing, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and restart both. If the problem persists, unpair and re-pair the devices.
