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How to Setup WhatsApp on a WearOS Smartwatch | How to Use It

By AndroidGreek Team
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WhatsApp is a widely popular communication tool used by billions of people worldwide. While the app is already available on various platforms such as Android, iOS, and Windows, it has now made its debut on Google Wear OS, an operating system developed by Google for Android smartwatches.

The new WhatsApp app is now available as a direct native application for Wear OS. Currently, in beta testing, it can be installed on the latest beta version of WhatsApp Android (v2.23.10.10). With this app, you can conveniently send and receive messages directly from your wrist without having to open your smartphone.

If you’re interested in utilising this functionality, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch and show you how to make the most of its features.

Setting Up and Using WhatsApp on Your Wear OS Smartwatch

Please note that the native version of the WhatsApp app for Wear OS only supports smartwatches running Wear OS 3 and higher. Popular devices compatible with this version include the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series, the Watch 5 series, and the Google Pixel Watch.

Before you can install WhatsApp on your smartwatch, you need to sign up for the WhatsApp beta program. To join the beta programme, simply follow the link provided and click on “Join the Beta.”

Beta programmes offer users the opportunity to test new features and updates before they are officially released to the general public. It’s important to be aware that beta versions may contain bugs or stability issues as they are still in the testing phase. Therefore, participants in the WhatsApp beta programme should understand the potential risks and be prepared to encounter some issues while using the app.

Once you have successfully joined the beta programme, open the Google Play Store on your smartphone and search for WhatsApp. You should see an option to install the Wear OS companion app. If you don’t find it, don’t worry. There are alternative methods to installing WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch.

Installing the WhatsApp app on Wear OS

There are two ways to install the WhatsApp app on your Wear OS smartwatch. The first method, which is recommended, involves downloading the app from your smartphone and syncing it with your smartwatch. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your smartphone and search for the WhatsApp app. Ensure that your smartphone is connected to the Wear OS smartwatch you are using.
  2. From the list of apps, select WhatsApp. Under the “Available on more devices” tab, you will find the option to install the Wear OS version of the app on your smartwatch. If the option is not visible, follow the second installation method described below.
  3. Tap “Install” to initiate the installation process on your smartwatch.
  4. Once the installation is successful, you will find the WhatsApp app on your Wear OS smartwatch.

The second method allows you to install the WhatsApp app directly on your smartwatch:

  1. Connect your smartwatch to Wi-Fi or the internet (for cellular versions).
  2. Open the Play Store on your smartwatch. You can access the list of apps on your smartwatch by swiping up from the home screen. Locate the Play Store app and open it.
  3. In the Play Store, use the search bar to find the WhatsApp app.
  4. Tap “Install” to begin the installation process. The time required for installation may vary depending on your smartwatch.

Setting up WhatsApp on a Wear OS Smartwatch

Once WhatsApp is installed on your Wear OS smartwatch, you need to set it up to start using it. Follow these steps.

  1. On your smartwatch, swipe up to view the full list of apps. Locate WhatsApp and tap on it to open the app. 
  2. The app will display a unique code on your smartwatch, and you will receive a notification on your smartphone to connect to a new device.
  3. Tap on the notification received on your smartphone, click the “Confirm” button, and enter the code displayed on your smartwatch.
  4. Alternatively, you can also link your smartwatch to WhatsApp by accessing the three-dot menu within the app. From there, select “Linked Devices,” followed by “Link Device.” Choose the option to use mobile data, or enter the code displayed on your smartwatch if you’re using a mobile network.
  5. After successfully entering the code, it may take a moment for all your chats to load into the WhatsApp app on your Wear OS smartwatch, depending on your internet speed.

Using WhatsApp on Wear OS: Features and Functionality

While the Wear OS version of WhatsApp offers several useful features, it’s important to note that it may lack some functionalities found in the mobile version. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do with WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch:

  1. Sending Text Messages: Connect your smartwatch to the internet and open WhatsApp. Select the chat you wish to send a message to, scroll down, click on the keyboard icon, type your message, and tap “Send.” Similar to the mobile version, you can see message delivery options and the sent message’s timestamp.
  2. Sending Voice Messages: Open WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch and choose the chat you want to engage in an audio conversation with. Scroll down and click on the microphone icon to record and send an audio message. Grant WhatsApp the necessary microphone permissions when prompted.
  3. Viewing Profiles and Information: Open WhatsApp on your smartwatch and select the conversation for which you want to view the contact’s profile and information. Scroll down within the conversation and click on “People.” This will allow you to see the contact’s profile picture and details. Please note that zooming in on the profile picture is not available.
  4. Muting Chats: In WhatsApp on your smartwatch, open the conversation you wish to mute. Scroll down within the conversation and click on “People.” From there, scroll further down and toggle the “Mute Chat” option to mute the conversation.
  5. Logging Out of WhatsApp: To log out of WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch, open the app, scroll down, and click on “Settings.” Within the settings menu, tap the “Logout” button to sign out.

WhatsApp on Your Wrist: Stay Connected Effortlessly

WhatsApp’s availability on Wear OS smartwatches allows you to conveniently send and receive messages without having to rely solely on your smartphone. By installing the WhatsApp app on your smartphone and syncing it with your smartwatch, you can effortlessly view and reply to messages right from your wrist.

We hope this guide has provided valuable information on setting up and using WhatsApp on your Wear OS smartwatch. If you encounter any issues during the installation process or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to comment below. Our team is here to assist you.