WhatsApp has started testing a new application that is compatible with various WearOS 3 smartwatches, including the Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 5, Fossil Gen 6, and others.
The messaging app is now functional on Wear OS following the installation of the latest beta version 2.23.10.10 for Android.
WhatsApp for Wear OS
The app has some exclusive features that make it easy and fun to use. Here are some of them:
- Contacts: You can see a simple list of your recent contacts on the main page, along with options to access the settings or open the app on your phone.
- Conversations: You can scroll through your past messages and reply using either voice messages or the system keyboard. You can also see when someone is typing or online.
- Group chats: You can join or create group chats from your watch and see who’s in the conversation by scrolling to the end. You can also open the group chat on your phone if you want to send media or stickers.
To set up the app, enter an eight-digit code from your watch into the phone app. Once you do that, your chats will sync across devices safely, with end-to-end encryption preserved through multi-device capabilities.
You can check the number of unread messages with a circular complication and use “WhatsApp contacts” to jump to someone quickly. “WhatsApp voice message” lets you start recording audio instantly.
Availability
To use WhatsApp on your smartwatch, download the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store as a beta tester or get the APK here. Ensure that your phone and watch have version 2.23.10.10 or later.
If the app doesn’t appear in the on-watch Play Store, you can install it from your phone’s listing. Note that the WhatsApp Business app is currently not available on smartwatches.