Unfortunately, you cannot install the Google Play Store directly on a Galaxy Watch 3. The Galaxy Watch 3 runs on Samsung's proprietary Tizen operating system, which uses the Galaxy Store for downloading and installing apps, not the Google Play Store. The Google Play Store is available on newer Samsung smartwatches that run on the Wear OS platform, such as the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 series.
Understanding App Stores on Samsung Galaxy Watches
Samsung has used different operating systems and corresponding app stores for its smartwatches:
- Tizen OS: Used on models like the Galaxy Watch 3, Active 2, etc. Apps are downloaded from the Galaxy Store.
- Wear OS Powered by Samsung: Used on newer models like the Galaxy Watch 4, 5, and 6. Apps are downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Since your Galaxy Watch 3 uses Tizen, any apps must be sourced from the Galaxy Store accessible on the watch or via the Galaxy Wearable app on your connected smartphone.
Accessing Apps on Your Galaxy Watch 3 (Using Galaxy Store)
To get new apps on your Galaxy Watch 3, you will use the pre-installed Galaxy Store app. The steps are similar to using any app store:
- Wake up your watch by pressing the Home (Power) button.
- Press the Home (Power) button again to view your apps menu.
- Scroll through your apps and tap the Galaxy Store icon.
- Browse or search for the app you want.
- Tap on the app listing and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
Using the Google Play Store (Applicable to Wear OS Galaxy Watches like GW4/5/6)
While not possible on the Galaxy Watch 3, the process for accessing and installing apps from the Google Play Store on compatible Wear OS Galaxy watches involves these steps:
- Press the power button on your watch to wake up your device.
- Press the power button again to open the menu of apps.
- Scroll down and tap the Google Play Store icon.
- Find an app: You can find apps by scrolling through featured apps, browsing categories, or using the search function.
- Tap the desired app listing and follow the on-screen instructions to get the app. This typically involves tapping an "Install" button and potentially reviewing permissions before the app downloads and installs automatically.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 3 | Galaxy Watch 4/5/6 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Tizen OS | Wear OS Powered by Samsung |
| App Store | Galaxy Store | Google Play Store |
| Google Play | Not available/installable | Built-in |
In summary, the Google Play Store app is not supported on the Galaxy Watch 3 due to its operating system. To install apps on your Galaxy Watch 3, you must use the Galaxy Store.
