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How to Install and Use Google Assistant on Samsung Galaxy Watch

ByJim Miller

You have to install apps on Samsung's Galaxy Watch however it comes with Bixby as the default assistant. While it works well, many users prefer Google Assistant instead. Here's how to get Google Assistant on your Galaxy Watch, set it as the default assistant, and use it in your day-to-day life.

Getting Google Assistant on the Samsung Galaxy Watch

Method 1: Install from the Play Store

Open the Play Store on your Galaxy Watch and search for Google Assistant. Once you find it, tap on the Install button to download it. After downloading, tap on Open to set up and use it.

Method 2: Update the Software

On older watches, you may need to update the Samsung Watch software to get Google Assistant. Here's how:

  1. Ensure that you are running the latest version of the One UI Watch OS. Swipe up on the home page to open the app drawer, then tap on the cog icon to open Settings.
  2. In Settings, scroll down and select the Software update option. Then choose the Download and install option. If there is an update available, you can download it from here.
  3. Once your watch is up to date, update the Assistant app. Open the Play Store app from the app drawer and select the Manage apps option.
  4. Find the Assistant app in the list of apps that need updating. Tap on the Update button to update it.

By updating the assistant app instead of downloading it, you ensure that it integrates with the Google app on your watch. Once updated, you can find the Assistant app in the app drawer.

Setting up Google Assistant on Samsung Galaxy Watch

After updating the Assistant app, you can set it up on your Galaxy Watch:

  1. Open the Assistant app from the app drawer and tap on the Get started button.
  2. The remaining steps can be completed on the phone connected to the watch. When you open the phone, you should see the Activate option. Tap on it, then tap on Continue on the next page.
  3. Tap on the Next button to set up the Hey Google command on your Galaxy Watch. In the pop-up, tap on I agree.
  4. Tap on the Turn on button to enable personal results on the watch. Finally, tap on Got it to begin using Google Assistant on your Galaxy Watch.
  5. Tap on the Done button to return to the home screen on your phone.

Now, on your watch, you can open Assistant to ask questions or activate it with the Hey Google voice command, just like on your phone.

Bonus Tip 1: Use the Side Button to Access Google Assistant

If you find it inconvenient to always activate the assistant with your voice, you can customize the buttons on your Galaxy Watch to open Google Assistant instead of Bixby:

  1. Swipe up on the home page of the Galaxy Watch to access the app drawer. Tap on Settings.
  2. In Settings, open Advanced features and select Customize keys.
  3. Choose the Press and hold option and set it to Google Assistant.

Once done, you can press and hold the home button on your Galaxy Watch to access the assistant without using the Hey Google command.

Bonus Tip 2: Set Google Assistant as the Default Voice Assistant

By default, Google Assistant on the Galaxy Watch may not be able to control device actions or work well with third-party apps like Spotify. But you can set it as the default voice assistant to get those features:

  1. On the Galaxy Watch, open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps and select Choose default apps.
  3. Under Digital assistant app, select Default app.
  4. Choose Assistant and tap on the checkmark to set Google Assistant as the default voice assistant.

Hey Google, Setup Google Assistant on Galaxy Watch

Once everything is set up, you can simply use the Hey Google voice command or long-press the home button to activate Google Assistant. Unlike Bixby, you can release the button once Assistant is activated and continue speaking your command. While Google Assistant is better in many aspects, it may have limitations in controlling device settings. However, as Google continues to improve its Wear OS for Galaxy Watch, we expect these limitations to be addressed in future updates.

Update (Nov 2023): Added Play Store method.