The Samsung Gear Sport does not have access to the full Android Store (Google Play Store). Instead, it runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS and uses the Galaxy Store for app downloads. While this limits direct Android app compatibility, the Gear Sport still offers a robust selection of fitness, health, and lifestyle apps optimized for its platform.
If you’re considering buying a Samsung Gear Sport or already own one, you might be wondering: Does the Gear Sport have Android Store? It’s a common question, especially for users coming from Android Wear devices like the Fossil Gen 6 or Mobvoi TicWatch, which run on Google’s Wear OS and offer direct access to the Google Play Store. The short answer? No, the Gear Sport does not have the Android Store. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in functionality. In fact, Samsung has built a solid ecosystem around its Tizen-based smartwatches, offering a curated experience that prioritizes battery life, performance, and integration with Samsung devices.
The Gear Sport, released in 2017, was designed as a fitness-focused smartwatch with smart capabilities. It features a rotating bezel for navigation, water resistance up to 50 meters, built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. But when it comes to apps, things work a bit differently than on Android Wear devices. Instead of the familiar Google Play Store, the Gear Sport relies on Samsung’s proprietary Galaxy Store. This means you won’t be able to download your favorite Android apps directly from the Play Store, but you will find a growing library of Tizen-optimized applications that serve many of the same purposes.
So why doesn’t the Gear Sport have the Android Store? The answer lies in the operating system. Unlike Wear OS devices, which are built on Android and designed to work closely with Google services, the Gear Sport runs on Tizen OS—a lightweight, Linux-based platform developed by Samsung. Tizen was chosen for its efficiency, especially in terms of battery life and smooth performance on smaller screens. While this means you miss out on the vast Android app ecosystem, it also means the Gear Sport can last longer on a single charge and respond more quickly to user input.
Key Takeaways
- No Google Play Store: The Gear Sport uses Tizen OS, not Android Wear, so it cannot access the Android Store or install standard Android apps.
- Galaxy Store is the primary source: All apps, watch faces, and widgets must be downloaded through Samsung’s Galaxy Store, accessible via the Galaxy Wearable app.
- Limited but functional app selection: While smaller than the Android Store, the Galaxy Store offers essential apps for fitness, music, navigation, and productivity.
- Optimized for Samsung ecosystem: The Gear Sport works best with Samsung smartphones and integrates seamlessly with Samsung Health, Bixby, and other Samsung services.
- Third-party app support exists: Popular apps like Spotify, Strava, and Google Maps (via Samsung’s version) are available, though not all Android apps are compatible.
- Manual sideloading is not recommended: Attempting to install APK files or use workarounds can void warranties and cause instability.
- Future updates won’t add Android Store: Samsung has not announced plans to bring Google Play to Tizen-based devices like the Gear Sport.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I download apps from the Google Play Store on the Gear Sport?
No, the Gear Sport does not support the Google Play Store. It uses Samsung’s Galaxy Store for app downloads.
What apps are available on the Gear Sport?
Popular apps include Spotify, Strava, Samsung Health, Google Maps (Samsung version), and MyFitnessPal.
Can I use the Gear Sport with an iPhone?
Yes, but with limited functionality. You can receive notifications and track fitness, but app installation is restricted.
Is it possible to sideload Android apps on the Gear Sport?
No, sideloading Android APK files is not supported and can damage the device or void the warranty.
Will Samsung add the Android Store to the Gear Sport in the future?
No, Samsung has not announced any plans to bring the Android Store to Tizen-based devices like the Gear Sport.
📑 Table of Contents
Understanding the Gear Sport’s Operating System
To fully grasp why the Gear Sport doesn’t have the Android Store, it’s important to understand the role of its operating system. The Gear Sport runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which is different from Google’s Wear OS (formerly Android Wear). Tizen is a Unix-like operating system originally developed by Samsung and the Linux Foundation. It’s used not only in smartwatches but also in Samsung smart TVs, refrigerators, and other IoT devices.
One of the main reasons Samsung chose Tizen for the Gear Sport is efficiency. Tizen is optimized for low-power devices and offers better battery management compared to Wear OS. This allows the Gear Sport to deliver up to 4–5 days of battery life with typical use—something that’s hard to achieve on many Android Wear devices. Additionally, Tizen provides a smoother, more responsive user interface, especially when navigating with the Gear Sport’s signature rotating bezel.
However, this choice comes with trade-offs. Because Tizen is not based on Android, it cannot run standard Android applications. This means apps designed for the Google Play Store won’t work on the Gear Sport unless they’ve been specifically ported or rewritten for Tizen. As a result, the app ecosystem is more limited, but it’s also more curated. Samsung controls what apps are available, ensuring they meet performance and security standards.
How Tizen Differs from Wear OS
Tizen and Wear OS may look similar on the surface—both offer notifications, fitness tracking, and app support—but they operate very differently under the hood. Wear OS is built on Android, which means it inherits many of Android’s strengths, including access to the massive Google Play Store. This allows Wear OS devices to run a wide variety of apps, from productivity tools like Google Keep to games and social media apps.
Tizen, on the other hand, is a standalone platform. It doesn’t rely on Google services, which gives Samsung more control over the user experience. For example, the Gear Sport uses Samsung’s own voice assistant, Bixby, instead of Google Assistant. It also integrates with Samsung Health rather than Google Fit. While this creates a more unified experience for Samsung users, it can be a drawback for those who prefer Google’s ecosystem.
Another key difference is app development. Developers who want to create apps for the Gear Sport must use Samsung’s Tizen SDK (Software Development Kit), which is different from the Android SDK. This means that even if an app exists on the Google Play Store, it won’t automatically work on the Gear Sport unless the developer creates a Tizen version.
App Ecosystem: Galaxy Store vs. Android Store
Visual guide about Does the Gear Sport Have Android Store
Image source: thumbs.dreamstime.com
Now that we’ve established that the Gear Sport doesn’t run Android, let’s talk about where you get apps. Instead of the Android Store, the Gear Sport uses the Galaxy Store—a digital marketplace developed by Samsung for its smart devices. The Galaxy Store is accessible through the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone, which acts as a bridge between your phone and the watch.
To download apps on the Gear Sport, you’ll need to:
1. Install the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Pair your Gear Sport with your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Galaxy Wearable app and navigate to the “Apps” section.
4. Browse or search for apps, watch faces, or widgets.
5. Tap “Install” to download and sync the app to your watch.
The Galaxy Store offers a range of categories, including Fitness, Health, Music, Navigation, Productivity, and Entertainment. While the selection isn’t as vast as the Google Play Store, it includes many popular and useful apps. For example, you can download Spotify to control music playback, Strava for advanced workout tracking, and Samsung Internet for basic web browsing.
Popular Apps Available on the Gear Sport
Despite the limitations, the Gear Sport supports several well-known apps that enhance its functionality. Here are some of the most popular ones:
– Spotify: One of the biggest draws for music lovers, Spotify allows you to control playback directly from your wrist. You can browse playlists, skip tracks, and adjust volume—all without pulling out your phone.
– Strava: A favorite among runners and cyclists, Strava offers detailed workout tracking with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and performance analysis.
– Samsung Health: This is the default health app on the Gear Sport. It tracks steps, calories, sleep, heart rate, and more. It also syncs with other Samsung devices and apps.
– Google Maps (Samsung Version): While not the full Google Maps app, Samsung offers a lightweight version that provides turn-by-turn navigation and location search.
– MyFitnessPal: This app helps you log food and track calories, integrating with Samsung Health for a complete fitness picture.
– Weather: Get current conditions and forecasts directly on your watch, with support for multiple locations.
These apps are optimized for the Gear Sport’s screen size and input methods, ensuring a smooth user experience. They also take advantage of the watch’s sensors, such as the heart rate monitor and GPS, to provide accurate data.
Limitations of the Galaxy Store
While the Galaxy Store offers a decent selection, it’s not without limitations. The biggest drawback is the lack of third-party app support compared to the Android Store. Many popular Android apps—like WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok—are not available on the Gear Sport. This is because developers often prioritize Android and iOS over Tizen due to its smaller user base.
Additionally, app updates can be slower on the Galaxy Store. Since Samsung controls the distribution, updates may take longer to roll out compared to the Google Play Store, where developers can push updates directly.
Another issue is compatibility. Not all apps work well with the Gear Sport’s hardware. For example, some apps may not support the rotating bezel or may have limited functionality due to screen size constraints.
Can You Install Android Apps on the Gear Sport?
Given the lack of Android Store access, some users wonder if it’s possible to sideload Android apps onto the Gear Sport. In short: no, not really. The Gear Sport is not designed to run Android APK files, and attempting to do so can cause serious problems.
Why Sideloading Isn’t Feasible
Sideloading refers to installing apps from sources other than the official app store. On Android phones, this is relatively easy—you just enable “Unknown Sources” and install the APK file. But on the Gear Sport, the process is much more complicated—and risky.
First, the Gear Sport runs Tizen, not Android. This means Android APK files are incompatible. Even if you could transfer an APK to the watch, it wouldn’t run because the operating systems are fundamentally different.
Second, Samsung has locked down the Gear Sport’s software to prevent unauthorized modifications. This is done for security and stability reasons. Attempting to root the device or install custom firmware can void your warranty, brick the watch, or expose it to malware.
There have been some community efforts to enable sideloading or emulate Android on Tizen devices, but these are experimental and not recommended for average users. They often require advanced technical knowledge and can lead to unpredictable behavior.
Alternative Workarounds
While you can’t install Android apps directly, there are a few workarounds that can help you get similar functionality:
– Use companion apps: Many Android apps have companion versions for smartwatches. For example, while you can’t run WhatsApp on the Gear Sport, you can receive notifications and reply using quick responses.
– Sync with your phone: The Gear Sport can mirror notifications from your Android phone, so you’ll still see messages, calls, and alerts even if the app isn’t installed on the watch.
– Use web-based services: Some apps offer web versions that can be accessed through the Samsung Internet browser on the watch. This isn’t ideal, but it can work for basic tasks like checking email or weather.
These solutions aren’t perfect, but they can help bridge the gap between the Gear Sport and the Android ecosystem.
Integration with Samsung and Android Ecosystems
One of the strengths of the Gear Sport is its deep integration with Samsung devices. If you own a Samsung smartphone, tablet, or TV, the Gear Sport can enhance your experience by acting as a remote control, fitness tracker, or notification hub.
For example, you can use the Gear Sport to:
– Control music playback on your Samsung phone or TV.
– Receive and respond to calls and messages.
– Track workouts and sync data with Samsung Health.
– Use Bixby to set reminders, check the weather, or control smart home devices.
This level of integration is one of the reasons Samsung chose Tizen—it allows for tighter control over the user experience and better optimization across devices.
Compatibility with Non-Samsung Devices
While the Gear Sport works best with Samsung phones, it’s not limited to them. You can pair it with any Android device running Android 4.4 or higher, or even an iPhone (with limited functionality). However, some features—like Bixby and full Samsung Health sync—may not work as well on non-Samsung devices.
On Android phones, you’ll still be able to download apps from the Galaxy Store, receive notifications, and track fitness data. But you may miss out on deeper integrations like Samsung Pay or seamless file sharing.
On iPhones, the Gear Sport offers basic functionality, including notifications, music control, and fitness tracking. However, app support is more limited, and you won’t be able to install new apps directly from the iPhone.
Future of the Gear Sport and Tizen OS
As of now, Samsung has not announced any plans to bring the Android Store to the Gear Sport or other Tizen-based watches. In fact, the company has been gradually shifting its focus toward Wear OS for newer models. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and later models run on Wear OS, giving them full access to the Google Play Store.
This shift suggests that Samsung is moving away from Tizen for smartwatches, at least in the premium segment. However, Tizen is still used in some budget and fitness-focused models, and existing devices like the Gear Sport continue to receive security updates.
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re using a Gear Sport and are frustrated by the lack of Android Store access, you might be considering an upgrade. The Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 5 would give you access to the Google Play Store, Google Assistant, and a wider range of apps. However, they also come with shorter battery life and a higher price tag.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities. If you value battery life, smooth performance, and deep Samsung integration, the Gear Sport is still a solid choice. But if app variety and Google services are more important, a Wear OS device might be a better fit.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Gear Sport
Even without the Android Store, the Gear Sport can be a powerful tool for fitness, productivity, and convenience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
– Customize your watch faces: The Galaxy Store offers hundreds of watch faces. Choose one that displays the info you need most, like weather, steps, or calendar events.
– Use the rotating bezel: The bezel is one of the Gear Sport’s standout features. Use it to scroll through menus, adjust settings, or navigate apps quickly.
– Enable always-on display: This keeps the time visible at all times, though it may reduce battery life slightly.
– Set up workout modes: The Gear Sport supports over 60 workout types. Customize your favorites for quick access during exercise.
– Sync with Samsung Health: Make sure your watch is synced with Samsung Health on your phone to track all your data in one place.
– Use Bixby for voice commands: While not as powerful as Google Assistant, Bixby can still help you set reminders, check the weather, or start workouts.
By taking advantage of these features, you can enjoy a rich smartwatch experience—even without the Android Store.
Conclusion
So, does the Gear Sport have Android Store? The answer is no—but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad device. The Gear Sport runs on Samsung’s Tizen OS and uses the Galaxy Store for apps, offering a curated, efficient, and reliable smartwatch experience. While you won’t find the vast selection of the Google Play Store, you will find essential apps for fitness, music, navigation, and productivity—all optimized for the watch’s hardware.
The Gear Sport shines in areas like battery life, build quality, and integration with Samsung devices. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize fitness tracking and seamless connectivity over app variety. And while the lack of Android Store access may be a drawback for some, it’s a trade-off that many users are willing to make for the benefits Tizen provides.
If you’re already using a Gear Sport, focus on maximizing its strengths—customize your watch faces, use the rotating bezel, and take advantage of Samsung Health. And if you’re considering an upgrade, weigh the pros and cons of Tizen versus Wear OS based on your needs.
In the end, the Gear Sport may not have the Android Store, but it still offers a compelling smartwatch experience for the right user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Gear Sport support Google Assistant?
No, the Gear Sport uses Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant instead of Google Assistant. Bixby can perform basic tasks like setting reminders and checking the weather.
Can I listen to music offline on the Gear Sport?
Yes, if you have a Spotify Premium account, you can download playlists to the watch and listen offline using Bluetooth headphones.
How do I update apps on the Gear Sport?
App updates are managed through the Galaxy Wearable app. Open the app, go to the Apps section, and check for updates manually.
Does the Gear Sport work with Google Fit?
No, the Gear Sport integrates with Samsung Health, not Google Fit. However, you can export data to other platforms manually.
Can I reply to messages on the Gear Sport?
Yes, you can reply to messages using quick responses, voice input, or pre-set templates, depending on your phone’s messaging app.
Is the Gear Sport still supported by Samsung?
While the Gear Sport is no longer receiving major software updates, it still receives security patches and remains functional for basic use.
