How would it feel when you get a WhatsApp notification only on your wrist? Obviously, it is time-saving, convenient, accessible, and manageable. But I know you are curious about how to connect WhatsApp to smartwatch which is the main topic of this blog post.
This guide covers all aspects, of everything you need to know about WhatsApp notifications, from compatibility testing to customizing notifications. Let’s dive into the sea of WhatsApp notifications on smartwatches.
Why Connect WhatsApp to Your Smartwatch?
Is this a question? Of course, It was a game-changer for me. It’s like having a personal assistant & who doesn’t want to have a simple life?
This feature works well when I go for exercise and meetings. And it’s quite easy to set up with just simple clicks that take two to three minutes and you’re synced. Some smartwatches also allow you to reply to this message.
Can I Call Back Through WhatsApp notification on the Smartwatch?
If I talk about “calling back,” it only happens when you have installed WhatsApp on your smartwatch. When it comes to the Callback option through WhatsApp notification, directly there are limited smartwatches that allow you to call back by providing the callback button in the notification, but in general cases, you need to go to the WhatsApp app on your smartwatch to make calls.
Verify Compatibility: Does Your Smartwatch Support WhatsApp Notification?
There are limited options to check WhatsApp notification compatibility, and these simple options are enough to check. Here are the following 4 simple steps:
- First, you need to check the user manual you have.
- Check features online by searching about your specific smartwatch model.
- Next, you need to check the app store (like Wear OS for Android or the Apple Watch App Store) and search for WhatsApp. If it is available to download, then you can definitely get notifications too.
- If your smartwatch is paired with your smartphone, then open the companion app (like Wear OS, Galaxy Wearable, or Apple Watch app) on your phone & search for WhatsApp in the list of Apps. If it is available, then you can get Notifications.
3 Methods to Get WhatsApp Notifications on a Smartwatch
There are only two methods to get WhatsApp notifications on your smartwatch, but I have divided them into three methods because of some exceptional smartwatches. Here are the following methods:
1. Standard Smartwatch (Phone Required Nearby):
This is the most common way to get WhatsApp notifications, you don’t need to install WhatsApp on your watch. In this case, the smartwatch just mirrors your phone’s notifications. Keep in mind that you need to keep your watch close to your phone with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
Steps to Follow:
- Turn on Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.
- Install the companion app (your smartwatch’s official app) on your smartphone & connect your smartwatch to your phone.
- Go to the Apps settings on your phone, search for the companion app & allow notifications.
- Go to the companion app, find notifications, and allow all notifications.
- Send a message from another WhatsApp account to your account & check if the smartwatch notifies you or not.
- If yes, then Good.
2. Limited Standalone WhatsApp App on Wear OS 3 (Phone Required Nearby Initially):
This method is less common. The smartwatch can get WhatsApp notifications solely without a phone, but there are three conditions. The first one is you need your phone for the initial setup, and the second one is it is only applicable for Wear OS 3 watches (Galaxy Watch 4, 5 & Pixel smartwatch). The third one is your smartwatch must have a WiFi connection.
Steps to Follow:
- Connect your smartwatch with your phone by using the companion app. As I mentioned above.
- Go to the link (https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.whatsapp) and sign up with Gmail & enroll in the WhatsApp Beta program by clicking on the “Become a Tester” button.
- Go to the Play Store on your smartphone & search for WhatsApp. Then you will see the button “Install on (your smartwatch model)”, Tap on it, and you can see the WhatsApp installation has started on your watch.
- After 50 to 70 sec, you will see the notification button on your watch. Click on it.
- The smartwatch will display an 8-digit code & send you a notification on your phone.
- Open the notification on your phone & click confirm.
- Then type the code on your phone that appears on the smartwatch.
- The smartphone will automatically pair with your smartwatch.
- Then you can send text or audio messages, whatever you want.
- All is done.
3. Use WhatsApp Solely on Smartwatch (Phone Required Initially):
Some smartwatches allow you to use WhatsApp solely on your watch without needing your phone nearby. It is as simple as using WhatsApp on your phone. But remember you can’t use the same WhatsApp account on your phone or any other device.
Steps to Follow:
- Turn on the WiFi on your watch.
- Go to the Play Store & download WhatsApp.
- Initiate it as you do on your phone.
- Enjoy WhatsApp!
How To Customize Whatsapp Notifications On Your Smartwatch
The customization option only works when you use WhatsApp solely on a smartwatch. The customization is the same as you can do in WhatsApp on your phone.
There are a lot of options to personalize WhatsApp notifications. Here are some important customization options available. The best thing about this customization is that you can explore it by yourself.
- You can choose a specific sound to make a difference between the WhatsApp notifications & other notifications. The same goes for vibration.
- You can prioritize which person’s notification is important and which is not.
- You can block WhatsApp notifications for a specific time.
- You can mute a specific person’s or group’s notification.
- It’s up to you whether to display a full message, a short preview or just an alert.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Connecting WhatsApp
In most cases, I can say you will not face any issues, but if I assume that you faced some issues, then here are the following troubleshooting tips for you.
- You need to verify the Bluetooth. It should be turned on on a smartwatch & smartphone.
- If you face a connectivity issue, then try toggling the button off and then on again.
- Make sure you have an active internet connection.
- You may need to restart your WiFi if WiFi is creating a problem.
- The most important one is you need to ensure that your smartwatch firmware & smartphone companion app are up to date.
- Sometimes restarting the phone & smartwatch works to resolve software issues.
- You might need to uninstall & reinstall the companion & WhatsApp app on your phone.
- You need to check that the WhatsApp notifications are enabled on your phone & watch.
- Clearing the cache of both the companion app and WhatsApp resolves the issue.
- It is a last resort. Don’t use this solution first. Reset the smartwatch; if the issue does not resolve, then reset the phone too, but keep this in mind: before resetting, you need to back up your data.
Conclusion
I hope you have now learned all about how to connect WhatsApp to smartwatch. By connecting WhatsApp to your smartwatch, you can view and reply to messages directly from your wrist, making things easier. It is easy to set up and very practical. With the help of this manual, direct access to your WhatsApp notifications on your smartwatch will be at your disposal very soon.