Technical Sideloading Guide for Gemini on WearOS
Warning
This guide is for advanced users only. Sideloading may void warranties, cause system instability, or damage your device. Proceed at your own risk.
If Gemini isn't available for your WearOS watch through official channels, sideloading via ADB may be an option.
Prerequisites
Gather these requirements before attempting sideloading.
-
Developer Mode: Enable developer options on your watch:
SettingsSystemAbouttapBuild number7 times. -
ADB Setup: Install Android Debug Bridge from the Android SDK platform tools on your computer.
-
WiFi Debugging: Enable
ADB debuggingandDebug over WiFiin your watch's developer options. -
Compatible APK: Obtain the
GeminiAPK from a legitimate source like APK Mirror. Verify it matches your device architecture (ARM64).
Basic Installation Steps
Follow these steps to sideload Gemini.
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Connect via ADB: Run
adb connect [watch-ip]:5555using the IP shown in your watch's developer options. -
Verify Connection: Run
adb devicesto confirm your watch appears in the list. -
Install APK: Run
adb install gemini.apkto install the application. -
Grant Permissions: Run
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.apps.bard android.permission.RECORD_AUDIOfor microphone access.
Connection Troubleshooting
If adb connect fails, restart both your watch and computer, then re-enable WiFi debugging on the watch.
Post-Installation Configuration
Additional steps may be needed after installation.
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Server Activation:
Geminirequires server-side activation even after successful installation. This may not work in unsupported regions. -
Assistant Setup: Go to
SettingsGoogleDigital assistantto configureGeminias your default. -
Test Functionality: Try basic commands like
Set a timer for 1 minuteto verify the installation works.
Important Limitations
Understand these limitations before sideloading.
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No Guarantee: Sideloaded
Geminimay not function correctly without server-side activation. -
Update Issues: Sideloaded apps don't receive automatic updates. You'll need to manually update.
-
Regional Blocks: If
Geminiisn't available in your region, sideloading the APK alone won't bypass regional restrictions. -
System Updates: Future
WearOSupdates may remove or break sideloaded installations.
Removal and Rollback
If sideloading causes issues, you can remove Gemini.
-
Uninstall: Run
adb uninstall com.google.android.apps.bardto remove the app. -
Clear Data: If issues persist, go to
SettingsAppsGoogleClear cacheon your watch. -
Factory Reset: As a last resort, factory reset your watch through
SettingsSystemReset.
Better Alternative
Consider waiting for official Gemini support or upgrading to a supported watch. Sideloading is unreliable and may cause more problems than it solves.
See Also: Gemini Compatibility Guide|Regional Availability Issues|How to Set Up Gemini on Smartwatch