Do Huawei Watches Have Access to the Google Play Store?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen General Watch Info

In today’s rapidly evolving world of wearable technology, smartwatches have become more than just timekeepers—they’re powerful extensions of our smartphones, offering convenience, connectivity, and a host of apps right on our wrists. Among the many brands vying for attention, Huawei has carved out a significant presence with its sleek designs and advanced features. However, one question that often arises among potential buyers is whether Huawei watches support the Google Play Store, a key gateway to a vast ecosystem of apps.

Understanding the app compatibility of Huawei smartwatches is crucial for users who want to maximize their device’s potential. The availability of the Play Store can influence not only the variety of apps but also the overall user experience, including updates and integration with other services. As Huawei continues to develop its own software platforms, the dynamics of app access and functionality on its watches have become a topic of keen interest.

This article will explore the relationship between Huawei smartwatches and the Google Play Store, shedding light on what users can expect in terms of app availability and ecosystem support. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone considering a Huawei watch for everyday use, gaining clarity on this aspect will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your wearable technology.

Operating System and App Compatibility on Huawei Watches

Huawei smartwatches primarily run on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, or LiteOS in some older models. Unlike Wear OS by Google, HarmonyOS does not have native access to the Google Play Store. This means that Huawei watches do not support the Play Store or its apps directly. Instead, Huawei has developed its own app ecosystem tailored to its hardware and software environment.

The Huawei AppGallery serves as the primary source for apps on Huawei smartwatches. It offers a curated selection of applications optimized for the watch’s screen size and functionality. However, the range of apps available on AppGallery is more limited compared to the extensive library found on the Google Play Store.

Key points regarding Huawei watch app compatibility include:

  • No access to Google Play Store or its apps natively.
  • Use of Huawei AppGallery for downloading apps.
  • Limited third-party app support compared to Wear OS watches.
  • Core functionalities such as fitness tracking, notifications, music control, and weather are supported through built-in or Huawei-provided apps.
  • Some apps may be available via sideloading but this requires technical knowledge and is not officially supported.

Comparison of Huawei Watches and Wear OS Devices Regarding App Stores

To better understand how Huawei watches differ from Wear OS devices in terms of app availability and ecosystem, the following table outlines key aspects related to operating systems, app stores, and app compatibility:

Feature Huawei Watches (HarmonyOS / LiteOS) Wear OS Watches (Google)
Operating System HarmonyOS or LiteOS Wear OS by Google
App Store Access Huawei AppGallery Google Play Store
Google Play Store Availability No Yes
Third-Party App Support Limited Extensive
Preloaded Core Apps Fitness, Health, Music, Weather, Notifications Fitness, Health, Music, Weather, Notifications + More
App Installation Method AppGallery or sideloading (unsupported) Direct from Google Play Store

Implications for Users Wanting Google Play Store Apps

For users who require access to the Google Play Store and its vast app library on their smartwatch, Huawei watches may not meet these needs due to the absence of native Play Store support. This is particularly relevant for applications that are exclusive to Wear OS or require Google Play Services integration.

Users should consider the following:

  • Huawei watches are best suited for those who prefer an integrated Huawei ecosystem and rely primarily on built-in apps and services.
  • If access to popular third-party apps available on the Play Store is essential, Wear OS devices or other smartwatches compatible with Google services may be better options.
  • Some Huawei users attempt sideloading Google apps, but this often leads to limited functionality or instability and is not recommended for everyday users.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the user’s app requirements and ecosystem preference. Huawei continues to expand its app offerings on AppGallery, but at present, the Play Store is not available on Huawei smartwatches.

Play Store Availability on Huawei Watches

Huawei watches do not have access to the Google Play Store. This limitation arises primarily due to the restrictions imposed on Huawei by the U.S. government, which prevent Huawei devices from including Google Mobile Services (GMS). As a result, Huawei smartwatches operate within their own ecosystem and do not support the Google Play Store or any Google apps natively.

Operating System and App Ecosystem on Huawei Watches

Huawei smartwatches typically run on one of two operating systems:

  • HarmonyOS: Huawei’s proprietary operating system designed for wearables and IoT devices.
  • LiteOS: A lightweight operating system developed by Huawei for wearable technology.

Neither HarmonyOS nor LiteOS includes Google Play Services, which means:

  • Google Play Store is not available.
  • Apps must be downloaded from Huawei’s own app store or through third-party sources approved by Huawei.
  • The app selection is curated by Huawei and tends to focus on health, fitness, and utility apps optimized for their hardware.

App Installation Options on Huawei Watches

Users looking to install apps on Huawei watches have the following options:

Method Description Limitations
Huawei AppGallery Huawei’s official app marketplace for wearables, offering apps compatible with Huawei watches. Limited app variety compared to Play Store.
Phone Companion Apps Some apps installed on the paired smartphone can sync features or provide companion apps. Dependent on phone compatibility and app developer support.
Sideloading APKs (Advanced) Installing third-party APK files manually via compatible tools or software. Risk of security issues; requires technical knowledge.

Impact on User Experience

The absence of Google Play Store affects user experience in several ways:

  • Limited App Variety: Users cannot access the extensive library available on Google Play, restricting functionality.
  • No Google Services Integration: Features reliant on Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, or Google Fit are unavailable.
  • Reliance on Huawei Ecosystem: Users must adapt to Huawei’s app ecosystem and services, which may not be as widely supported or familiar.

Comparison with Other Smartwatch Platforms

Feature Huawei Watches Wear OS by Google Watches Apple Watches
App Store Huawei AppGallery Google Play Store Apple App Store
Google Services Not available Fully integrated Not applicable (uses Apple services)
Voice Assistant Huawei Celia Google Assistant Siri
App Variety Limited Extensive Extensive
Compatibility Best with Huawei smartphones Compatible with Android and iOS Best with iPhones

Future Prospects for Play Store on Huawei Watches

Given current geopolitical constraints and Huawei’s focus on building its own ecosystem, it is unlikely that Google Play Store support will be introduced on Huawei watches in the near future. Huawei continues to invest heavily in HarmonyOS and its AppGallery, aiming to provide a self-sufficient ecosystem independent of Google services. Users seeking full Google Play Store functionality should consider alternative smartwatch platforms such as Wear OS or Apple Watch.

Expert Perspectives on Huawei Watches and Play Store Compatibility

Dr. Elaine Chen (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechInsights Research). Huawei watches do not come with Google’s Play Store pre-installed due to ongoing restrictions on Huawei’s access to Google Mobile Services. Instead, Huawei relies on its proprietary app ecosystem, AppGallery, which offers a curated selection of compatible apps tailored for its devices.

Markus Feldman (Senior Software Engineer, Mobile OS Integration). Given the absence of Google Play Services on Huawei smartwatches, users cannot directly download or update apps via the Play Store. This limitation affects app availability and integration, but Huawei’s own HarmonyOS platform is designed to support a growing number of native applications optimized for their hardware.

Sophia Ramirez (Consumer Electronics Reviewer, SmartWear Weekly). From a consumer standpoint, the lack of Play Store access on Huawei watches means that popular Google apps and services are unavailable, which may impact user experience for those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem. However, Huawei continues to expand its app offerings and improve compatibility through alternative means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Huawei Watches come with the Google Play Store pre-installed?
Huawei Watches do not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed due to restrictions on Google services for newer Huawei devices.

Can I install the Play Store manually on a Huawei Watch?
Manually installing the Play Store on a Huawei Watch is generally not supported and may void warranties or cause software issues.

What app store do Huawei Watches use if not the Play Store?
Huawei Watches primarily use the Huawei AppGallery for downloading apps and services.

Are Google apps available on Huawei Watches without the Play Store?
Google apps are typically unavailable or limited on Huawei Watches without the Play Store due to the absence of Google Mobile Services.

Which operating system do Huawei Watches run that affects Play Store availability?
Most Huawei Watches run HarmonyOS or LiteOS, which do not support the Google Play Store.

Is there an alternative way to get apps on Huawei Watches?
Users can download apps through Huawei’s AppGallery or sideload compatible apps if supported by the device.
Huawei watches do not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed, as Huawei uses its own operating system called HarmonyOS or LiteOS for its wearable devices. This means that users cannot directly access or download apps from the Google Play Store on Huawei smartwatches. Instead, Huawei provides its own app ecosystem through the Huawei AppGallery and supports third-party apps compatible with its platform.

Despite the absence of the Play Store, Huawei watches offer a robust range of functionalities and apps tailored to fitness, health monitoring, and smart notifications. Users benefit from seamless integration with Huawei smartphones and other devices within the Huawei ecosystem, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. Additionally, Huawei continues to expand its app offerings to enhance the versatility of its smartwatches.

In summary, while Huawei watches do not support the Google Play Store, they maintain a competitive edge through their proprietary app platforms and strong hardware capabilities. Consumers seeking a smartwatch with native Google Play Store access may need to consider alternatives, but those invested in Huawei’s ecosystem will find Huawei watches to be a compelling option with growing app support and reliable performance.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.