How do I use my smart watch as a speaker?
What You’ll Need
To use your smartwatch as a speaker, the most important requirements are having a smartwatch that is compatible with streaming music apps and has Bluetooth connectivity. Most of the latest smartwatch models from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit have these features.
You’ll want to make sure your smartwatch can download streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc. This allows you to stream music directly from your smartwatch. The watch should also have Bluetooth capabilities to connect wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
Older smartwatch models may lack streaming app support or Bluetooth connectivity. Check the specs of your watch to confirm it has these features before trying to use it as a speaker system.
Download a Music Streaming App
To stream music from your smartwatch to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, you’ll first need to download a music streaming app. Some of the most popular and highly-rated options include:
- Spotify – With over 82 million songs, Spotify (CNET) is one of the most popular music streaming services for iOS and Android devices. It offers ad-supported free streaming as well as premium paid plans.
- Apple Music – Apple’s music streaming service seamlessly integrates with iOS devices like the Apple Watch. It provides access to over 90 million songs along with exclusive content.
- Pandora – This music streaming service creates customized stations based on your tastes. The free version plays ads while Pandora Premium offers an ad-free experience.
Most major music streaming apps like these are available on both iOS and Android app stores. Choose an app that suits your preferences and budget.
Connect Smartwatch to Bluetooth Speaker/Headphones
To listen to music or take calls through a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, you’ll first need to pair your smartwatch with the device. Here’s how to connect your smartwatch to Bluetooth audio devices:
Open the Settings app on your smartwatch. On Samsung models, swipe down from the top and tap Settings. On Wear OS models, swipe down and tap the Settings icon.
Navigate to the Connections or Bluetooth menu. On Samsung watches, tap “Connections” then “Bluetooth.” On Wear OS, tap “Bluetooth.”
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartwatch. Toggle it on if needed.
Put your Bluetooth headphones or speaker in pairing mode. Check the device’s manual for instructions.
Your smartwatch will scan and find nearby Bluetooth devices. When you see your headphones/speaker show up, tap to connect.
Confirm pairing on both devices if prompted. Some Bluetooth devices require verification on both ends before connecting.
Once paired, your smartwatch and Bluetooth device will automatically connect when in range. You can now play music and take calls wirelessly.
If the devices won’t pair, try restarting and resetting both your smartwatch and the Bluetooth device. Make sure they’re charged and update software if needed. Stay close during pairing as most Bluetooth connections have a 30ft range limit.
Sources:
https://support.google.com/wearos/answer/6345084?hl=en
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00078026/
Control Music Playback from Smartwatch
Once you have connected your smartwatch to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, you can use the smartwatch to control music playback without needing your phone nearby. Most music apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora have companion apps for smartwatches like Apple Watch and Wear OS that allow you to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume and more right from your wrist.
For example, with the Spotify app on an Apple Watch, you can browse playlists, tap to play a song, and pause/skip just as you would on the phone app. On Wear OS smartwatches, the Google Play Music app or other streaming services let you swipe to control playback. Using the music controls on the smartwatch is very convenient for listening to music while exercising or when you don’t have your phone on you.
The ability to remotely control music playback from your smartwatch without needing your phone nearby makes listening to music on the go much easier. Just make sure you have downloaded playlists for offline listening if you plan to stream without your phone connected.
Adjust Volume from Smartwatch
One of the convenient features of using your smartwatch as a speaker is the ability to adjust volume directly from your wrist.
Most smartwatches allow you to control volume through buttons or touch controls on the watch itself without having to take out your phone. For example, on an Apple Watch you can use the Digital Crown to turn the volume up or down. On Wear OS watches, you can swipe up or down on the screen to adjust volume.
Samsung’s smartwatches have a volume rocker on the side to easily change the volume. You can also hold down on the touchscreen on some models to bring up an on-screen volume control.
Adjusting volume right on your smartwatch allows you to quickly turn the volume up or down without having to dig out your phone. It’s especially helpful if you want to keep your phone tucked away while streaming music or podcasts through a Bluetooth speaker.
Just keep in mind that the volume controls on your smartwatch only adjust the volume of audio playing directly from the watch. It does not affect the overall system volume of your phone.
Stream Music without Phone Nearby
One of the most convenient features of many smartwatches is the ability to download playlists for offline listening when your phone isn’t nearby. This allows you to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks while exercising or traveling without needing to bring your phone. Here’s how to download playlists for offline listening on your smartwatch:
On your phone, open the Spotify, Apple Music or other streaming app and download the playlists, albums or podcasts you want available offline. The next time your smartwatch syncs with your phone over Bluetooth, the downloaded content will transfer over.
Once the content is on your smartwatch, you can then head out without your phone and control playback right from your wrist. Most smartwatches have onboard storage for several playlists worth of songs for offline listening. Just make sure to connect back to your phone periodically to refresh the synced content.
Some popular smartwatch models with offline music storage include the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit Sense and Garmin Forerunner series.
Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks
Many popular podcast and audiobook platforms have apps optimized for smartwatches, allowing you to download and stream content directly on your wrist. Here are some top options:
Spotify – The Spotify app lets you browse, play, and control podcast episodes and playlists right from your smartwatch. You can also save podcasts for offline listening (Source).
Audible – Download the Audible app to access your audiobook library and control playback using your smartwatch. Audiobook chapters can be downloaded for offline listening (Source).
Apple Podcasts – If you have an Apple Watch, you can use the built-in Apple Podcasts app to browse podcasts, stream episodes, and control playback from your wrist.
Other popular podcast apps like Pocket Casts, Player FM, and Stitcher also have smartwatch companions that allow you to manage subscriptions and listen on the go (Source).
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues
If your smartwatch is having trouble connecting or staying connected to your phone via Bluetooth, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
First, try resetting the Bluetooth connection on both devices. On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select Forget This Device next to your smartwatch listing. Then on your smartwatch, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select Forget All Devices. Now try pairing the devices again from scratch. This clears out any faulty Bluetooth cache that could be causing issues.
You’ll also want to make sure you have allowed all necessary app permissions. The smartwatch companion app on your phone needs access to Bluetooth in order to connect properly. Go to your phone’s settings and make sure the app has Bluetooth permissions enabled.
Finally, check that both your smartwatch and phone are updated with the latest software. Bug fixes and performance improvements in software updates often resolve Bluetooth connectivity problems. On your watch, go to Settings > System > System Updates to check for updates. On your phone, check for system updates in your Settings app.
If issues persist after trying these troubleshooting tips, you may need to consult the support documentation for your specific smartwatch model. Connectivity problems could also indicate a hardware issue requiring service or replacement.
Maximize Battery Life
There are a few ways to maximize your smartwatch’s battery life so you can avoid frequent recharges:
Lower the screen brightness – Go to your watch’s settings and lower the brightness level. The brighter the screen, the more battery it uses. Turn off “always-on display” if available to avoid draining battery when not actively using the screen.
Limit WiFi/cellular usage – Only turn on WiFi or cellular data connections when needed. Disabling these connections when not in use can help conserve battery life. For example, you may want to turn WiFi on briefly to download a playlist, then turn it off again to save power.
Turn off unused features – Disable features like pulse oximeter, raise to wake, and ok google detection if you don’t use them often. The more features that are actively running, the more battery they collectively drain.
Use a watch face with fewer features – Opt for a minimal watch face without second hands or colorful animations. The simpler the watch face, the less resources it requires.
Check battery saving modes – Use battery saving modes to throttle performance and connectivity when battery is low. This disables non-essential features to stretch out remaining battery life.
Update to latest software – Keeping your smartwatch software up-to-date helps ensure optimal power management. The latest updates may contain battery life improvements.
Considerations for Different Smartwatch Models
When choosing a smartwatch for music streaming, compatibility, controls, and software features will vary significantly across brands and models.
Some key differences to consider:
- Apple Watches (Series 4 and later) require an iPhone and stream music from the Apple Music app.
- Samsung Galaxy Watches integrate best with Android devices and Samsung phones, supporting apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Tidal.
- Garmin, Fitbit, and other sports-centric watches have a focus on fitness tracking but offer more limited media functionality. Music support may require a premium subscription.
- Wear OS smartwatches like Fossil and Ticwatch models support more apps and services, but have lagged on performance and battery life. New Wear OS 3 devices aim to improve this.
When it comes to speaker quality and controls, the experience can also vary drastically. For the most seamless music integration, an Apple Watch may be best for iPhone users, Samsung Galaxy for Android, and Garmin or Fitbit for athletes. Checking the exact functionality of music playback before buying is recommended.