WhatsApp Is Finally on Garmin — Here's How to Set It Up
After years of waiting, there's a WhatsApp app for Garmin in the Connect IQ Store. It works — with some limitations. Here's the setup and what to expect.
Day 23: WhatsApp on Your Garmin Watch
It took years, but WhatsApp is finally on Garmin. Let's be real about what it can and can't do.
How to set it up
- Open the Connect IQ Store on your phone
- Search "WhatsApp" — install the official app
- Open the app on your watch — it shows a QR code
- Open WhatsApp on your phone → Linked Devices → Scan the QR code
- Done. Your chats sync to your watch
What works
- Read messages from any chat
- Reply with text (using the small on-watch keyboard)
- Send quick replies and voice messages
- Notifications for new messages
What doesn't work
- Stickers and GIFs — text only
- Photos and videos
- The on-watch keyboard is tiny — typing full replies is painful
Where to find it on watch
It doesn't appear in your glances. Look for it in your Apps list (hold the Start button → Apps).
Join the Garmin School
Leave your email to get access to the Garmin School and receive updates on new videos and apps.
What to read next
Day 1611Start Slow, Finish Fast: Set Up a Negative Split With Garmin PacePro
Most runners start their race far too fast. A negative split does the opposite, and it's how many records are run. Here's how to make your Garmin pace one for you, step by step.
Day 16025The Top 5 Christmas Watchfaces for Your Garmin
The Christmas season is officially open. Five festive Garmin watchfaces, from a snowman you finish by hitting your step goal to a tree that decorates itself the more you move.
Popular reads
Watchfaces worth installing
Watchface
Cadence
A classic analog watchface with a wide choice of stats, fields and colours, long-press shortcuts into the app, and always-on modes for OLED screens.
Watchface
Cockpit
Everything you need to track your day on one clean, cleverly laid-out watchface, with colours you change right on the watch and a second time zone.
Watchface
Goals Pro
The most popular Garmin watchface, upgraded: the same goal rings with full control over colours, fonts, analog or digital time, and long-press shortcuts.