Android Watch Google GMS Certification Requirements Detailed Explanation

I. What is an Android Watch?

Google defines an Android Watch as an Android device designed to be worn on the body, typically on the wrist. A device is classified as a Watch if it meets the following criteria: it has a screen with a diagonal length between 1.1 and 2.5 inches, and it is wearable on the body.

II.Android Watch Hardware Requirements

1. The device must have a screen with a diagonal size between 1.1 and 2.5 inches.

2. The device must have Home and Back functions accessible to users.

3. Touchscreen input must be supported.

4. A 3-axis accelerometer is strongly recommended.

5. If the Watch includes a GPS/GNSS receiver, it must report location data to applications using the `android.hardware.location.gps` feature.

6. If the Watch includes a 3-axis gyroscope, it must be capable of measuring directional changes of up to 1000 degrees per second.

III. Android Watch Software Requirements

3.1. The device must declare the feature `android.hardware.type.watch`.

3.2. For all public intent filters defined by applications (e.g., Calendar, Settings, Desk Clock), at least one application or service component must be preloaded as an intent handler.

3.3. The device must declare the `android.hardware.audio.output` feature.

3.4. Third-party accessibility services must be supported.

3.5. If the Watch supports text-to-speech (TTS), it is strongly recommended to include a TTS engine that supports the device's available languages. Installation of third-party TTS engines must also be supported.

IV. Google Android Watch Performance and Power Management

If an Android Watch implements features related to enhanced power management, including those found in AOSP, then:

4.1. It is strongly recommended to exempt all user applications from App Standby and Doze power-saving modes.

4.2. It is strongly recommended to provide users with options to enable or disable power-saving features.

4.3. A power profile must be provided for each hardware component, defining its current consumption and estimated battery usage over time.

4.4. All power consumption values must be reported in milliampere hours (mAh).

4.5. Power usage data must be made available to developers through the ADB shell command `dumpsys batterystats`.

V. Safety

If the Android Watch supports multiple users and does not declare the `android.hardware.telephony` feature:

5.1. The device must support restricted profiles, allowing the device owner to manage other users and their access to device functions. This feature enables the creation of separate environments with specific app restrictions.

If the Android Watch supports multiple users and does declare the `android.hardware.telephony` feature:

5.2. Restricted profiles must not be supported. However, the device must adhere to AOSP controls for enabling or disabling other users’ access to voice calls and SMS.

Feel free to contact us for inquiries about Google Android Watch certification. We can also handle certifications for Google EDLA, Google MADA, Google Auto, Google Lens, Google ARCore, Google TADA,  Google Android TV, GTV, Google Fast Pair certification and Spatial Audio certification testing for earphone,and other related projects.