Wearable app is stuck on loading screen or crashes with Galaxy Watches

[Geno71]

Hello everyone,

I'm sharing this post with the hope that it becomes easily accessible to anyone encountering the same issue that many of us have faced in the past two days.

Issue:

Since January 1st, 2024, numerous users have reported encountering problems with the Wear app. The issues range from instant crashes upon launch to getting stuck on the loading screen with spinning dots when attempting to connect with a smartwatch.

Causes:

The exact cause is unknown; it seemingly occurred spontaneously. Some users mentioned receiving an update prior to the problem, while others, including myself, did not have any updates. It does appear to be related to a date change, as it started affecting users on January 1st.

Solutions: 

1. An unconventional but effective workaround, as reported by other users (@realaud and @lil-oz, thank you!), involves setting the date manually to December 31. This reportedly allows the app to launch, after which the date can be reverted to the correct one, and the app should continue working. Although I haven't personally tested this method, it might be worth trying as it could be a quicker resolution. If that doesn't work, then...

2. I'll provide a step-by-step solution in the next post. Essentially, based on collaborative efforts in these forums, another reliable option currently is to start fresh with your wearable setup. This involves a complete removal of wearable-related apps and a reset of your watch. Don't worry, though – you can easily restore everything from backup later, and the whole process should take less than 10 minutes.

Continue to the next post for a detailed solution...

[RealityNeverLivesUp]

I am not going to keep resetting my devices every time Samsung breaks something new. It's just about time to trade these devices in and see what all the fuss is over Pixel.

[Geno71]

@RealityNeverLivesUp 

I understand the frustration, but it's not a common occurrence. In fact, I've never had any issues with my wearables before. It's a very unintrusive kind of reset, if it comes to that. There is a date change option that, if works, is a minute-long project, or the option number 2, that takes a bit more time, but no data will be lost, and you might only have a couple of very minor options to change on your watch once it's restored from back-up.

[RealityNeverLivesUp]

"Not common"? I've done more factory resets in 2023 than the previous 5 years combined. It's become pretty dang common lately and I've had enough.

[JenD]

If I have to reset my watch I may as well switch to Apple. I was on the fence but that would push me over.

[Geno71]

@JenD 

You might not even have to do the reset, but if you do and follow the steps above, it will only take a few minutes. Trust me, you will have a lot more headaches switching to another brand and ecosystem all together. Probably not worth it, but it's your call, of course.

[JenD]

I've used both ecosystems. Switching isn't a big deal.

[JenD]

The date trick worked. I'll stay...for now!

[Sennadapper]

I tried the change the date thing, it does not work and seeing the other people say to not try to reset your watch made me scared to do it. Please fix this samsung

[jabu19]

Need this fixed yesterday. Can't use my watch to sync to Vitality Health for exercise/steps, so now losing out financially because of Samsung!

[Manelfcosta]

That is absolutelly ridiculous the amount of time that this bug persists not solved. I am without my watch for over a month now. What should I do? 

I have already tried everything and cant solve this...