Wear OS Installation - Windsurfer Tracker

Install the Windsurfer Tracker app on your Wear OS smartwatch (Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch 4+, etc.).

Event & Password Required: You will need to know which event you're tracking and the password for that event. Ask the race organisers for these details.

Note: Since Wear OS watches don't have a web browser, you'll need to use a helper app on your Android phone to install the APK to your watch.

What You Need

Installation Steps

Install Wear Installer on Your Phone

On your Android phone, install the "Wear Installer" app from the Google Play Store:

Get Wear Installer

Alternative: You can also use "Bugjaeger" if you prefer.

Download the Wear OS Tracker APK

On your phone, download the Windsurfer Tracker APK for Wear OS:

Download Wear OS APK

Save this file - you'll need it in the next step.

Enable Developer Options on Your Watch

On your watch:

Go to Settings > System > About
Tap Build number 7 times until you see "Developer mode enabled"
Go back to Settings > Developer options
Enable ADB debugging
Enable Debug over WiFi (if available)

Install APK to Watch

Open Wear Installer on your phone:

It should detect your paired watch automatically
Tap "Install APK" or the + button
Select the downloaded WearOS-tracker.apk file
Follow the prompts to install
Your watch may ask you to confirm the installation

Open the App on Your Watch

Find the Windsurfer Tracker app in your watch's app list and open it.

Configuration

Configure Settings

Tap the Settings (gear) icon on the watch app and configure:

Setting	Value
Event	Tap to select your event from the list
ID	Your sail number or name (e.g., `S42`)
Role	Select `Sailor` (or Support/Spectator)
Password	Enter the event password from race organisers

Tap Save when done.

Grant Permissions

When you start tracking, the watch will ask for location permission. Tap Allow.

Start Tracking

Tap the Start button to begin tracking. The display will show:

Your current speed in knots
Connection status (green checkmarks for ACKs)
Red ASSIST button for emergencies

Testing Your Setup

Verify It's Working:

Start tracking on your watch
Open https://wstracker.org on your phone or computer
Select your event from the list
You should see your position appear on the map
The watch should show green checkmarks as ACKs are received

Tips for Race Day

Battery: The app is optimised for battery life, but consider starting with a full charge
1Hz Mode: Enable in settings for higher resolution tracking (uses more battery)
Keep it simple: The watch app shows essential info - speed and connection status
Request Assistance: Tap the red ASSIST button if you need help on the water

Troubleshooting

Watch not detected by Wear Installer

Make sure:

ADB debugging is enabled on the watch
Watch and phone are on the same WiFi network
Try "Debug over Bluetooth" if WiFi doesn't work

No ACKs received (no green checkmarks)

Check:

You have selected the correct event
The event password is correct
Watch has internet connection (via phone or WiFi)

Position not showing on map

Ensure:

Location permission was granted
GPS is enabled on the watch
You're outdoors with a clear view of the sky