How-to

How do I use a GIF as a watch face on the Galaxy Watch 8?

From a video by Jen from Shown with: Galaxy Watch 8

Samsung Smartwatches

In short

Save the GIF in your phone's gallery, then in the Galaxy Wearable app go to Watch faces, Photos, Background and choose the GIF.

Step by step

  1. Find a GIF online, ideally 480 x 480 pixels in size.
  2. Save the GIF in your phone's gallery.
  3. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
  4. Go to Watch faces, then Photos, then Background.
  5. Choose your GIF from the gallery.
  6. Tap the pencil icon to adjust the time color and complications so everything stays readable.

With this setting, an animated motion plays on the watch face. Jen points out that animations use more battery. She recommends trying it for a few days and then deciding for yourself.

As of: video from May 18, 2026. Menus and labels may change with later software updates.

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