Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

You can reduce some Galaxy Watch data sharing with Samsung, but there is no single switch that blocks every kind of collection or transfer. Check four separate controls: optional diagnostics, Samsung Health app permissions, Health Connect permissions, and Samsung Health data download or deletion. Each affects a different data path, and the exact menus can vary by phone, watch, and app version.

First, understand where Galaxy Watch data can go

For health data, Samsung documents this route: Galaxy Watch to Samsung Health on the paired phone, then optionally to Health Connect if the relevant permissions are enabled. Health Connect is an Android mobile app, not an app for Wear OS watches. Samsung lists activity, exercise, heart rate, and sleep among the data types that can synchronize through this connection. Samsung’s Health Connect FAQ says Samsung Health synchronization requires version 6.22.5 or later; opening Samsung Health after granting Health Connect permission may also be necessary.

Health records are only one category. Samsung’s U.S. Galaxy Wearable Privacy Notice, version P03.03.03, describes collection that can include Samsung account identifiers, device type and configuration, location-related information, backup and restore information, and optional diagnostic, technical, error, and usage data. The notice says diagnostic information is collected if you agreed to send diagnostic data. It does not establish that one setting disables every diagnostic channel or all Samsung processing. Samsung and third-party services linked to the apps may have their own privacy notices.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

1. Review optional diagnostic sharing

Start with the phone settings and the Galaxy Wearable app, looking for a diagnostic-data or usage-data option. The exact label and location can differ by device, Android version, and app version, so use the settings search on your phone if the menu is not where expected. Read the description before changing it; Samsung’s notice ties the specified diagnostic collection to agreement to send diagnostic data, but does not describe a universal control for all data collection.

#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Graphite [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
  • SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
  • YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
  • NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
  • A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.

Samsung’s U.S. Google Fit support documentation also describes a Diagnostics setting for sharing diagnostic data with Google. That is a separate recipient and control from Samsung’s diagnostic settings; changing it does not alter Samsung Health or Galaxy Wearable permissions. Samsung’s Google Fit guide is model- and platform-specific, so do not assume its instructions apply to every watch.

2. Audit Samsung Health permissions for connected apps

Samsung’s Health Data SDK documentation explains that apps request access by data type and access type. Apps that use that SDK appear in Samsung Health settings, where you can review access and remove permissions you no longer want to grant. Samsung’s data-permission documentation describes this consent model.

Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy Watch9, Graphite, 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch
  • TRACK HEALTH PATTERNS¹ IN YOUR SLEEP WITH VITALS²: Stay aware of the subtle changes in your body with Vitals¹–it tracks health metrics while you sleep, catches shifts from your usual patterns, and provides tailored guidance based on the insights.²
  • A PERSONALIZED COACH FOR YOUR FITNESS GOALS: Whether you're building endurance for a long trek or training to build muscle, Fitness Index³ delivers tailored guidance based on your fitness level goals. Finally, train smarter with your fitness watch.
  • EVERYDAY AI ASSISTANCE, SIMPLIFIED: With the Galaxy Watch9, you can just raise your wrist, start talking naturally and get instant AI assistance⁴—no wake phrase needed. This smart watch won’t slow you down.
  • ONE PERSONALIZED SCORE TO KNOW YOUR HEART BETTER: Instead of checking multiple metrics separately, track the single Heart Health Score⁵ based on sleep time, BMI, activity and vascular load to stay aware of your wellness.
  • TRACK YOUR NIGHTS. OWN YOUR DAYS: Galaxy Watch9 gives you personalized recommendations and habit-building guidance with Advanced Sleep Coaching.⁶ Plus, Bedtime Guidance⁷ helps you find your optimal bedtime so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
  1. Open Samsung Health on the paired phone.
  2. Open its settings and find the section for connected apps or data permissions. Labels may differ by version.
  3. Review which listed apps can access each data type and whether they can read or write it.
  4. Revoke permissions that are not needed, then check the affected app’s features and sync behavior.

This list covers SDK-using apps Samsung documents; it should not be treated as a complete inventory of every service that may receive information. Review the privacy settings and notices for other linked Samsung or third-party services you use.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Limit Samsung Health sharing through Health Connect

If you do not want Samsung Health records shared through Health Connect, review and revoke the relevant Health Connect permissions on the Android phone. This limits that connection; it does not remove the underlying records from Samsung Health or prevent other collection described in Galaxy Wearable’s notice.

Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Now Bar, Running Coach, Energy Score, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
  • SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
  • YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
  • NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
  • A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
  1. On the paired Android phone, open Health Connect.
  2. Open app permissions and select Samsung Health.
  3. Turn off access for categories you do not want shared, such as activity, exercise, heart rate, or sleep, or revoke Samsung Health’s access entirely if you do not want this connection.
  4. Open Samsung Health afterward and check its Health Connect settings to confirm the connection reflects your choice.

Menu names can change, and Samsung’s FAQ documents behavior for the app versions it covers. Check the current settings on your device rather than assuming the same path appears everywhere.

4. Download or erase Samsung Health data

If your goal is to keep a copy or remove Samsung Health records, Samsung provides separate download and erase options. Erasure is consequential: Samsung says it covers Samsung Health data on the phone or tablet and on Samsung Health servers, may take time, and prevents signing in until deletion finishes. Download a copy first if you may need your records later.

Rank #4
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 46mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Rotating Bezel, Quick Button, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy Score, Black [US Version, Amazon Exclusive 2Yr Warranty]
  • WHY GALAXY WATCH8 CLASSIC: Timeless design.* New lug system for easy band detachment & replacement.* Advanced health & sleep tracking features for total body wellness.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.¹* 2-Yr Warranty
  • BUILT TO PERFORM. DESIGNED TO IMPRESS: Show off your style with an iconic design that blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.¹ A brighter screen makes everything easy to see, and a rotating bezel gives you access to your favorite apps
  • YOUR EVERY COMMAND, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Get a little extra help with day-to-day tasks. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a personal AI assistant¹ that helps you get things done hands-free. Simply speak the command and your Watch makes it happen
  • UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO BETTER SLEEP: When you get good sleep, it feels like anything is possible. Start each day with more energy and better focus using Advanced Sleep Coaching² - improved with even more ways to help you sleep smarter
  • QUICK UPDATES, AT A GLANCE: Get updates, select apps and more with Now Bar³,⁴ and an improved user experience. Now Bar conveniently puts the info you use the most - like weather, news and more - right on your main Watch screen
  1. Open Samsung Health on your phone or tablet and go to its settings.
  2. Select Download personal data to save a copy before deleting anything you want to retain.
  3. When ready to proceed, select Erase personal data and follow the confirmation prompts.
  4. Wait for the deletion to finish; Samsung says sign-in is unavailable during that process.

Samsung’s U.S. support instructions describe these controls and their scope: Download or erase your personal data from Samsung Health. Erasing Samsung Health data is not a general deletion of every Galaxy Wearable record, backup, or third-party service record.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Which control addresses which data path?

Control What it addresses What it does not establish
Optional diagnostics Diagnostic, technical, error, and usage information covered by the relevant diagnostics setting or consent. A global stop to Samsung collection or every diagnostics channel.
Samsung Health app permissions Data access granted to listed apps that use Samsung’s Health Data SDK, by data type and access type. A complete list of all data recipients or services.
Health Connect permissions Sharing between Samsung Health and Health Connect for the categories permitted on the phone. Deletion of Samsung Health records or a block on unrelated Galaxy Wearable data.
Download or erase Samsung Health data A copy of, or deletion of, Samsung Health data within the scope Samsung documents for the phone or tablet and its servers. Deletion of all Galaxy Wearable, backup, or third-party records.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Watch generation and app compatibility matter

Samsung’s U.S. Google Fit support page names Galaxy Watch4, Watch5, and Watch6 as Wear OS models that can use Google Fit trackers; it says earlier Tizen models are incompatible. The page also says Samsung Health and Google Fit data cannot be synced, and Google Fit on the watch does not include a sleep tracker. These details make Google Fit unsuitable as a universal workaround for Samsung Health sharing, and the listed compatibility should not be extended to newer models without checking current support.

Best Value
SAMSUNG Galaxy FIT 3 [2024] 1.6" AMOLED Display | 14 Days Battery Life | 100+ Watchfaces | 100+ Exercise Modes | International Model - (Gray)
  • Vibrant 1.6” AMOLED Display – Large, high-res screen with smooth touch for easy navigation
  • 5ATM & IP68 Water Resistance – Swim-ready and dust-resistant for active lifestyles
  • Up to 14 Days Battery Life – Powerful 208mAh battery for long-lasting performance
  • 101+ Workout Modes with Auto Detection – Automatically tracks common workouts for seamless fitness tracking. Advanced Health Tracking – Includes sleep coaching, SpO2, heart rate, and snore detection
  • International Model No Warranty in the US. ONLY compatible with Android devices. Samsung Pay - Not Supported. NOT compatible with iPhone or iOS devices.

For Galaxy Watch3 and earlier, Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable notice describes Remote Connection as potentially involving notification and message content. That older-device detail should not be assumed to apply to current watches. Across generations, treat watch sensor records, Samsung Health data, permissions, diagnostics, backups, and third-party sharing as distinct privacy questions rather than assuming one change controls them all.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.