Google pauses the Wear OS 5 update for older Pixel Watches as major issues are being reported

News
By
published

Early adopters reported a lot of bricked devices

The Google Pixel Watch 2 on a wrist
(Image credit: Future)

Update, September 27, 2024, at 5:45PM ET: A Google spokesperson has responded to our request for comment regarding the Wear OS 5 update causing issues with the first- and second-generation Pixel Watches and is now pausing the rollout. A resolution, likely in the form of a new update, is being worked on, and we'll update this again when that is announced.

"We’re aware of the issue affecting some Pixel Watch users, and in the meantime, we have paused the WearOS 5 rollout and are actively working on a resolution."

Here's the original report:

Google appears to have pulled the Wear OS 5 update for older Pixel Watch models following widespread reports that it was causing devices to crash and even brick.

Google announced earlier this week that the Pixel Watch 1 and 2 would be getting the Wear OS 5 treatment; however, problems emerged for users following the rollout on Wednesday (September 25).

Multiple users have reported problems with the update, with their Pixel Watches stuck on a blank screen and in need of a fastboot reset.

Now it looks like Google might have pressed pause on the update while it irons out this bug.

While the factory and OTA options for performing a manual install are still available, 9to5Google reports that Pixel Watch owners yet to upgrade no longer have the option to download the update, noting that "Going to Settings > System > System updates and repeatedly tapping does not yield the update like it did earlier in the week."

Wear OS 5 on hold

Google Pixel Watch 2 and Google Pixel watch 3

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

The problem with Wear OS 5 bricking some Pixel Watch models doesn't appear universal. 9to5 notes that "most users have successfully installed Wear OS 5 and aren’t facing any issues." However, the black-screen Bluetooth-logo-of-death is a massive headache for those who have had to deal with it.

As we previously reported, if you've encountered this problem when updating your Pixel Watch 1 or 2 you'll need to do a fastboot rest in order to bring your watch back to life.

When Google does finally get its ducks in a row, Pixel Watch users can look forward to Wear OS 5's battery life optimizations, new watch faces (and a new watch face format that takes up less storage), new running metrics, and more.

While the Pixel Watch 3 is Google's latest contribution to the best smartwatches going right now, older models are getting at least one more trip around the sun on the latest software. We've reached out to Google for comment, and will update this report with any new information.

You may also like

See more Health & Fitness News
Stephen Warwick
Stephen Warwick
Fitness & Wearables writer

Stephen Warwick is TechRadar's Fitness & Wearables writer with nearly a decade of experience covering technology, including five years as the News Editor of iMore. He's a keen fitness enthusiast and is never far from the local gym, Apple Watch at the ready, to record his latest workout. Stephen has experience writing about every facet of technology including products, services, hardware, and software. He's covered breaking news and developing stories regarding supply chains, patents and litigation, competition, politics and lobbying, the environment, and more. He's conducted interviews with industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. Outside of work, he's a massive tech and history buff with a passion for Rome Total War, reading, and music.