Google's latest Wear OS 5.1 update for its Pixel Watch lineup has left many users frustrated as they encounter numerous performance issues and bugs. After a lengthy gap with no software updates since November 2024, the Android 15-based update released in March 2025 was expected to enhance user experience but instead has created new problems for many owners of Google's wearable devices.
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| The Google Pixel Watch 3 displaying health tracking metrics, relevant to users experiencing issues after the recent software update |
Widespread Notification Delays
The most commonly reported issue following the Wear OS 5.1 update is significantly delayed notifications. Users across Reddit and other platforms report that notifications either don't arrive at all or appear only when manually waking their watches, at which point they're flooded with multiple delayed alerts simultaneously. This problem affects both Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 models, creating a frustrating experience for users who rely on their smartwatches for timely alerts.
Step Counting and Fitness Tracking Problems
The update has also apparently compromised the accuracy of fitness tracking features. Some users report their watches are counting steps and detecting floors climbed even when the device isn't being worn. In one particularly extreme case, a user noted their watch recorded approximately 17,000 steps when they had actually only walked about 5,000. This inaccuracy undermines one of the core functionalities of the Pixel Watch as a fitness tracking device.
Fitbit App Syncing Issues
Many Pixel Watch owners are experiencing problems with data synchronization between their watches and the Fitbit app. Users report that fitness and health data fails to sync consistently, creating gaps in their activity records and diminishing the value of the Fitbit integration that Google has positioned as a key selling point for the Pixel Watch lineup.
Watch Face Customization Crashes
Another frustrating bug prevents users from personalizing their experience. Attempts to customize watch faces by changing colors or complications reportedly cause the watch to crash. This limitation prevents users from taking full advantage of the customization options that are central to the Wear OS experience.
Battery Drain Concerns
The various bugs appear to be taking a toll on battery life as well. Multiple users have reported increased battery drain following the update, further compounding the frustration with the new software version.
Limited Troubleshooting Options
Users seeking solutions have found few effective remedies. Some have attempted factory resets, but according to reports, this drastic measure has proven largely ineffective at resolving the issues. Others have found that simply restarting the watch provides temporary relief, but problems typically return within hours.
Google's Response
As of March 24, 2025, Google has yet to officially acknowledge any of these issues. With the next scheduled Wear OS update not expected until June 2025, Pixel Watch owners may face a long wait for fixes unless Google decides to release an emergency patch. Some users are hoping that increased visibility of these problems might prompt a more rapid response from the company.
Looking Forward
The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining software quality across wearable devices. For now, affected Pixel Watch owners are left with limited options beyond restarting their devices and hoping Google addresses these issues sooner rather than later. The experience serves as a reminder of the potential downsides of being an early adopter of software updates, even for established products from major tech companies.
