Google’s March 2025 Update Brings Wear OS 5.1 (Android 15) For Pixel Watches

The most anticipated Wear OS 5.1 is now rolling out to Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 1 devices in certain regions and variants. Google recently announced Wear OS 5.1 featuring Androids 15 for wearable devices, alongside Android 16 beta. However, the update comes sooner than later with the latest March 2025 security patch.

The first Wear OS 5.1 developer preview came to Android Studio Meerkat. Meaning, developers could test their app for the upcoming software update for wearables on a simulator. With the stable Wear OS 5.1 release, you can run it on an actual Pixel Watch.

Users of Pixel Watch 2, and possibly the Pixel Watch 1, can now download the March 2025 update featuring Android 15. The Wear OS 5.1 features support for Credential Managers. This includes passkeys and federated identity. Playback through the watch speaker is now possible. Users can select this speaker as their preferred option for media output if the app is integrated with the Wear Output Switcher.

New “Modes” settings item is included to configure the existing “Do not disturb”, “Bed-Time” and “in theater” modes. You can now change the Display (UI) size alongside the font size. User will find new color accent in settings.

Google also claims to have improved energy efficiency by featuring some updates to background activity restrictions for apps. New data-sharing rules now require user consent.

March Pixel Drop for Pixel Watch

As per the March Pixel Feature Drop, Pixel Watches can enjoy the following features:

Loss of Pulse Detection: The Pixel Watch 3 now includes Loss of Pulse Detection, a feature that has received U.S. FDA clearance. This technology can detect sudden heart stoppage due to events like pulmonary cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or even overdoses.

Automatic Emergency Response: If the watch detects that your pulse has stopped and you’re unresponsive, it will automatically prompt a call to emergency services, potentially saving precious minutes in critical situations.

Comprehensive Health Tracking

Menstrual Health Monitoring: The Pixel Watch 3 introduces on-device menstrual tracking, allowing users to log their periods, view cycle statuses, and even predict upcoming cycles directly through the integrated Fitbit app. This empowers users with better insights into their personal health.

Step Tracking with Greater Accuracy:

Advanced Algorithms: The enhanced step-tracking feature now recognizes deviations in your walking patterns—whether you’re pushing a shopping cart, using a wheelchair, jogging with a stroller, or hiking with poles.

Reliable Daily Goals: With this precision, every step counts accurately, ensuring that you receive dependable insights into your physical activity, making it easier to track progress towards your fitness goals.

Sleep Tracking with Auto-bedtime Mode:

Effortless Sleep Management: Initially launched with the Pixel Watch 3 and now expanding to Pixel Watch 2, Auto-bedtime Mode automatically detects when you fall asleep. It dims your watch face, disables notifications, and conserves battery life throughout the night.

Wake-Up Detection: When you wake up, the mode automatically turns off, ensuring a smooth transition from sleep to wakefulness while preserving your sleep tracking data.

Bug Fixes

Wear OS 5.1’s may also have fixed the following bugs:

• Adding accounts post-reset might fail during setup.
• Notifications occasionally require screen scrolling before opening the related app.
• Exercise tracking via Wear Health Services may intermittently fail.

How to update your Pixel Watch to Wear OS 5.1?

• Disconnect your watch from your phone. (It is better to download the update directly on your smartwatch)
• Connect your Pixel Watch to WiFi network.
• On your watch, go to Settings > System Update > Check for update.
• Download and install the Pixel Watch update.
• Enjoy your latest update.

Force update Pixel Watch

• Go to the system update screen on your watch
• Find the little watch icon on the update screen.
• Keep tapping it until it forces the OTA update download notification.