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

(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:

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.

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.