Google halts Wear OS 5 update for Pixel Watches due to critical bug

For those who have already installed buggy update, Google provides troubleshooting on its support site
An undated image of a Pixel Watch. — Pexels
An undated image of a Pixel Watch. — Pexels

Google has put a halt to the rollout of Wear OS 5 on older Pixel Watch models as it took notice that the update bricked devices. The update that has been rolled out since last September has caused some Pixel Watch 1 and 2 devices to lock themselves on a blank screen and become completely unusable.

Reports of the issue surfaced shortly after the update's release as some users started reporting the problem. Google responded immediately by pausing the roll-out of the update on September 26 to review and fix the issue.

What's fixing in Google Pixel Watch?

For those who have already installed the buggy update, Google provides some kind of troubleshooting on its support site.

Users can try to resurrect their watch through general troubleshooting or reset it in Fastboot mode. However, such measures may not be helpful for all.

What's new in Google Pixel Watch?

On a positive note, Google has introduced a convenient feature for Pixel Watch users. When you completely charge your watch, a notification on your phone will be sent to let you know about it, thus keeping you up to date. The feature does not need Wear OS 5 to work, so you'll be able to use it regardless of the update status.

Read more: Google adding new charging screen to older Pixel Watches

Wear OS 5 will bring the much-needed performance upgrade, and you'll see better battery life along with numerous new features. But for Pixel Watch holders eagerly waiting to receive this update, this setback is sure to disappoint.

Google has confirmed that it is working on a fix and plans to resume the rollout of Wear OS 5 for older Pixel Watches "later this year."