Google shuts down WearOS update that was soft-bricking Pixel watches

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the latest WearOS update for your Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2, you may have to wait a little longer. 

After trying to install Wear OS 5, many Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 users saw a blank screen and no option to navigate away or restart. The update promises several additions, including improved camera controls, the Recorder app (with AI transcription) that was originally a Pixel Watch 3 exclusive, improved performance, new workout metrics like ground contact time and stride length for runners, several enhanced faces, and a redesigned app launcher.

Also: The best smartwatches: Expert tested and reviewed

Fastbooting the watch remedied the issue in most cases, but doing so requires the user to set the watch up again, with the update still not installed. 

Most users could install the update just fine (I had no issues when I tried it on my Pixel Watch 2), but with enough people encountering a problem, Google addressed it.

Google has halted the automatic update for all users. (You can still install it manually if you have the technical know-how.) Attempting to install Wear OS 5 through the usual method doesn’t work. If you go to Settings, System, and then System updates, you can see that one is available, but tapping it doesn’t yield anything more.

Speaking to AndroidAuthority, a Google representative said, “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.”

The Pixel Watch 3 isn’t affected by this glitch, as it comes with OS 5 installed, and there haven’t been any reports about its diminished usability.

Google said the update is rolling out in waves depending on carrier and device.