Wear OS 5 update for older Pixel Watches looks to have been pulled after users report major issues

Early adopters reported a lot of bricked devices

News By Stephen Warwick published 27 September 2024

Google appears to have pulled the Wear OS 5 update for older Pixel Watch models following widespread reports that it was causing devices to crash and even brick.

Google announced earlier this week that the Pixel Watch 1 and 2 would be getting the Wear OS 5 treatment; however, problems emerged for users following the rollout on Wednesday (September 25).

Multiple users have reported problems with the update, with their Pixel Watches stuck on a blank screen and in need of a fastboot reset.

Now it looks like Google might have pressed pause on the update while it irons out this bug.

While the factory and OTA options for performing a manual install are still available, 9to5Google reports that Pixel Watch owners yet to upgrade no longer have the option to download the update, noting that "Going to Settings > System > System updates and repeatedly tapping does not yield the update like it did earlier in the week."

Wear OS 5 on hold

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.

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