Home Google stops Wear OS 5 rollout after Pixel Watch issues

Google stops Wear OS 5 rollout after Pixel Watch issues

Just days after Google started the rollout of the Wear OS 5 update for its first-gen Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, it has now been paused following reported issues.

While some users have been able to enjoy the update, others have been left with a black screen with just a small Bluetooth logo at the bottom.

It was the technology-focused publisher 9to5 Google who first suggested that the company could have pulled the update as Pixel Watch owners are now unable to download Wear OS 5. Going to system updates isn’t yielding the same results as last week.

In the Google Pixel Watch Help community boards, users have started sharing their experiences and asking for help on how to fix the new issues.

One user, who goes by MKP, has written: “Started updating the watch, after a restart, I have a black screen with the crossed Bluetooth icon at the bottom. When I swipe left or right I get the “Add a tile” message. Now it won’t connect to my Pixel 8, I have tried restarting, and uninstalling the phone app… same black screen.”

Others have replied saying they have the same issue and aren’t seeing a resolution even after doing a fast boot reset.

Google Watch users share Wear OS 5 update issues on social media

Earlier today (September 27), a customer shared another issue: “Since the update to Wear OS 5, the “training” tile no longer works. I get a black screen when selecting “Badminton” for example.

“I can just wipe the black screen away so the watch just works. Restarting the watch did not help. Pixel Watch 2. Fully updated.”

Similar complaints are coming in from Reddit users, with ‘Mychaptertwo’ saying: “I am one of the ‘lucky’ folk that got bricked. Be thankful that you get to miss that feeling of panic wondering if you just killed it followed by the extended fun of trying to set everything up after the factory reset.

“On the bright side, I learned that I can back up the watch to Google One in case this happens again.”

Others have struggled to find the update and suggest it was visible before but it’s now as though ‘the update disappeared.’

The team at Android Authority is reporting today that a Google spokesperson has confirmed that the “Wear OS 5 rollout has been paused while Google works on a resolution.”

Featured Image: via Ideogram

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.