The recent Wear OS 5.1 update, the first major update for devices like the Pixel Watch 3 since November, has unfortunately been plagued with issues for some users. Reports of bugs and performance problems are surfacing, raising concerns about the stability of the new update.
Performance Issues and Bugs Reported
Following the rollout of Wear OS 5.1, users have taken to online platforms like Reddit and Android Police to report a range of issues. Among the most common complaints are delayed notifications, difficulties syncing with the Fitbit app, and general sluggishness in performance. Some users have even reported crashes when attempting to change watch faces, while others have found themselves unable to customize watch face colors or complications.
Pixel Watch 3 Users Seem Most Affected
While the Wear OS 5.1 update is available for a variety of Android-based wearables, including Samsung Galaxy Watches, OnePlus Watch, and the Pixel Watch series, the majority of reported problems appear to be concentrated among Pixel Watch 3 users. There are also some reports of issues affecting Pixel Watch 2 owners. The full list of compatible devices includes: Google Pixel Watch 3, Google Pixel Watch 2, Google Pixel Watch 1, Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 & 6 Classic, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 & 5 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & 4 Classic, and OnePlus Watch 3.
Troubleshooting Options Limited
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive fix for the problems currently plaguing Wear OS 5.1 users. Some individuals have attempted troubleshooting steps like restarting their watches or even performing factory resets, but these solutions have proven to be temporary at best. One user reported that restarting their Pixel Watch 2 resolved the issues temporarily, only for them to reappear a few hours later.
Google Yet to Acknowledge Issues
As of now, Google has not publicly acknowledged the widespread issues reported by Wear OS 5.1 users, nor have they confirmed whether the update is the root cause of these problems. The next scheduled software update for wearables isn’t expected until June, leaving many users concerned about the prospect of enduring these bugs for several months. However, it’s possible that Google may release a patch or an earlier update if the reported issues are deemed significant enough.
Wear OS 5.1: Promised Features, Unforeseen Problems
Wear OS 5.1, based on Android 15, promised a range of enhancements for compatible smartwatches, including improved Credential Manager API support for easier app sign-in, media playback capabilities for watches with speakers, and health tracking improvements like “Loss of Pulse” detection for the Pixel Watch 3 and enhanced menstrual cycle tracking. Other improvements included refined media controls, more accurate step counting, and enhanced automatic bedtime mode.
Recommendation and Next Steps
Given the current state of affairs, it’s advisable to hold off on updating to Wear OS 5.1 if you haven’t already done so. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
