Google’s April 2025 Pixel Watch update, identified as build W8, rolled back the March step-count algorithm enhancement after reports of higher-than-expected totals in some scenarios. Watches already on the March or initial April release received the rollback, while watches still on the November 2024 release received March’s Wear OS 5.1 features and fixes with that enhancement omitted. Google said availability would continue in phases depending on carrier and device type.
What the April Pixel Watch update changes
The effect of W8 depends on the software previously installed on the watch:
| Previous software | What W8 includes |
|---|---|
| March or initial April release | Reverts the step-count algorithm enhancements to the original algorithm after reports of higher-than-expected counts in some scenarios. |
| November 2024 release | Includes the March release’s Wear OS 5.1 upgrade, features, and bug fixes, with the step-count enhancement omitted. |
This is a corrective and catch-up release, not a new Wear OS generation. Google described the reports and rollback; it did not publish an independent accuracy study or a measured before-and-after result.
Supported watches and W8 build context
Google’s update announcement names the original Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3. The April follow-up is identified as W8; March build suffixes are different:
#1 Best Overall
- 📞 【Bluetooth 5.3 Calls & Smart Notifications】 Make and answer calls directly from your smartwatch with stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Receive vibration alerts for calls and messages from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and more.
- ⌚ 【1.96 HD Touch Screen & 200+ Watch Faces】 Enjoy a large 1.96 HD full-touch display with smooth operation and clear visuals. Choose from 200+ watch faces in the GloryFit app or customize the screen with your favorite photo.
- 💖 【24/7 Health Monitoring】 Track heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, sleep and daily activity with built-in sensors. View your health and activity data in the GloryFit app to better understand your daily wellness.
- 🏊 【110+ Sports Modes & IP68 Waterproof】 Supports 110+ sports modes including running, walking, hiking, cycling, basketball and fitness. Tracks steps, calories, distance and heart rate during workouts. IP68 waterproof for daily exercise, sweat and hand washing.
- 🚀 【7-Day Battery & Multiple Smart Features】 Enjoy up to 7 days of use and about 30 days of standby after a 2-hour charge. Includes alarm, timer, stopwatch, music control, weather, camera control, calculator, sedentary reminder and more. Compatible with Android and iPhone.
| Watch | March build listed by Google Android Developers | April follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Original Pixel Watch | BP1A.250305.019.W2 | W8 |
| Pixel Watch 2 | BP1A.250305.019.W3 | W8 |
| Pixel Watch 3 | BP1A.250305.019.W3 | W8 |
Google’s Android Developers documentation says Wear OS 5.1 is based on Android 15 and is supported by all three generations. The W2 and W3 suffixes above refer to March release builds, not the April follow-up.
The rollout is staged and depends on carrier and device type. Google said it would continue over the next few weeks, but did not provide a universal completion date.
Why step counts are being reverted
Google’s March release introduced step-count algorithm enhancements intended to improve precision in challenging situations. In its April update announcement, Google said some users reported higher-than-expected step counts in certain scenarios. For the March and initial April update path, W8 reverts those enhancements to the original algorithm for all users.
Some owners may see lower or more familiar totals after the rollback, but Google did not say that every watch would show a reduction. It also did not publish a numerical estimate of affected users or a measured error rate.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #2
- No APP & Phone Required Fitness Tracker Watch: This Fitness Tracker watch doesn't require any App or smartphone connections! It's as simple to use as a regular watch but smarter. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy fitness tracker without the hassle of smartphone setups.
- Heart Rate and Sleep Monitoring: The Fitness Tracker monitors your heart rate automatically all day, and you can select manual mode through the App. The fitness Watch also monitors your sleep at night, providing a detailed analysis of your sleep quality (deep sleep, light sleep, awake time). It is a health advisor for women men in daily life.
- Multi Sport Modes with Activity Tracking: The fitness tracker features 9 sport modes like running, walking and more. Additionally, the activity tracker records daily steps, calories burned, walking distance and active time throughout the day. You can also set a daily steps goals through the App to track your progress.
- Smart Notification Reminder: You can get SMS messages, and SNS notifications directly on your wrist including Facebook, Twitter, Gmail ect. You won't miss any important calls and message and stay updated. Please note: the smart watch can not make calls or text.
- Long Battery Life and IP68 Waterproof: This smart watch only requires 2 hours of charging and can be used for 5-7 days continuously, IP68 waterproof rating can withstand daily sweat, washing hands and rainy day, allowing you to fully enjoy your workouts.
The announcement describes a software correction; it does not instruct owners to reset their watch, delete health data, or change activity settings. The rollback concerns the algorithm used after the update, not a promise that historical totals will be recalculated.
What if your watch is still on November 2024 software?
For watches still on the November 2024 release, Google says the update includes the changes from March, including Wear OS 5.1, additional features, and bug fixes. The step-count algorithm enhancement that Google removed is excluded.
Wear OS 5.1 is based on Android 15, according to Google Android Developers. The platform documentation lists the original Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 as compatible devices.
How the March and April updates relate
Google’s March announcement provides the context for W8: March introduced Wear OS 5.1 and step-count enhancements. The April update then removed those enhancements for the applicable update paths while giving watches still on November software the March changes without them.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 【Crystal-Clear Communication】AEAC smartwatch delivers clear call quality with high-definition speakers and microphones. Built with an AI assistant, it enables smooth voice commands and hands-free calls.
- 【Comprehensive Health Monitoring】The AEAC smartwatch tracks vital health metrics—blood oxygen, heart rate, stress, and sleep analysis—providing you with valuable insights for enhanced well-being.
- 【Long-Lasting Battery】Enjoy up to 10 days of use on a quick 2-hour charge. Will monitor your heart rate, steps, activity routes, and calorie burn around the clock, offering a complete view of your health and fitness.
- 【110+ Sports Modes & Waterproof】With 110+ sports modes, this fitness watch supports a wide range of activities, from yoga to swimming. Its 3ATM water-resistant design ensures reliable performance in wet conditions.
- 【1.32" AMOLED Touchscreen】 Features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display for sharp visuals and smooth responsiveness. The watch face measures 43 mm, offering a clear and comfortable viewing area. Choose from 200+ watch faces or personalize with your own photos, making the watch uniquely yours
| Release | What Google documented |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | Wear OS 5.1, additional features and fixes, and step-count algorithm enhancements. |
| April 2025 W8 | Rollback to the original step algorithm for March and initial April users; March changes without the enhancement for November users. |
April security bulletin: a separate matter
Google’s April 7, 2025 Pixel Watch Security Bulletin says the bulletin contained no Pixel Watch security patches. It states that supported devices would receive the 2025-04-05 patch level. This security-bulletin information is separate from the W8 announcement’s step-count correction; do not treat the absence of bulletin-listed patches as a different description of the W8 fix.
How to check for the update
- On the Pixel Watch, open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap System updates.
- Check whether an update is available and review the version shown on the watch.
Google’s Android Developers documentation identifies Settings > System > System updates as the place to check. Because the rollout is phased and depends on carrier and device type, an eligible watch may not show an update immediately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if W8 is not available yet
Check the System updates screen again later. Google described a rollout continuing in phases over the next few weeks, with timing dependent on carrier and device type; it did not promise that all eligible watches would receive the update on the same date.
If your watch is already on W8, the step-count behavior should use the restored algorithm going forward. Google’s announcement does not promise that older daily totals will be rewritten.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #4
- 【Superb Visual Experience & Effortless Operation】Diving into the latest 1.58'' ultra high resolution display technology, every interaction on the fitness watch is a visual delight with vibrant colors and crisp clarity. Its always on display clock makes the time conveniently visible. Experience convenience like never before with the intuitive full touch controls and the side button, switch between apps, and customize settings with seamless precision.
- 【Comprehensive 24/7 Health Monitoring】The fitness watches for women and men packs 24/7 heart rate, 24/7 blood pressure and blood oxygen monitors. You could check those real-time health metrics anytime, anywhere on your wrist and view the data record in the App. The heart rate monitor watch also tracks different sleep stages for light and deep sleep,and the time when you wake up, helps you to get a better understanding of your sleep quality.
- 【120+ exercise modes & All-Day Activity Tracking】There are more than 120 exercise modes available in the activity trackers and smartwatches, covering almost all daily sports activities you can imagine, gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. The all-day activity tracking feature monitors your steps, distance, and calories burned all the day, so you can see how much progress you've made towards your fitness goals.
- 【Messages & Incoming Calls Notification】With this smart watch fitness trackers for iPhone and android phones, you can receive notifications for incoming calls and read messages directly from your wrist without taking out your phone. Never miss a beat, stay in touch with loved ones, and stay informed of important updates wherever you are.
- 【Essential Assistant for Daily Life】The fitness watches for women and men provide you with more features including drinking water and sedentary reminder, women's menstrual period reminder, breath training, real-time weather display, remote camera shooting, music control,timer, stopwatch, finding phone, alarm clock, making it a considerate life assistant. With the GPS connectivity, you could get a map of your workout route in the app for outdoor activity by connecting to your phone GPS.
FAQ
What is Pixel Watch build W8?
W8 is Google’s April 2025 Pixel Watch follow-up. It rolls back the March step-count algorithm enhancement for users on the March or initial April release, and brings November 2024 users the March changes with that enhancement omitted.
Does the April Pixel Watch update fix the step counter?
Google says it resolves reports of higher-than-expected counts in some scenarios by restoring the original step algorithm. It did not publish an independent accuracy study or a guaranteed numerical reduction.
Does W8 include Wear OS 5.1?
For watches still on the November 2024 release, Google says W8 includes the March release’s Wear OS 5.1 upgrade, features, and bug fixes. Wear OS 5.1 is based on Android 15, according to Google Android Developers.
Why has my Pixel Watch not received W8 yet?
Google said rollout timing depends on carrier and device type and would continue in phases over the next few weeks. It did not give a universal completion date.
Is the April security bulletin the same as the W8 update?
No. Google’s April 7 security bulletin says it contained no Pixel Watch security patches and that supported devices would receive the 2025-04-05 patch level. The W8 update announcement separately describes the step-count rollback and update contents.
The Bottom Line
Google’s April 2025 Pixel Watch W8 update restores the original step-count algorithm for users on the March or initial April release and gives November 2024 users the March package, including Wear OS 5.1, without the removed enhancement. The rollout is phased and depends on carrier and device type. Check Settings > System > System updates for availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
