Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Google’s April 2025 Pixel Watch update was a real rollout, released in two stages: W7 fixed watch-face management and delayed notifications, while W8 corrected a step-counting change and brought the March software package to watches that had missed it. It covered supported Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 devices, but it was not a new April security patch.
What Google released in April
The “April update” refers to two software revisions, not one identical package for every watch. Google announced W7 on April 8 and W8 on April 21, 2025. The build suffix tells you which revision is installed; the shared build prefix reflects their March software base.
| Release | Announced | Build | Starting point and contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| W7 | April 8, 2025 | BP1A.250305.019.W7 |
For Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3 devices on March build BP1A.250305.019.W3. Fixed watch-face changes through the phone app and delayed notifications. Google’s W7 announcement. |
| W8 | April 21, 2025 | BP1A.250305.019.W8 |
For supported Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3 users. Reverted a step-counting algorithm change; for watches still on the November 2024 release, it also delivered the March package, including Wear OS 5.1. Google’s W8 announcement. |
Google phased the rollout by carrier and device type, so an announcement did not mean every eligible watch would receive the OTA that day. “All supported devices” here refers to the three Pixel Watch generations supported at the time, not models released later. Google’s rollout notice.
What the updates fixed or changed
W7: watch faces and delayed notifications
Google said W7 addressed an issue that prevented some owners from adding or modifying watch faces through the Pixel Watch phone app. It also addressed notifications that were arriving late on the watch. These were the documented W7 fixes; they should not be read as a promise that every watch-face or notification problem would disappear.
#1 Best Overall
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
W8: step-count algorithm rollback
Google said some users were seeing higher-than-expected step totals in certain scenarios after the algorithm change in the March release. W8 reverted that change for owners already on the March or W7 software. The official wording describes a problem in particular circumstances, not a general failure of step tracking. The rollback could also change totals for someone who preferred the revised algorithm’s behavior in a specific activity, such as pushing a cart; that is a user-reported preference, not proof that the revised algorithm was broadly more accurate. Google’s W8 announcement.
Which update applies to your watch?
If your watch was still on the November 2024 software
W8 was the catch-up route to the March release. For these owners, the package included Wear OS 5.1, additional features, and bug fixes, but left out the revised step-counting algorithm that W8 rolled back for March/W7 users.
Rank #2
- The new Google Pixel Watch 5 offers a smarter way to a healthier you.[1,2]; Designed for Gemini Intelligence, get proactive help, and personalized insights from Google Health[3,4]; watch is compatible with Android devices only; not compatible with iOS devices
- Precision-crafted to do it all: The Google Pixel Watch 5 features the domed Actua 360 display with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and up to 40 hours of battery life[1,5]
- Metrics that matter: Advanced sensors help you stay ahead of your health and wellness; and Google Pixel’s most accurate heart rate tracking is fine-tuned for your activity[6,7]
- Understand your sleep like never before: Your watch captures insights like the time spent in sleep stages to breathing regularity, then summarizes it all in a personalized Sleep Score[8,9]
- Detects loss of pulse, then calls for help: Pixel Watch 5 is the only smartwatch to feature Loss of Pulse Detection, which can prompt a call to emergency services[10]
If you already had March W3 or April W7
W7 was aimed at devices already on March build BP1A.250305.019.W3. W8 then supplied the step-counting rollback. Owners already on Wear OS 5.1 were not receiving that major OS upgrade for the first time in April; they were getting a later revision.
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and LTE models
The supported-device scope included Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and LTE variants of the three generations, but availability could vary by carrier and device type. The earlier Wear OS 5.1 rollout began on March 4, 2025 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth models; several LTE models and the original Pixel Watch were listed with a March 18 release date. Google’s Wear OS 5.1 release information.
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
- Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]
How Wear OS 5.1 fits in
Wear OS 5.1 is based on Android 15, and Google lists Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3 as supported devices. The significance of W8 depended on the watch’s starting software: it brought the March/Wear OS 5.1 package to people still on the November release, while March/W7 owners received a corrective revision rather than the full OS upgrade again. Wear OS 5.1 device and release details.
Why the watch can still show March 5, 2025
The build number and security-update level describe different things. A build ending in W7 or W8 identifies the installed software revision; the security-update date identifies the patch level. Google’s April 2025 Pixel Watch security bulletin listed no Pixel Watch-specific security patches, and the April software revisions retained the March 5, 2025 security level. So a watch showing build BP1A.250305.019.W8 and a March 5 security date can be correctly updated. April 2025 Pixel Watch security bulletin; April update reporting.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google, so it’s easy to get help at a glance
- Stay on top of activity, calories burned, and more with Fitbit activity tracking
- Track your heart rate and get insight into your sleep
- Save time with things like Google Wallet for contactless payments, turn-by-turn directions using Maps, and event notifications from Calendar
- Stay connected and productive wherever you go; respond to messages, manage your inbox, and make calls right from your wrist
How to check for and install the update
- Place the watch on its charger and make sure it has a Wi-Fi or phone connection and enough battery.
- On the watch, open Settings → System → System updates.
- Download and install any offered update, keeping the watch on its charger until installation finishes. Menu wording can vary slightly by software version or language.
Google documents the manual OTA check path in its Wear OS 5.1 update guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If no update is offered
- Check the watch’s system or about information for the full build number. A W7 or W8 suffix identifies an April revision; the security date alone does not.
- Restart the watch, reconnect it to Wi-Fi or the phone, leave it charging, and check again.
- Install available updates for relevant watch apps through the Play Store, particularly when the issue concerns notifications, Fitbit, or watch faces.
- Allow time for the phased rollout, especially for LTE watches or devices tied to a carrier.
- Some owners reported that tapping the watch/device icon on the update screen in the Pixel Watch app prompted another check when the app said the watch was current. This is a user-reported workaround, not Google’s documented update procedure. Related Google support thread.
A factory reset is not a sensible first step just because the OTA is missing. If the watch has persistent failures after a restart and app updates, back it up and seek Google support guidance before considering a reset.
Best Value
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Reported problems are not confirmed fixes
Some owners reported battery drain after the March/Wear OS 5.1 update, and support discussions included reports involving restarts, microphones, connectivity, brightness, or app pairing. These reports establish that some users encountered problems; they do not show that W7 or W8 caused or fixed each issue. Google’s documented April notes specifically cover watch-face management, delayed notifications, and the step-algorithm rollback. Battery-drain discussion; W7 support thread.
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.
