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Google began rolling out its July 2024 update for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 on July 1, before the month’s Pixel phone update. It was a security update, not a major feature release, and Google distributed it in phases rather than making it available to every watch at once.
This is a historical update: it does not describe the latest Pixel Watch software in 2026.
Which Pixel Watches received the July 2024 update?
Google listed the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 running Wear OS 4 as eligible. The global build number was TWD9.240705.001.A1. Regional or carrier-specific builds may differ, so the global build number should not be assumed to apply to every device.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallPixel Watch 3 was not part of this July 2024 release: it had not yet been released. Google’s announcement identifies the supported models and rollout details.
#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]
What was in the update?
Google described the package as containing the latest security patches. It did not announce new features, a major interface redesign, or a feature-focused changelog in the release notice. For the security context, see Google’s Pixel Watch Security Bulletin.
In short, the practical reason to install it was security—not a promised new watch feature. The announcement does not enumerate individual fixes, so it would be misleading to attribute a particular feature or bug fix to this update without further evidence.
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]
What “came first” means
Verizon listed the watch build on July 1, before Google confirmed the release. Google then announced the update and said it would roll out in phases. The watch update was therefore among the first Google Pixel-device updates of that month; it does not mean every watch received it before every phone, or that watches always get updates first. Contemporary coverage reported the early Verizon listing and subsequent Google confirmation.
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Google did not give an official reason for the timing. Updates are handled across different product families, and carrier certification, device configuration, and staged distribution can affect when a particular release appears. Those are useful context, not a stated explanation from Google for why this watch update preceded the phone patch.
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]
When was it available?
The rollout began on July 1, 2024. Google said distribution would proceed over approximately the following week, with timing dependent on carrier and device. Owners were to receive a notification on the watch when the over-the-air update became available. An early Verizon listing was not a guarantee that every region or watch would receive it immediately.
If your eligible watch did not show the update right away, that alone did not indicate a problem. A phased rollout can leave otherwise eligible devices waiting for their turn.
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
Checking for and installing an available update
When an update is offered, keep the watch on its charger and make sure it has adequate charge. Keep the watch connected to its paired phone and, where required, Wi-Fi. Follow the update prompt shown on the watch or in the Pixel Watch companion app. The July announcement confirms notification-based delivery; it does not specify a manual-check menu path, so this article does not present one as an officially verified route.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- If no prompt appears, wait a little longer during the rollout window and check that the watch and phone remain connected.
- If installation begins, leave the watch charging and allow it time to download, install, and optimize.
- If it remains stuck for an extended period, restart the watch, confirm the connection, and try again.
- If it repeatedly fails, will not charge, reboots continuously, or cannot finish optimizing, contact Google Pixel Watch support.
Do not factory-reset the watch simply because an update has not arrived. A reset can erase local data and adds setup work; reserve it for persistent problems and follow support guidance, making sure you understand what can be restored first. Unofficial sideloading is not a sensible first step for most owners because it can create data-loss or recovery problems.
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]
Battery drain, reboots, and stuck installations
Some users in Google’s community discussion reported battery-life changes, random reboots, or watches lingering on messages such as “Update is loading” and “Device is being optimized.” These are anecdotal reports, not evidence that Google confirmed a widespread defect or that the July patch caused each problem.
A battery change after an update can have more than one explanation, including post-update optimization, a pre-existing issue, connectivity or charging problems, or an individual device fault. A report that a problem began after installing the patch does not by itself establish that the patch caused it. If the watch is still optimizing, keep it charging and allow a reasonable amount of time; if it remains unresponsive or repeatedly restarts, restart it once if possible and seek support rather than immediately resetting it.
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