Google began rolling out its July 2024 security update on July 1 to supported first-generation Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 devices running Wear OS 4. The global firmware build is TWD9.240705.001.A1, with a July 5, 2024 security patch level. Google announced security maintenance only; no new feature drop or major interface change was included.
Which Pixel Watches are eligible?
The rollout covers supported versions of:
- The original Google Pixel Watch
- Google Pixel Watch 2
Both must be running Wear OS 4. Google listed the same global build, TWD9.240705.001.A1, for the two watch generations in its July 2024 announcement.
| Model | Eligibility | Global build |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Watch (first generation) | Supported devices running Wear OS 4 | TWD9.240705.001.A1 |
| Pixel Watch 2 | Supported devices running Wear OS 4 | TWD9.240705.001.A1 |
What the July update changes
This is primarily a security release. Google says it delivers the latest Pixel Watch security patches, and coverage identifies the resulting patch level as July 5, 2024. The official notice does not announce new watch features, a Wear OS version upgrade, or a major redesign.
For vulnerability details, use the Pixel Watch Security Bulletin. It separates Pixel Watch-specific fixes from any broader Android or Wear OS items. Do not assume this update fixes battery life, reboots, connectivity, or performance unless Google lists a specific fix.
#1 Best Overall
- The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management[1,2]; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear[3]
- The all-new heart rate sensor and Google AI combine for Fitbit’s most spot-on heart rate tracking yet[4], so you can get more precise health and fitness info[5]
- Go even longer with the enhanced 24-hour battery and always-on display[6,7]; charge for 75 minutes to get a full day of battery life[8]
- Identify potential signs of stress with Fitbit’s body-response feature, so you can manage it in the moment[5]; and track variations in your skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep to help you spot possible changes[5,9,10]
- Get help with Emergency SOS and Fall Detection if you’re feeling unsafe or if you’ve had a hard fall[11,12]; and Safety Check alerts your close contacts if you don’t respond to a set check-in timer[13]
How to install it
- On the watch, open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap System updates.
- Check for the available update and follow the on-screen installation instructions.
Before starting, place the watch on its charger, keep it adequately charged, and use a reliable Wi-Fi connection where possible. Allow time for downloading, optimization, rebooting, and installation. Do not interrupt the process after installation begins.
Why the update may not appear yet
Google is distributing the OTA in phases by carrier and device. The company said the rollout would continue over roughly the following week, so owners may receive it at different times. LTE and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi models, regions, and individual carriers can also have different notification dates. Remaining on the previous build temporarily does not by itself mean that the watch is unsupported.
Rank #2
- The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management[1,2]; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear[3]
- The all-new heart rate sensor and Google AI combine for Fitbit’s most spot-on heart rate tracking yet[4], so you can get more precise health and fitness info[5]
- Go even longer with the enhanced 24-hour battery and always-on display[6,7]; charge for 75 minutes to get a full day of battery life[8]
- Identify potential signs of stress with Fitbit’s body-response feature, so you can manage it in the moment[5]; and track variations in your skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep to help you spot possible changes[5,9,10]
- Get help with Emergency SOS and Fall Detection if you’re feeling unsafe or if you’ve had a hard fall[11,12]; and Safety Check alerts your close contacts if you don’t respond to a set check-in timer[13]
Some contemporary coverage mentions repeatedly tapping the “Your watch is up to date” screen or temporarily disabling Bluetooth to encourage a Wi-Fi download. These are community-reported, unofficial suggestions, not Google-documented ways to force the update, and they may not work.
How to verify the installation
After the watch restarts, open the software-information area—typically Settings → System → About → Versions, although labels can vary by Wear OS release. Look for:
Rank #3
- The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management[1,2]; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear[3]
- The all-new heart rate sensor and Google AI combine for Fitbit’s most spot-on heart rate tracking yet[4], so you can get more precise health and fitness info[5]
- Go even longer with the enhanced 24-hour battery and always-on display[6,7]; charge for 75 minutes to get a full day of battery life[8]
- Identify potential signs of stress with Fitbit’s body-response feature, so you can manage it in the moment[5]; and track variations in your skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep to help you spot possible changes[5,9,10]
- Get help with Emergency SOS and Fall Detection if you’re feeling unsafe or if you’ve had a hard fall[11,12]; and Safety Check alerts your close contacts if you don’t respond to a set check-in timer[13]
- Build or software version: TWD9.240705.001.A1
- Android security update: July 5, 2024
Checking both values is more reliable than relying only on the update notification.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If installation appears stuck
- Keep the watch on its charger and give the optimization process additional time.
- Keep the paired phone and watch nearby if the installation is using the phone connection.
- Do not factory-reset the watch as an immediate response; doing so can create unnecessary setup and data complications.
- If the watch is genuinely unresponsive, restart it only after the normal installation process has clearly failed.
- Contact Google Pixel Watch support if repeated reboots or optimization loops continue.
Comments on Google’s community discussion include individual reports of battery drain, repeated reboots, and long “Device is being optimized” periods. Those are anecdotal user reports, not confirmed effects or release-note claims from Google.
Rank #4
- The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management[1,2]; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear[3]
- The all-new heart rate sensor and Google AI combine for Fitbit’s most spot-on heart rate tracking yet[4], so you can get more precise health and fitness info[5]
- Go even longer with the enhanced 24-hour battery and always-on display[6,7]; charge for 75 minutes to get a full day of battery life[8]
- Identify potential signs of stress with Fitbit’s body-response feature, so you can manage it in the moment[5]; and track variations in your skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep to help you spot possible changes[5,9,10]
- Get help with Emergency SOS and Fall Detection if you’re feeling unsafe or if you’ve had a hard fall[11,12]; and Safety Check alerts your close contacts if you don’t respond to a set check-in timer[13]
How this differs from the June Pixel update
The June 2024 Pixel Feature Drop was the feature-heavy release, adding items such as Car Crash Detection on Pixel Watch 2, improved Fall Detection, PayPal support in Google Wallet, and expanded Google Home controls. Google’s June announcement provides that context; the July update is a follow-up security release, not a second feature drop.
Do you need new hardware or a subscription?
No. Installing this security update does not require buying a watch or subscribing to Fitbit Premium. Readers considering an upgrade can review Google’s official information for the Pixel Watch 2 and original Pixel Watch, but hardware purchases are unrelated to receiving the July 2024 patch.
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