Google’s March 2025 Pixel Watch update reached the LTE Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, plus the first-generation Pixel Watch, on March 18 after Wi-Fi models began receiving it earlier. The rollout includes Wear OS 5.1, the March 5, 2025 security patch, updated media controls and step-counting changes. Availability remained phased by device and carrier, so March 18 was not a guarantee that every eligible watch would update immediately.
What happened with the March Pixel Watch update?
Google announced the update on March 4, 2025. The first wave primarily covered Wi-Fi/Bluetooth versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. The first-generation Pixel Watch and LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 were initially absent from the relevant factory-image and OTA listings.
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On March 18, Google expanded file availability and began the delayed rollout to those models. The announcement therefore marked a second wave of the March release—not a simultaneous launch for every Pixel Watch. Google said the update would roll out in phases and that timing could vary by device and carrier.
See Google’s March 2025 update announcement and the contemporaneous rollout report.
#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]
Eligible watches and March build numbers
The update applies to supported first-generation Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 units, including Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and LTE variants. LTE availability may still depend on the carrier and regional rollout.
| Watch | Global March 2025 build |
|---|---|
| First-generation Pixel Watch | BP1A.250305.019.W2 |
| Pixel Watch 2 | BP1A.250305.019.W3 |
| Pixel Watch 3 | BP1A.250305.019.W3 |
The release carried the March 5, 2025 security patch. The Android 15 basis for the Wear OS 5.1 release was reported in contemporaneous coverage, but the build suffix is the more useful identifier when checking what is installed.
What Wear OS 5.1 changed
Changes for supported Pixel Watches
- Wear OS 5.1: the main operating-system upgrade, alongside general bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Step-counting changes: Google introduced an algorithm intended to better handle activities such as pushing a shopping cart, using a wheelchair, walking or running with a stroller, and hiking with poles.
- Updated media controls: the controls adapt more closely to the type of media being played.
The step-counting enhancement should not be treated as an unqualified permanent improvement. Google later changed the corrective-release path after reports that some scenarios produced higher-than-expected counts.
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- 2 years of data and texting included when you buy Pixel Watch 5 LTE[27]; Google Fi powers your messaging, navigation, and music on the go; offer only valid on Pixel Watch 5 LTE sold by and shipped from select sales channels; must redeem within 60 days of watch activation.
- 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]
Pixel Watch 2
Auto Bedtime expanded to operate on the watch. It can detect sleep or waking and automatically control bedtime mode.
Pixel Watch 3
Loss of Pulse Detection expanded to the United States after FDA clearance, with availability beginning toward the end of March 2025. This is an emergency-oriented safety feature, not a guarantee that every loss-of-pulse event will be detected or that it replaces medical assistance. Availability depends on model, location, regulatory approval and rollout status.
Pixel Watch 3 owners also received menstrual-health improvements through a Fitbit app update. That means installing the system OTA alone may not deliver every related change; watch apps may need separate updates.
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% 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]; and receive a daily target based on cardio load and readiness levels
How to install the update
- Wake the watch and open the app list.
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap System updates.
- Install the update if it is offered.
For the download, put the watch on its charger and connect it to Wi-Fi. Google’s Wear OS troubleshooting guidance recommends temporarily disabling Bluetooth and trying again if the watch is using the phone’s Bluetooth connection instead of Wi-Fi.
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- Open Settings on the watch.
- Choose System.
- Choose About.
- Choose Versions.
Record the Wear OS version, system/build version, security-update date, watch model, connection type and—on an LTE watch—the carrier. The version shown in a phone companion app is not necessarily the watch’s operating-system build.
Update the watch apps separately
Some March features depend on Fitbit or other watch apps in addition to the firmware.
Rank #4
- 2yrs of data included with Pixel Watch 4 LTE[23]; Google Fi powers your messaging, navigation, and music on the go; offer only valid on Pixel Watch 4 LTE sold by and shipped from select sales channel
- 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]
- Open the Play Store on the watch.
- Swipe down from the top.
- Tap My Apps.
- Install available updates, or select Update all.
This is particularly relevant to Fitbit-related menstrual-health changes and some media-control behavior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the update may not appear
A missing OTA does not automatically mean the watch is unsupported. Google’s rollout was phased over several weeks, with timing affected by the device type, LTE carrier and region.
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- Place the watch on its charger.
- Connect it to Wi-Fi.
- Check Settings → System → System updates.
- Temporarily disable Bluetooth and check again.
- Update watch apps through Play Store → My Apps.
- Restart the watch and check again later.
Some enthusiast reports suggested repeatedly tapping the “Your watch is up to date” screen could trigger another check. That is not an official, guaranteed workaround. Google’s documented advice focuses on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth troubleshooting and waiting for staged availability.
Best Value
- 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]
Google did not provide a detailed engineering explanation for why LTE and first-generation models followed the Wi-Fi models. The supported facts are that the rollout was staged, device and carrier timing differed, and the initial listings covered only certain Wi-Fi models. It would be speculative to attribute the delay specifically to modem certification, carrier testing or hardware limitations.
Important follow-up: April corrective builds
Not every owner received the original March build. Google later issued corrective releases, including:
BP1A.250305.019.W7for some watches already on the March release.BP1A.250305.019.W8for users who had remained on the November 2024 software, as well as other update paths.
The later releases included March-release functionality and addressed issues such as delayed notifications and watch-face problems. Google also changed the step-counting path after reports of inflated counts in some situations.
As a result, a watch that moved directly from the November 2024 software to a later .W7 or .W8 build has not necessarily “missed” the update. Conversely, seeing a March security date alone does not identify the complete release state. Check the full build number and suffix.
What owners should expect
- The first-generation Pixel Watch does not receive every Pixel Watch 3 feature.
- Pixel Watch 2 Auto Bedtime is model-specific.
- Loss of Pulse Detection in this release concerns Pixel Watch 3 and was initially expanded in the United States after regulatory clearance.
- Health and Fitbit features can depend on geography, regulatory approval and app versions.
- An LTE watch can receive the same generation’s update later than its Wi-Fi counterpart.
- Installing Wear OS 5.1 does not necessarily update every watch app.
Google announced a planned June 2025 update followed by a quarterly cadence, but that schedule did not make the March OTA immediately available to every carrier variant.
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