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Wear OS 5.1 reached Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE models in March 2025. Google announced the update on March 4 and described a phased rollout that varied by carrier and device; Android’s release documentation lists March 18 for the LTE configurations. That is rollout history, not breaking news: by August 2026, Wear OS 5.1 had been superseded, and Google had begun rolling out Wear OS 7 to eligible Pixel Watches.
When did Wear OS 5.1 reach Pixel Watch LTE models?
Google announced its March 2025 Pixel Watch software update on March 4, 2025. The company said the phased rollout would depend on carrier and device. Android’s Wear OS 5.1 release documentation lists March 4 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi models and March 18, 2025 for the Pixel Watch 2 LTE and Pixel Watch 3 LTE. Those dates describe the release schedule, not a promise that every watch received an over-the-air update on that day. Google said distribution would continue over several weeks.
So the short answer for LTE owners is yes: both LTE models were included, but some owners had to wait longer than Bluetooth/Wi-Fi users. Google did not publish a carrier-by-carrier timetable, so a delay alone does not establish that a particular watch was ineligible. Google’s March update announcement and the Wear OS 5.1 release documentation provide the rollout details.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhich Pixel Watches were included?
The March update covered the original Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, in Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE configurations. The headline LTE models were included alongside the rest of the supported lineup. Receiving the same Wear OS version did not mean every model received every feature: some additions depended on the watch generation, an app update, location or regulatory availability.
#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]
What changed in Wear OS 5.1?
- Pixel Watch 3: Loss of Pulse Detection expanded in the US. Google said the feature would begin reaching US users toward the end of March 2025 following FDA clearance. This was a Pixel Watch 3 feature, not a Pixel Watch 2 addition, and clearance did not make it available in every country. It is a safety feature, not a guarantee that an emergency will be detected or help dispatched.
- Pixel Watch 3: menstrual-health improvements. Google described improvements delivered through a Fitbit app update. This was not solely a firmware change; availability and functionality could depend on region, app version, account setup and Fitbit services.
- Pixel Watch 2: expanded on-watch Auto Bedtime controls. Auto Bedtime detects sleep and waking and manages Bedtime mode. Google specifically listed the expanded controls for Pixel Watch 2.
- Supported models: step-count algorithm changes. Google said the changes were intended to improve counting in situations such as pushing a shopping cart, using a wheelchair, or walking or running with a stroller. That is Google’s stated aim, not an independent accuracy measurement.
- Media controls. Controls were adjusted to better reflect the type of content playing, including podcast-related controls in YouTube Music.
The release also bundled bug fixes, performance changes and the March 5, 2025 security-level update. For the feature list and qualifications, see Google’s update notice.
How to check the version and build
On the watch, open Settings → System → System updates to check for an update. To see the installed software details, look under Settings → System → About → Versions; menu wording can vary slightly by software release. The global March 2025 build for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 was:
Rank #2
- 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]
BP1A.250305.019.W3The original Pixel Watch used the global build BP1A.250305.019.W2. Later maintenance builds may have replaced these numbers. If your watch now runs Wear OS 6 or Wear OS 7, it has progressed beyond 5.1; a different, newer build does not mean you missed the update.
Why might an LTE watch have updated later?
Google confirmed that the rollout was phased by carrier and device, but did not specify the reason for each carrier’s timing. Carrier certification, regional build assignment or other carrier-specific scheduling may contribute, but these should not be treated as a confirmed explanation for any individual delay.
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
Also, an LTE watch is not automatically connected to cellular service just because it received Wear OS 5.1. Cellular use requires LTE-capable hardware and a supported carrier and service arrangement; availability differs by country and operator. The update does not add LTE hardware to a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi watch. Check Google’s Pixel Watch country and carrier compatibility information before relying on standalone connectivity.
If the update does not appear
- Confirm the model and connection type. Check whether yours is a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, and whether it is the LTE or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi version. Some features and rollout timing differed by model and configuration.
- Check the installed OS and build. A newer Wear OS version means the watch has already moved past 5.1. Compare the build with the March 2025 numbers above only if you are checking that historical release.
- Prepare the watch. Charge it adequately, connect it to Wi-Fi or its paired phone, and install pending updates for the Pixel Watch and Fitbit apps and watch apps. Restart the watch, then check for system updates again.
- Allow for staged delivery. Carrier and device timing varied, and Google said the rollout would take several weeks. Repeatedly checking does not guarantee that an update will be offered sooner.
- Use official OTA files only as an advanced option. Google’s Pixel Watch OTA images page lists official images. Manual installation is not a routine fix: choosing an incorrect image or following the procedure incorrectly can cause data loss or leave the watch needing recovery. Most owners should wait for the normal update or contact Google or their carrier for device-specific help.
The April follow-up update
The March release was followed by an April 2025 update for Pixel Watches already on the March software. Google said it addressed an issue that prevented some users from modifying or adding watch faces through the Pixel Watch mobile app, as well as delayed notifications on some watches. Google also said users who had not yet received the original March update would receive an update in the following weeks. See Google’s April 2025 update notice.
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]
Does Wear OS 5.1 matter to owners now?
For a watch already running a newer Wear OS release, there is no reason to seek out 5.1 separately. Google announced Wear OS 7 in June 2026 and began rolling it out to eligible Pixel Watch devices; Google’s Wear OS 7 announcement is the more relevant reference for current-version context.
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If you are checking an older or used Pixel Watch 2 or 3, assess its current software, battery condition and—if you want cellular service—your country and carrier’s compatibility. Wear OS 5.1 alone is not a reason to buy an LTE model: it did not add cellular capability, and feature availability varied by generation and location.
Quick Recap
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]
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