How to install Wear OS 4 on Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 series
Mobvoi has begun rolling out Wear OS 4 to TicWatch Pro 5 and TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro smartwatches several days ago. This update brings a few new features and an overall snappier experience. This article will guide you through the installation process and highlight some of the new features you can expect.
Before proceeding with the update, it’s worth noting that some users have reported glitches after updating to Wear OS 4.0. These issues include lagging and certain functions not performing optimally.
If you encounter such problems, performing a hard reset of the watch after the update will help. Glitches are a common occurrence with major software updates, as remnants of the older version can sometimes cause conflicts. Simply press and hold the power button on the watch, and keep holding until you see the Mobvoi logo.
The rollout is gradual, with all users expected to receive the update by September 12th. At the time of writing this article it should have reached about 10-20% of users.
Upgrading Your TicWatch Pro 5 to Wear OS 4
To install Wear OS 4 on your TicWatch Pro 5 or Pro 5 Enduro, the simple thing to do is wait for the official notification on your device. On the other hand, you could attempt to force the update. Many users have reported success with this.
To initiate the update manually, turn off Bluetooth on your watch and activate Wi-Fi. Place the watch on its charging dock and power it on. Navigate to the settings menu, then to system update, and check for updates. If you see a message stating that your watch is up to date, try tapping on the small watch icon with the check symbol. Tap it repeatedly, around 8 to 20 times. This persistent tapping should, hopefully, prompt the update to begin downloading.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
If this method doesn’t work, you can try restarting your watch and repeating the process. Remember that the update may not be available currently for all users due to the phased rollout.
What has changed?
Wear OS 4 introduces several new features and improvements. But the changes are subtle – so you may not notice anything initially. Users have reported a overall snappier experience.
One significant addition is the backup and restore functionality, which allows you to securely back up your data and settings. This feature also enables you to transfer your watch to a new smartphone without requiring a factory reset.
The update also brings enhancements to TicMotion, improving the accuracy of automatic cycling detection. During the pre-identification period, the Ultra Low Power Display now shows the workout tile, providing immediate access to workout data. The frequency of data detection has also been increased from once per minute to continuous per-second detection, including GPS data.
TicExercise has been expanded with 25 new professional workouts, including hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and more. Some workouts have been upgraded to outdoor categories, adding GPS, distance, and speed statistics. Users can now customize their workout list and independently control the auto-pause feature for different workout types.
The update integrates TicHealth, TicPulse, TicOxygen, TicZen, and TicSleep into a unified TicHealth app. It also adds support for real-time data display from third-party apps like Strava, adidas Running, and Nike Run Club on the Ultra Low Power Display.
Other updates include improvements to multi-language translation, enhanced watch face customization options, and the ability to customize the side button functionality.
While the Wear OS 4 update brings numerous improvements, it’s advisable to back up your data before updating and be prepared for potential initial glitches. If you experience any issues after the update, performing a hard reset or wiping the cache can often resolve them.
Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!
