WearOS 5 suspended: Fixing an unresponsive Google Pixel Watch

The WearOS 5 update which started rolling out about a week ago for Google Pixel Watch 1 and 2 has hit a significant snag, with some users reporting that the update process is rendering their devices inoperable. In response to these widespread issues, Google has made the decision to temporarily suspend the rollout.

Reports from affected users paint a troubling picture of the update process. Many have found their watches stuck mid-installation, resulting in blank displays and unresponsive devices. The issue appears to be affecting both the first and second-generation Pixel Watches.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

As one of the affected users, I experienced this issue firsthand with my Google Pixel Watch 2. After initiating the WearOS 5 update via the force start method, the process halted after a few minutes leaving me with a blank display and a persistent Bluetooth icon indicating no connection.

Multiple attempts to restart the device proved futile. They would just take me back to the same screen. Panic set in…

How to factory reset your Google Pixel watch

First off, take a deep breath. The good news is you did not permanently brick your beloved watch. But the following method will result in the loss of all data and settings on the watch.

A factory reset via Recovery mode appears to be the only viable solution at present for those faced with the issue. The process is as follows:

1. Restart your Pixel Watch by holding the right-hand side button for 15 or more seconds. Or pressing both the crown and physical button at the same time for 15 or more seconds.
2. When the watch reboots and the Google logo appears, immediately tap with one finger on the top part of the display and another finger at the bottom part of the display.
3. This may require multiple attempts to succeed – timing is everything.
4. Once successful, you will be taken to the Fast Boot message screen.
5. In this mode the touch display functionality is disabled. To navigate the menu that appears you will need to use the top physical button. To make a selection you will need to press the crown.
6. Choose Recovery Mode.
7. A message “No command” will appear after a few seconds. Now you need to press and hold the crown button while swiping up on the screen.
8. You will now see the recovery menu. Here the touch display functionality will be enabled. Up or down scrolls you through the menu. Swipe left or right to make a selection. Or use the previous method with the button and crown combination.
9. Choose Factory Reset and confirm selection.
10. Wait for the watch to reboot – you should have a functioning Pixel Watch again!

Another thing you will need to do is to remove the connection of your watch and phone – and reconnect the device as a new watch. It is a hassle – but at least you will have a working device. All the fitness and health data that is sitting in your smartphone app will remain there, so that should not be a worry.

Google has acknowledged the issue and pulled the update for now. No word yet on the estimated timeline for when the software rollout might resume.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!