Google Walks Again Step Monitoring Modifications in Newest Pixel Watch Replace
Google initially rolled out Put on OS 5.1, primarily based on Android 15, to eligible Pixel Watch fashions final month. Now, it is releasing the replace once more—both the identical model or a revised one—alongside the April replace. This rollout is meant to convey the most recent options and modifications to Pixel Watch fashions that have not been up to date but, whereas additionally fixing a bug affecting step monitoring.
Pixel Watch Step Monitoring Points Get a Repair
In March, Google up to date the Pixel Watch 3, Watch 2 (overview), and the unique Pixel Watch to Put on OS 5.1, introducing a brand new step counter algorithm geared toward enhancing accuracy. Nevertheless, the replace had the alternative impact for a lot of customers—leading to noticeably inaccurate step monitoring.
Stories flooded in of unusually excessive step counts, with some customers noticing steps being added even once they weren’t shifting. The flooring counter was additionally affected, with watches logging extreme numbers of flooring climbed.
Alongside these monitoring points, some customers skilled connectivity issues and delayed notifications. Whereas a minor patch launched in early April fastened the connectivity and notification bugs, the step monitoring issues remained.
Now, with the re-released model of Put on OS 5.1, Google seems to have addressed the step counter difficulty by reverting to the unique, extra dependable algorithm.
Pixel Watch Switches to Previous Step Counter
The replace is arriving over-the-air as BP1A.250305.019.W8 for all Pixel Watch 3, Watch 2, and unique Watch fashions and variants. Nevertheless, the supply of options and the changelog might fluctuate relying in your present OS model. Notably, the safety replace stays primarily based on March 2025 slightly than April.
For these customers on the March & the preliminary April launch model: Resolves a difficulty the place some reported receiving a step rely in sure situations that was greater than anticipated, by reverting the step algorithm enhancements to the unique step algorithm for all customers.
For these customers on the November 2024 launch model: Modifications as outlined inside March 2025 Launch, together with Put on OS 5.1, extra options, and bug fixes (excluding the step algorithm enhancements which were faraway from this launch).
Primarily, Pixel Watches already working the older, problematic Put on OS 5.1 will see the elimination of the brand new step counter. In the meantime, these nonetheless on the November replace will see extra important additions, reminiscent of Lack of Pulse activation within the US and Fitbit app assist for menstrual cycle information logging for the Pixel Watch 3.
There’s additionally an improve to media playback controls, with Put on OS 5.1 now presenting totally different controls relying on the content material being performed (music or podcasts). As for Pixel Watch 2 customers, they’ll achieve the auto bedtime mode that first debuted on the Pixel Watch 3.
Which Pixel Watch mannequin and variant do you will have? Have you ever already up to date to Put on OS 5.1? We would like to listen to about your experiences within the feedback.
