March 26, 2025 – New York – The much-anticipated Wear OS 5.1 update, which started rolling out to Pixel Watch users earlier this month, has brought with it a host of unexpected issues. After no updates since November 2024, users were eager for improvements — but instead, many are now reporting delayed notifications, system lags, and app stability problems following the March OTA patch.
Pixel Watch Users Report Notification Delays and Crashes
Reports on platforms like the /r/PixelWatch subreddit and tech outlets such as Android Police indicate that users of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 are experiencing delayed or missing notifications since installing the Wear OS 5.1 update, which began rolling out on March 18.
In addition to the notification bug, other issues include:
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Crashes when editing watch faces
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Fitbit syncing issues
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Occasional touchscreen freezes
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Temporary relief through device restarts, but no permanent solution
Even a factory reset has not resolved these persistent issues for most users.
Google Acknowledges Issues, Promises Fix by June
In response to growing user feedback, a Google spokesperson confirmed the company is aware of the problems and is actively working on a fix.
“We’re aware of an issue affecting a very small number of Pixel Watch users, where they are experiencing delayed notifications on their device after taking the March update. We are currently investigating the situation, and to address it as quickly as possible – we’ll share more details when a fix is ready.”
An OTA (over-the-air) fix is expected to roll out before June 2025, though an earlier release may be possible depending on the scope of the impact. Google has not offered an official workaround in the meantime, but restarting the Pixel Watch can temporarily alleviate some bugs.
What Users Can Do Now
Until a permanent fix is deployed, users experiencing issues can try the following temporary solutions:
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Restart your Pixel Watch regularly
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Ensure apps and Wear OS system are fully updated
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Limit background processes where possible to reduce strain
However, it’s important to note these are stopgap measures and may not resolve all issues completely.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
