Google Watch delaying notifications: will it affect me? (updated)

By Bryan M. Wolfe Updated March 26, 2025

Earlier this month, Google launched Wear OS 5.1 for its wearables, marking the first update for devices like the Pixel Watch 3 since November. However, some users have reported experiencing issues with their watches after installing the update. Now, Google is admitting this problem is real and has taken steps to resolve it.

According to Android Police, some users have reported various issues on Reddit following the latest update. These include delayed notifications, problems syncing with the Fitbit app, and sluggish performance. Additionally, some users have experienced crashes when trying to change the watch face, while others have been unable to change colors or complications since installing the update.

The latest Wear OS update has been released for many Android-based wearable devices. However, the issues appear to be primarily affecting users of the Pixel Watch 3. There are also reports that some Pixel Watch 2 users may be experiencing problems.

The following wearables support WatchOS 5.1: Google Pixel Watch 3, Google Pixel Watch 2, Google Pixel Watch 1, Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 & 6 Classic, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 & 5 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & 4 Classic, and OnePlus Watch 3.

There doesn’t appear to be any quick solution to this problem.

A few have taken troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue, including restarting the watch and performing a factory reset. The Android Police writer, for example, restarted his Pixel Watch 2, and the problems went away—until they came back after a few hours.

Google has responded to the original report, indicating as follows:

“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.”

That fix will likely be released before the next scheduled software update for wearables, which isn’t expected until June.

If you haven’t yet updated your watch to Wear OS 5.1, it’s probably a good idea not to. 

The Wear OS 5.1 update introduces several significant enhancements for compatible smartwatches, benefiting the Google Pixel Watch series. Built on the robust foundation of Android 15, this update delivers essential features designed to improve user experience and smartwatch functionality.

One of the standout improvements is the enhanced support for the Credential Manager API. This advancement allows for a more seamless and secure app sign-in process, making it easier for users to authenticate their accounts without unnecessary hassles. Additionally, for smartwatches equipped with speakers, the update now enables media playback, allowing users to enjoy music, podcasts, or other audio content directly from their wrists.

The update also brings notable health and fitness tracking enhancements for Pixel Watch users. Introducing the “Loss of Pulse” detection feature, specifically for the Pixel Watch 3, offers advanced monitoring of heart rate changes, which can be crucial for user safety and wellness. Furthermore, the menstrual cycle tracking feature has been improved, allowing users to monitor their cycles more accurately and gain insightful health data.

Additional refinements in the update include improved media controls, a more intuitive interface for managing audio playback, and more accurate step counting to deliver better insights into daily activity levels. The automatic bedtime mode has also been enhanced, offering users expanded functionality to help them maintain healthy sleep patterns by automatically adjusting settings as bedtime approaches.

We’ll continue to follow this story and let you know if there are any updates.