Many WearOS watch users are reporting that they’re experiencing an annoying bug with their devices. Their watches keep disconnecting from their Pixel phones, forcing them to factory reset the devices to get them working again. This issue has popped up in recent weeks and affects a range of WearOS watches, including older models like the Fossil Gen 5, TicWatch, and Moto 360. It’s happening with various Pixel phones, such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series.
The trouble starts when users get a prompt on their phone to pair their watch again, even though it was already connected. When they check the WearOS app, the watch is gone, and they have to reset it completely to reconnect. The fix doesn’t last long, though. The disconnection usually happens again within a day or two. David, a user on the Google Support forum, explained his struggle: “I’ve run through the resetting of my watch and reconnecting process, it will hold for a day or two, and lose connection again. I’ve repeated this a couple of times, and yet this keeps happening.”
Another user, Tony 7969, didn’t hold back his annoyance: “Smartwatches are quite dumb when you have to factory reset to pair it to a phone, imagine having to factory reset your phone every time you wanted to pair it to a car. But now having to do this ALL THE TIME, because either Android, Google and/or WearOS can’t leave the Bluetooth device alone and feel the need to auto remove it?” Many users like Tony are fed up, especially since their watches worked fine for years until recently.
People are pointing fingers at a possible culprit. The timing suggests it might be tied to the March update for Pixel phones. The WearOS app hasn’t been updated since December 2023, but Pixel phones have gotten newer software patches. Users think these updates might be messing with Bluetooth connections. Reports on Reddit and Google Support forums show the problem isn’t just with Fossil watches. It’s hitting other brands too, and it’s widespread across different Pixel models.
Luckily, it seems Google hasn’t turned a blind eye to the growing reports. A few days ago, a product expert on Google’s support forums confirmed that Google is looking into the issue, however, there’s no ETA for a fix.
For now, users are stuck troubleshooting on their own. Some have tried clearing caches or reinstalling the WearOS app, but nothing seems to stick. Many are hoping Google sorts this out soon. The constant disconnects are making their smartwatches unreliable, and for some, downright unusable. Until a fix comes, it’s a waiting game for frustrated WearOS users.
Featured image credits: u/joninleeds / Reddit
Dwayne Cubbins
886 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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