Google has expanded the availability of its Loss of Pulse Detection feature for the Pixel Watch 3, bringing it to users in the US via the latest April 2025 software update. This safety-focused feature was previously limited to select European markets.
The feature arrives with the April 2025 update
According to 9to5Google, the new health monitoring capability is part of the Wear OS 5.1 update (version BP1A.250305.019.W7), which was rolled out earlier this week. While the update primarily includes bug fixes, it also enables the pulse detection feature in the US.
How loss of pulse detection works
The Pixel Watch 3 can monitor for signs of a lost pulse due to serious medical conditions such as cardiac arrest, overdose, or respiratory failure. If no pulse is detected, the watch will vibrate and try to check if the wearer is conscious. If there’s no response, it will automatically contact emergency services with the user's location and condition.
Requirements and limitations
To use the feature:
- Wi-Fi models need to be connected to and within range of a paired smartphone.
- LTE models must have an active mobile plan to place emergency calls.
- Google notes that the feature may not always detect a lost pulse and cannot identify the exact cause behind the issue.
Cleared by FDA for US rollout
The feature was initially introduced in 2024 for European users. Its US rollout follows FDA approval, allowing the smartwatch to be used as a potential life-saving device in critical emergencies.
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