Pixel Watch Update Rollercoaster: From Inflated Steps to Touch Lock Tweaks – What’s Going On?

Pixel Watch users have been on a bit of a ride lately, with a flurry of updates bringing both welcomed fixes and some potentially disruptive changes. One of the biggest surprises? Your step count may have been inflated, giving you an artificial boost in your daily activity achievements.

According to reports, a software update rolled out in March 2025 inadvertently caused Pixel Watches (including the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3) to overestimate steps. For those meticulously tracking their fitness, the joy of reaching that 10,000-step goal might have been slightly...misguided. Google has acknowledged the issue and released a fix in a subsequent April update.

The official release notes state that the fix, “resolves an issue where some reported receiving a step count in certain scenarios that was higher than expected, by reverting the step algorithm enhancements to the original step algorithm for all users.” Essentially, the algorithm has been rolled back to its previous, more accurate, state.

But the update adventure doesn't end there. Wear OS 5.1 has introduced a change to how Touch Lock functions on the Pixel Watch. Previously, Touch Lock simply disabled the touchscreen, preventing accidental taps. The rotating crown still allowed users to scroll through Quick Settings and notifications.

However, with Wear OS 5.1, Touch Lock now disables crown rotation as well. The only action possible is a long-press for two seconds to disable Touch Lock entirely. This has frustrated some users, with one pointing out the convenience of using Touch Lock in wet environments, such as while showering, to check notifications.

It's currently unclear whether this Touch Lock change is intentional or a bug. Google hasn't updated the description for the feature, leaving users to speculate. If it's a bug, there's hope thatGoogle will address it in the next scheduled update in June.

In addition to these changes, keeping your Wear OS up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and security. While updates are typically automatic, it's always good practice to check for available updates and ensure your apps are also up-to-date.

What do you think of these Pixel Watch updates? Are you happy with the step count fix? How do you feel about the new Touch Lock behavior? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

• Google
• Pixel Watch
• Wear OS