Still no fix in sight for weak vibrations on Pixel Watch after Wear OS 5 update

Pixel Watch 1 users continue to face issues with vibration strength after the Wear OS 5 update, which was briefly rolled out before being pulled by Google. Reports about this major problem have been popping up for a few months from frustrated owners claiming that vibrations on their watches have become almost imperceptible, making apps and notifications relying on the vibration motor practically unusable.

While some thought the problem would be addressed after Google started rolling out Wear OS 5 again, sadly that wasn’t the case. The issue seems specific to third-party apps, with developers and users noting that system-level vibrations, like notifications, are unaffected. Apps like Vibrate the Time and Sleep as Android, which depend heavily on vibration feedback, have been hit particularly hard. Some users also report missing critical alerts, such as alarms for blood sugar monitoring.

A developer on Reddit compared two Pixel Watch 1 units — one running Wear OS 4 and another updated to Wear OS 5. The difference in vibration strength was stark. The watch on Wear OS 4 vibrated normally, while the one with Wear OS 5 only emitted faint taps that were undetectable when worn. This behavior was replicated using simple test code, leading many to believe the problem lies in the software update, not the hardware.

Google acknowledged the bug in its issue tracker back in October, but progress has been slow. A November patch that promised fixes did not address this specific problem, leaving users in limbo. One commenter summed up the sentiment: “This is such a show-stopper bug that I was forced — reluctantly — to buy the Pixel Watch 3.”

For some, the issue goes beyond inconvenience. Wearables are critical for accessibility and health monitoring, and weak vibrations render them ineffective. A type 1 diabetic mentioned relying on vibration alerts for dangerous blood sugar levels, calling the bug “extremely dangerous.”

Despite the mounting complaints, Google has yet to announce a timeline for a fix. Several users have turned to Google Support for answers, only to be offered refurbished replacement watches or dismissed outright. This has pushed many to seek refunds or switch to alternative devices from competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi.

With the holiday season underway and no resolution in sight, the pressure is on Google to address the issue. Until then, Pixel Watch 1 users will have to deal with a wearable that, for many, no longer fulfills its basic functions.