Following the last update released in October, Google is rolling out a modem software update for the original Pixel Watch that launched in 2022. This new package is described by Google as an “additional March 2026 software update” and focuses specifically on improving emergency dialing behavior for E911 calls.
The update carries build number BW1A.260305.003 (from BW1A.251005.003.W1) and remains based on Wear OS 5.1 with Android 15. The original Pixel Watch has reached the end of its guaranteed three-year major software update window and will not receive Wear OS 6 or later. That said, the device will continue to receive app updates through the Google Play Store and occasional maintenance updates such as this modem-focused release.
According to Google’s release notes, the sole documented change in this rollout is a set of bug fixes intended to improve how the Pixel Watch handles E911 emergency dialing. These fixes are aimed at making emergency call behavior more reliable on devices that use this modem software, which can be particularly important in situations where accurate and dependable emergency dialing is required.
As of Monday morning, the over-the-air (OTA) update was not yet available on the factory images site for manual installation. Users who track builds on the factory images site should continue to check that page, as Google sometimes posts images there after the OTA begins to roll out. Google has also not posted a corresponding March 2026 modem update for LTE variants of the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3, or Pixel Watch 4.
Google notes that the rollout will proceed in phases over the coming weeks and the timing may vary depending on carrier and device. If you own an original Pixel Watch and want to check for the update manually, navigate to Settings > System > System updates on the watch. Installing updates as they arrive helps ensure your device has the latest fixes that can affect connectivity and emergency calling.
For owners of the original Pixel Watch, it’s useful to know what this update does—and what it doesn’t. This release is narrowly scoped to modem and E911 behavior improvements rather than broader platform enhancements or user-facing features. Because the device remains on Wear OS 5.1, feature additions tied to newer major OS releases will not appear on this model. Still, targeted updates like this one can meaningfully improve core functions such as cellular connectivity and emergency dialing reliability.
If you rely on LTE or cellular functionality from the watch, keep an eye on carrier-specific timing and any communications your mobile provider issues about device updates. Carriers sometimes stagger availability for modem updates to coordinate testing and deployment across networks. For Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth-only users, the update process is generally the same but timing can still depend on Google’s staged rollout plan.
Beyond this modem update, Pixel Watch owners may continue to see periodic maintenance releases and app updates through the Play Store. Community threads and support pages often provide firsthand reports about update behavior, rollout progress, and any issues encountered after installation. If you experience a problem after updating, consult Google’s support channels or the device’s settings for reset or diagnostic options before pursuing repair or replacement.
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