A buggy update has broken key health features on the Pixel Watch. Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4 owners report that blood oxygen and skin temperature tracking have stopped working. The problem came from a recent Fitbit firmware update. It is one more reminder that even pricey gadgets can fail, just like the apps on our phones, which is why many readers track the best apps and tools closely.
What the Pixel Watch Bug Does
The bug stops the watch from tracking two key health stats. These are blood oxygen, also called SpO2, and skin temperature. Both vanished for many users after the update.
The cause is a Fitbit firmware update, version 3.57.1.2.910093395.release. It quietly removes the sensor permissions. With those gone, the hardware cannot do its job.
These sensors matter for daily health checks. SpO2 shows how well your blood carries oxygen. Skin temperature can hint at illness, poor sleep, or stress over time.
Why the Fix Is So Tricky
Users tried to turn the permissions back on in settings. But the watch shows a strange message: “no app is requesting permissions.” So there is no clear way to restore access.
SpO2 and skin temperature run in the background. You may not notice they are off until you open the app. That means days of health data can quietly go missing, much like other software issues seen in recent Google software bugs and updates.
A Pattern of Broken Updates
This is not a one-time slip. Pixel Watch owners say updates have broken features many times this past year. Sleep tracking, step counts, and syncing have all had problems.
One Pixel Watch 3 owner said this kind of issue has hit them about 10 times in 10 months. Many users feel like unpaid testers for unfinished software. Trust in Pixel devices and their fixes is taking a hit.
Galaxy and Apple Watch Owners Aren’t Safe Either
This is not just a Google problem. Smartwatch bugs after updates hit all the big brands. Samsung Galaxy Watch owners recently faced heavy battery drain after a software update.
Apple Watch users have seen their own glitches over the years too. The lesson is the same across brands: an update can break a feature you paid for. It pays to compare devices, much like buyers weigh the Galaxy and Pixel flagships before they buy.
Health features are now a top reason people buy a smartwatch. So a broken sensor feels worse than a minor app glitch. Buyers expect these tools to just work, every day.
Has Google Said Anything?
Yes, Google has owned up to the problem. The official PixelCommunity account posted about it on Reddit. It said the team regrets the disruption to users’ health tracking.
A Fitbit representative also said they are working to restore sensor access. So a proper fix is on the way. There is no exact date yet, but Google says it is a priority.
What Should Watch Owners Do?
For now, try restarting your watch. Some users say this brings the sensors back for a while. It is a quick step that may help until the real fix lands.
Check your health dashboard often to confirm data is syncing. If a stat is missing, you will catch it sooner. Backing up key data with the best cloud backup apps is a smart habit too.
What Happens Next
Google will push a fix through a future Fitbit or Pixel Watch update. Once it lands, sensor permissions should return to normal. Keep your watch software up to date to get it fast.
The case adds to wider worries about update testing across the industry. Brands need to test health features more before release. For more on Google’s plans and recent moves, follow the latest Android device news and stories like Google’s push to improve its products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Pixel Watch bug break?
The bug broke blood oxygen (SpO2) and skin temperature tracking on the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4. A Fitbit firmware update removed the sensor permissions, so the watch could no longer record these health stats in the background.
Which Pixel Watch models are affected by the bug?
The bug mainly hits the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4. Owners of both models reported missing SpO2 and skin temperature data after the Fitbit firmware update. Some users lost more than a week of health readings before noticing.
How do I fix the Pixel Watch health tracking bug?
There is no full fix yet, but restarting your watch can restore the sensors for a while. Trying to re-enable permissions in settings does not work because the watch says no app is requesting them. Check your dashboard often until Google ships a fix.
Are Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch affected too?
Not by this exact bug, but update problems hit every brand. Samsung Galaxy Watch owners recently reported heavy battery drain after a software update, and Apple Watch users have faced glitches too. An update can break a paid feature on any smartwatch.
Has Google promised a fix for the Pixel Watch bug?
Yes. The official PixelCommunity account admitted the issue on Reddit and said the team regrets the disruption. A Fitbit representative said they are working to restore sensor access. There is no exact date yet, but Google says a fix is a priority.
Follow Android Hire for the latest updates on Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, and smartwatch health features.
