It seems like Google’s March 2026 update to the Pixel Watch devices seems to be causing issues for users. There are reports that the Pixel Watch’s SpO2 (blood oxygen) and skin temperature sensors are not working as intended post the update. These features were working fine before installing the update.
Google Pixel Watch March update causing issues with SpO2 and skin temperature readings
Users have started complaining about Pixel Watch issues over the weekend across multiple channels, including Reddit, as highlighted by 9to5Google. One user on Reddit notes that blood-oxygen and skin-temperature features have vanished from the Fitbit app after the update. “It straight up says no data? Like what. Before the update, they were working as normal,” notes the user.
The user notes that opening the Fitbit app puts them in a strange loop, where it says “analyzing,” but then proceeds to do nothing. Other users responded to the post, facing a similar issue. Another user says that “It’s definitely a bug in the latest update.” Rebooting their Pixel Watch didn’t apparently fix the issue.
Some potential workarounds
Besides Reddit, there have been many such complaints from users on Google forums over the past couple of days. One user, who’s facing the issue, has a Pixel Watch 4, suggesting that it’s affecting all Pixel Watch models. They add that the recording of calories is off from what the smartwatch usually reports. A solution to the SpO2 and skin temperature data missing issue is factory resetting the Pixel Watch, which many users may be reluctant to do.
Another potential solution being offered is to check if the blood oxygen and skin temperature permissions are still enabled. Users can do so by checking Fitbit’s permissions in the Settings. Some users seem to have found relief with this solution, so it’s worth giving it a shot. It’s reported that these permissions somehow got turned off in the latest update.
Issues aside, with the March update, your Pixel Watch works proactively to secure your phone. It will send instant alerts if you accidentally leave it behind and automatically lock your phone instantly if you move out of range. One-handed gesture is expanding to the Pixel Watch 3. Then there are standalone earthquake alerts.
