Google could soon discontinue the Safety Signal feature on its older Pixel Watch models. The change would affect the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, which currently allow users to send an emergency alert to a designated contact or local emergency services.
Safety Signal is part of Google’s Health Hub and works by sending a text message and location data when the user presses a button on the watch. The feature is built into the watch’s operating system and is supported by the Pixel Watch 2 and 3, but not the newer Pixel Watch 4. Reports suggest that Google is planning to phase out the feature from the older watches to streamline its software and focus on newer technologies.
Google’s decision may stem from a combination of user adoption data and the company’s broader strategy to reduce maintenance on legacy devices. The company has previously updated its Wear OS to consolidate features and improve battery life. By removing Safety Signal from older watches, Google can allocate resources to enhance other health and safety tools that are more widely used. Analysts also note that the feature’s usage statistics are low compared to other wearable functions, which makes it a candidate for removal.
If Safety Signal is removed, owners of Pixel Watch 2 and 3 will lose the ability to send instant emergency alerts through the watch. Users will still be able to use the phone’s emergency SOS function, but the convenience of a single button on the wrist will disappear. Google has not yet announced a replacement feature, and it is unclear whether the company will offer a software update that preserves the function or provide an alternative app.
There is no official statement about a replacement. Some users have suggested that Google could integrate the emergency alert into the new Pixel Watch 4’s Health Hub, but this remains speculative. Until Google releases an official update, users should rely on their smartphone’s emergency services or consider third‑party apps that provide similar functionality.
The removal of Safety Signal could prompt users to upgrade to newer watches or switch brands. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining safety features on aging hardware. For the wearable market, this move may signal a shift toward more integrated health ecosystems that rely on cloud services rather than device‑specific features. Consumers will need to weigh the benefits of newer models against the loss of legacy safety tools.
Q: When will Safety Signal be removed from Pixel Watch 2 and 3? A: Google has not set a specific date, but the change is expected in an upcoming software update.