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Models Lose Safety Signal

Google Removes Emergency Feature from Older Pixel Watches

A large green Android figure stands at a trade show booth, wearing a white smartwatch on its arm. In front of the figure, two more smartwatches with light-colored bands rest on a wooden stand. In the background to the right, the multicolored Google logo is visible, while several blurred individuals are on the left.
Google to Discontinue Safety Signal for LTE Versions of Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 in December 2026 Photo: Getty Images
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October 16, 2026, 5:57 am | Read time: 2 minutes

Two older smartwatch models from Google will lose a security feature in December. However, owners won’t have to completely forgo Emergency SOS and fall detection.

Google will discontinue “Safety Signal” on December 12, 2026. This feature allows a Pixel Watch to establish a cellular connection for certain safety functions without a connected smartphone or its own mobile plan. This can be useful, for example, when the smartphone is left at home during sports activities.

The LTE versions of the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 are affected. On these models, Safety Signal has been part of Google Health Premium, which regularly costs 8.99 euros per month. The service is not offered on the newer Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5. Google plans to inform affected users via email and a notification on the watch about the service’s end.

These Emergency Functions Remain Available

With the discontinuation of Safety Signal, the safety features of the Pixel Watch do not disappear entirely. Emergency SOS, fall detection, and safety check remain available. For the safety check, a specific time is set in advance. After this period, the smartwatch checks if everything is okay.

If confirmation is not received, the Pixel Watch can automatically share the location with pre-selected emergency contacts. For this, location tracking on the watch must be enabled. The functions essentially remain, but the requirements for the necessary connection change with the discontinuation of Safety Signal.

A Separate Plan Will Be Needed Without a Smartphone

For calls to emergency services, a smartphone connected via Bluetooth can still be used if nearby. However, if the LTE version of the Pixel Watch is to establish a cellular connection independently of the phone, a separate mobile contract for the smartwatch will be required in the future. The connection will be via an eSIM, a permanently integrated electronic SIM.

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The safety check can also be used over Wi-Fi. Google mentions a transition period of 30 days from the date of the notification email in its “Help Forum”. Regardless, Safety Signal is set to end for all affected users by December 12, 2026, at the latest.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

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