Google may remove Safety Signal from Pixel Watch 2 and 3
What is the Safety Signal feature?
Safety Signal was introduced with the Pixel Watch 2 and continued on the Pixel Watch 3. The feature lets owners of LTE models call emergency services even without a cellular data plan. By using the watch’s built‑in connection, the user can trigger a call to 911 in the United States or the equivalent number in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. This capability has been marketed as a lifesaver for runners, cyclists and anyone who spends time away from a phone.
Evidence that Google plans to remove it
Android Authority recently examined the code of the latest Pixel Watch app update, version 5.1.0.990450614. Within the code a comment reads that Safety Signal is going away and that the feature will no longer be available soon. The comment also points users to a full article for more details. While the exact timing has not been disclosed, the presence of the comment in the official release suggests that the change is imminent.
Who is affected?
The removal only matters for LTE‑only Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 owners who rely on the feature because they do not have a separate mobile data plan. Users who already pay for cellular service on their watch will continue to have emergency calling through their carrier. The feature has only been offered in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, so owners in other regions are not impacted.
Potential impact on safety and competition
Eliminating Safety Signal could be seen as a step back for Google’s smartwatch ecosystem. Competing devices such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 smartwatch offer built‑in emergency SOS that works without a data plan, and the iPad Air M2 even supports fall detection when paired with an Apple Watch. If Google does not replace Safety Signal with a comparable solution, it may lose users who prioritise independent emergency features.
What might Google do next?
Google has not announced a replacement, but the company could integrate a similar function into its newer Pixel Watch 5 or future models. Alternatively, Google might rely on the carrier‑based emergency services that are already available to users with a data plan. Until an official statement is released, owners should consider alternative safety options, such as third‑party apps or dedicated emergency devices.
Should you upgrade or switch?
If you own a Pixel Watch 2 or 3 and the Safety Signal feature is essential for your peace of mind, you may want to evaluate newer alternatives. The Pixel Watch 5 received a four‑star review for its design and health tracking, but it does not currently list an independent emergency call feature. Devices like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy S25 provide robust SOS capabilities and may represent a safer choice for users who travel frequently.
