The recent update to the Google Pixel Watch has introduced a change that many users find frustrating. This alteration affects how users interact with their device while the screen is locked. The focus of this update is the function of the watch’s rotating crown. Previously, when users activated the Touch Lock feature on Pixel Watches running Wear OS 4 or the first version of Wear OS 5, it only disabled the touchscreen.
This was helpful for preventing unintended inputs, especially during activities such as exercising or in wet conditions. However, the recent update to Wear OS 5.1 has altered this functionality. With Touch Lock now enabled, both the touchscreen and the rotating crown become unresponsive. The only way to deactivate the lock is through a long press of the crown for two seconds.
This change has led to dissatisfaction among some users who found the previous method more convenient for checking notifications while in the shower, a situation where using the touchscreen can be impractical. While Wear OS 5 brought significant improvements such as enhanced battery life and new developer tools, smaller updates like 5.1 can impact user experience more than anticipated. Unlike competitors like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, which retain certain functionalities during screen lock, the Pixel Watch’s new Touch Lock behavior limits options for users wanting quick access. At this point, it remains unclear whether Google intended to disable crown functionality with Touch Lock or if this is merely a bug in the latest update.
The official support documentation for Touch Lock has not been updated to reflect this change, leading users to seek clarity or a potential fix in future software updates. Disabling all physical interactions when Touch Lock is active seems counterproductive, particularly for a device designed for quick access and usability. Users are eager for Google’s clarification on this matter.