How to Use Loss of Pulse Detection on the Pixel Watch 3

Table of Contents

• What is Loss of Pulse Detection?
• How to Enable Loss of Pulse Detection
• Devices Supporting Loss of Pulse Detection
• Availability of Loss of Pulse Detection

Google entered the smartwatch market later than its competitors, initially facing challenges with the first Pixel Watch released in late 2022. However, the introduction of the Pixel Watch 2 marked a significant improvement, showcasing Google’s ambition to compete against industry leaders like Apple and Samsung. The Pixel Watch 3 took things a step further, achieving impressive accolades and establishing itself as one of the top smartwatches available today.

The Pixel Watch 3 boasts exceptional battery performance, high-quality hardware, and a competitive price. It also introduces cutting-edge health features, particularly Loss of Pulse Detection, a capability that rivals have not yet matched.

Overview

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time Required: 5 Minutes
• Requirements:
  • A Google Pixel Watch 3 with WearOS 5.1 or later
  • An Android phone with the Google Pixel Watch app installed

Loss of Pulse Detection is an innovative health feature that initially faced delays due to regulatory approvals. Even though it was announced along with the Pixel Watch 3 in August, it only became accessible in the EU in September and received FDA clearance for the U.S. in February. This feature remains unique to the Pixel Watch 3, with expectations for future smartwatches.

What is Loss of Pulse Detection?

Loss of Pulse Detection allows the Pixel Watch 3 to identify when a user’s pulse is absent. Utilizing optical sensors—similar to those for heart rate monitoring—the watch will automatically contact emergency services if no pulse is detected. In scenarios where the wearer is unresponsive, it relays a message to the operator, including the individual’s location.

To prevent false alarms, the watch first vibrates to check for any movement. If any is detected, the call is canceled. However, if a pulse remains undetected for 15 seconds without any movement, the watch initiates a 20-second countdown, accompanied by a loud sound, giving the user a chance to confirm their consciousness by tapping an "X" on the screen. Should the watch place an emergency call, the automated message can also be interrupted by anyone nearby by tapping on the screen, allowing direct communication with emergency services.

How to Enable Loss of Pulse Detection

This feature is not activated by default, as Google wants users to understand its functionality. Follow these steps to enable it:

1. Ensure your Pixel Watch 3 is updated to the latest version of WearOS and that the Google Pixel Watch app on your smartphone is current, ideally Wear OS 15.1 or above.

2. Open the Google Pixel Watch app on your phone.

3. Navigate to Safety & Emergency.

4. Select Loss of Pulse Detection. If you don’t see this option, verify that you’re in a region where the feature is supported and that the required apps are up to date.

5. Follow any on-screen instructions, which may include signing in with your Google Account to utilize Loss of Pulse Detection.

6. Once activated, your Pixel Watch 3 will monitor for pulse loss while being worn. Ensure it fits correctly for optimal performance.

Devices Supporting Loss of Pulse Detection

Currently, Loss of Pulse Detection is exclusive to the Google Pixel Watch 3. There have been no announcements regarding its availability on earlier Pixel Watch models. This specific feature relies on an advanced heart rate sensor found in the Pixel Watch 3, designed for precise and reliable measurements.

The feature is supported across both the Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 3. However, the Wi-Fi model requires a connection to the paired smartphone to make emergency calls. Regulatory guidelines mandate that cellular devices must be able to contact emergency services without a specialized plan, particularly for the LTE version in the U.S., Canada, and several EU countries.

Availability of Loss of Pulse Detection

As per Google, Loss of Pulse Detection is currently available in several countries, including the U.S., the UK, and various EU nations. Google continues to pursue approvals in other areas and plans to expand availability accordingly.

Importantly, note that the feature’s functionality depends on your physical location, not where the watch was purchased or where your Google account was registered. For instance, if a user travels from the U.S. to Canada, Loss of Pulse Detection will be temporarily deactivated and will reactivate upon returning to the U.S.

For anyone interested in leveraging these advanced features, the Pixel Watch 3 represents a significant advance in smartwatch technology and user health safety.