Google cuts free cellular safety features for older Pixel Watches

The change affects users who relied on Safety Signal to power Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Safety Check via LTE connectivity when disconnected from a smartphone. While these tools remain functional, they will shift to requiring either an active Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth pairing with a phone after the grace period expires.

Google is rolling out notifications and emails to current users to outline the transition. A 30-day window will be provided to individual accounts once they receive notice, but the firm-wide cutoff remains set for mid-December. After this date, the watch will no longer bridge the gap to emergency networks independently unless the owner maintains a paid mobile subscription.