Loss of Pulse detection for Pixel Watch 3 is rolling out to users in the US

Right on the heels of the recent April 2025 OTA update and the introduction of Scam Detection features, Google is now rolling out the promised Loss of Pulse Detection to users in the United States. This feature, which launched in Europe last year, required and has now received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its US debut.

Loss of Pulse Detection leverages the Pixel Watch 3’s sophisticated multipath heart rate monitor, alongside other sensors and what Google describes as a “multi-check, AI-based algorithm.” Its purpose is to identify potential instances where a user’s heart may have stopped beating, which could occur due to events like cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning.

Similar to the existing Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection systems, Loss of Pulse Detection will first prompt the wearer if it suspects such an event. If the user doesn’t respond or show any motion, the watch will automatically contact emergency services. Critically, it will provide responders with the user’s location and details about the detected situation, potentially shaving off vital seconds in a critical emergency.

To get this feature up and running, users will need to ensure a couple of things are up-to-date. First, the Personal Safety app on the Pixel Watch 3 itself needs to be on version 2025.03.19.x or newer (check the Play Store on your watch). Second, the Pixel Watch companion app on your paired phone should be updated to version 3.4 or later. Once those prerequisites are met, navigate within the phone app to Safety & emergency > Loss of Pulse Detection to begin the setup process.

Google has confirmed the roll-out begins today, April 9th, 2025, and will expand to all eligible Pixel Watch 3 devices in the US over the coming weeks. It’s important to note the official disclaimer from Google: “Loss of Pulse Detection may not detect every instance of a loss of pulse and is not intended for users with pre existing heart conditions or those who require cardiac monitoring. It does not diagnose or treat any medical condition or provide follow-up care.” While a powerful safety net, it’s not a replacement for medical-grade cardiac monitoring or diagnosis.