Fix: Google Pixel Watch Stuck on Preparing to Update

With Google Pixel Watch, Google promises advanced features and seamless integration with Android devices. However, it is not immune to problems related to...

Subrato Chatterjee

Last updated on June 6, 2023

Subrato Chatterjee

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Subrato Chatterjee is an Engineer who has always searched for something new. He found peace in technology, smartphones, and gaming. What do you need more? He is an expert in every sphere of life.

Understanding the “Preparing to Update” Screen

Firstly, let’s understand the “Preparing to update” screen and why it can hang before diving into troubleshooting steps. You can update your Pixel Watch software by initiating a software update. It will download and install the new firmware. It is necessary to verify the integrity of the update file, unpack and verify the contents, and create a backup in case the update is unsuccessful. It may take several minutes for the Pixel watch to reboot and install the update once the preparation is complete.

There are times, however, when the Pixel Watch sticks on the “Preparing to update” screen, meaning that there has been an error or problem during the preparation process. Several factors may cause this to occur, including a corrupted update file, inadequate storage space, a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection, or a software bug. When your Pixel Watch is stuck on the “Preparing to update” screen, especially if it’s critical to your life, it can be frustrating.

Fix 1: Restart The Pixel Watch

Software issues are usually solved by restarting the device, which is often the simplest and most effective course of action. Hopefully, the Pixel Watch will be able to resume the update process after this process resolves any temporary glitches. When the power menu appears on your Pixel Watch, press and hold it until the power menu appears, then select “Restart.” After the device powers off and again, check if the update process has resumed.

Fix 2: Force Stop The Update App

For Pixel Watches, you can stop the updated app by forcing it to stop if restarting doesn’t help. Performing this procedure can help to clear any stuck processes or cached data that may have been left over from the update. Here are the steps to force stopping the updated app:

To access the Quick Settings menu, swipe down from the top of the Pixel Watch screen.
Go to Settings (gear) and select “Apps & notifications.”
Select “See all apps” and find “System updates“.
Then tap “Force stop” on the app.
Wait for a few seconds, and then try to initiate the update process again.

Fix 3: Check The Storage Space On The Pixel Watch

It is possible that the Pixel Watch does not have enough free storage space to download and install the new firmware. In this situation, the update process may become stuck at the “Preparing to update” step. You can check the storage space on your Pixel Watch and free up some space if necessary by following these steps:

To access the Quick Settings menu, swipe down from the top of the Pixel Watch screen.
On the left side of the screen, tap on the Settings icon (gear) and scroll down to “Storage.”
Make sure the “Available” space is less than the updated file’s size. You can free up space by deleting files and apps you don’t need or transferring them to your phone.
See if the update process proceeds without getting stuck by attempting to initiate it again.

Fix 4: Check the Wi-Fi Connection On The Pixel Watch

It is also possible that a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection is responsible for the “Preparing to update” screen becoming stuck. Pixel Watches may fail to complete the preparation stage if the Wi-Fi signal is lost or connection speed declines during the update process. You can check your Pixel Watch’s Wi-Fi connection and improve it if necessary by following these steps:

In order to access the Quick Settings menu, swipe down from the top of the Pixel Watch screen.
Click Settings (gear) and scroll down to “Connectivity.”
Make sure that “Wi-Fi” is turned on.
Verify the strength and speed of the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to.
Try moving closer to the router or resetting it if the signal is weak or the speed is slow. If possible, try switching to another Wi-Fi network.
Initiate the update process again once you’ve established a stable internet connection and see if it proceeds without any problems.

Fix 5: Perform a Factory Reset On The Pixel Watch

For any persistent software issues, you may need to perform a factory reset on your Pixel Watch if none of the previous solutions worked. Make sure you back up anything important before performing a factory reset, as it will erase all your data and settings. You can reset your Pixel Watch by following these steps:

From the top of the Pixel Watch screen, swipe down to access Quick Settings.
Click on the Settings icon (gear) and scroll down to “System.”
Choose “Reset options” and then “Factory reset.”
When the Pixel Watch reboots, follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the reset.
Once you have reset your Pixel Watch back to its original settings, you should be able to initiate the update process once more.

It might be a hardware issue or a more complex software issue that needs to be diagnosed by a Google support representative or a professional technician if the Pixel Watch is still stuck on the “Preparing to update” screen after a factory reset.

Also Read: Google Pixel Watch Not Tracking Sleep, How to Fix?

Wrap Up

To conclude, Pixel Watch users who are stuck on the “Preparing to update” screen are not alone. As long as you follow the solutions we have presented in this article, you should be able to fix this issue and take advantage of the latest features and improvements. If the issue is severe, you might need to contact Google support or seek professional assistance. Pixel Watches can be reliable and enjoyable wearable devices with the right care and maintenance. So, that’s how to fix the Google Pixel Watch Stuck on Preparing to Update. We hope that this guide has helped you. However, in case you need more info, comment below and let us know.