Touch Lock Just Got a Major Overhaul!

Wear OS 5.1 has surprising news for Pixel Watch users—Google has revamped how the Touch Lock feature operates!

Before this update, activating Touch Lock simply disabled the touchscreen. This meant you could avoid accidental taps on notifications while still enjoying your watch face uninterrupted. Google officially describes Touch Lock as a way to "turn off the ability to navigate the screen with touch," but the always-on display and raise-to-wake functionalities remained fully operational.

Users could still rely on the rotating crown to effortlessly scroll through Quick Settings—giving you instant updates on battery life and connectivity—as well as easily browse notifications. However, wearers of both Wear OS 4 and 5 Pixel Watches noticed the same old functionality.

The New and Controversial Change!

With the introduction of Wear OS 5.1, a major adjustment has occurred: Touch Lock now disables the crown's rotation! This change means users can only long-press for two seconds to turn it off.

This shift is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a game-changer for many who relied on Touch Lock, especially in wet environments like the shower, where checking notifications without any accidental taps was essential.

Bug or Intentional? The Mystery Deepens!

What’s more puzzling is whether this change is a bug or a deliberate decision by Google. The company hasn't updated the Touch Lock description to reflect these modifications, leaving users in the dark. If it’s indeed a glitch, let’s hope Google addresses it in their next update, scheduled for June.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

Pixel Watch enthusiasts will definitely want to keep an eye on future updates to see if Google resolves this issue. Will you embrace the change or demand a return to the previous functionality?