Google Expands Scam Protection to Pixel Watch
Google is stepping up its fight against scam calls. This time, the protection goes beyond your phone. Starting today, Pixel Watch 2 and 3 users in the US will receive scam alerts directly on their wrist. It’s a big move that brings the powerful scam detection tech of Pixel 9 to your smartwatch.
This update makes everyday communication safer. You don’t have to be glued to your phone to know when a suspicious call is coming through. Instead, your Pixel Watch gives you a heads-up, even while you’re out and about.
How Scam Detection Works on the Pixel Watch
The technology behind this feature is powered by Gemini Nano, Google’s on-device AI model. It uses Multimodality to analyze real-time call behavior. This helps it spot scam tactics as they happen.
Once your phone senses a scam, it immediately sends a signal to your paired watch. You’ll see a “Likely scam” warning on the screen. At the same time, your phone might vibrate or make a sound. This double alert ensures you don’t miss the warning, even if you’re not holding your phone.
What’s clever here is that the alert doesn’t need an internet connection. Everything runs directly on your device, which means it’s fast and private.
Why This Update Matters
Scammers are getting smarter. But now, your smartwatch is too. The Pixel Watch becomes an active safety tool, not just a passive notification device. With this update, Google turns wearables into part of your digital defense system.
This also means fewer chances of falling into scam traps when you’re away from your phone. Whether you’re at the gym, walking your dog, or commuting, your watch now keeps an eye on unexpected threats.
Watch Alerts Work with Your Phone—Not Alone
There’s one important detail: Scam Detection doesn’t run directly on the watch. The heavy lifting still happens on the Pixel 9 series phone. So, your watch needs to be connected to your Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, or 9 Pro Fold via Bluetooth.
If you take a direct LTE call on your watch, the scam detection feature won’t work. That’s because the watch doesn’t have the same on-device processing power that your phone does. The Pixel Watch acts more like an alert mirror, showing warnings your phone detects in real time.
How to Enable the Feature
To make sure you’re protected, head to your Pixel 9’s Phone app. Then, go into Settings and turn on Scam Detection. Once active, your paired Pixel Watch will start receiving scam alerts during calls.
It’s rolling out now for English-language calls in the US. International users may have to wait a bit longer, but this rollout marks a promising start.
A Step Towards Smarter Wearables
Google’s decision to extend scam detection to the Pixel Watch shows how smartwatches are evolving. These devices are no longer just fitness trackers or notification tools. They are becoming smart, context-aware companions.
This update also hints at the growing role AI will play in wearable technology. With features like this, the Pixel Watch isn’t just another smartwatch. It’s part of a broader vision where your devices work together to keep you informed—and safe.
Final Thoughts
The scam detection feature on the Pixel Watch is not just another update—it’s a meaningful leap. It’s a reminder that security should be everywhere, even on your wrist. As tech grows smarter, so must our protection against digital threats. And with this move, Google shows it’s thinking ahead.
In a world where scams are only becoming more sophisticated, this update gives Pixel Watch users a reassuring layer of safety—right where they need it.
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