Google Ends Free LTE Safety Signal for Older Pixel Watches
Google is discontinuing free cellular access to Safety Signal for Pixel Watch 2 and 3 LTE models on December 12, 2026.
Google will discontinue its Safety Signal service on December 12, 2026, removing free cellular access to emergency features for LTE versions of the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. Previously, users with a Google Health Premium subscription could use Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Safety Check, and Emergency Sharing via LTE networks without an active carrier plan.
After the cutoff date, these safety tools will only function if the watch has an active paid mobile plan, a Wi-Fi connection, or a Bluetooth connection to a paired smartphone. The company stated the change is intended to "evolve our connectivity and safety capabilities."
Affected users in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany will receive notifications via email and push alerts, followed by a 30-day transition period. To maintain independent cellular access, the company advises users to set up a mobile plan or eSIM through a supported carrier.
Newer hardware, specifically the Pixel Watch 4 and 5, remains unaffected because those models utilize satellite SOS connectivity, a hardware capability not present in the older versions.
