Google is expanding the safety features of its wearable ecosystem, rolling out a major update that allows Wear OS smartwatches – including models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch – to receive independent earthquake warnings even when they’re not paired with a phone. The upgrade comes as part of the latest launch of Google Play Services v26.07 and marks a significant change in the way emergency alerts reach users.
Standalone notifications arrive on your wrist
Earthquake warnings on Wear OS previously worked as mirrored notifications. If a user’s phone received a regional earthquake warning, the watch would display a companion alert – meaning smartwatches were only useful when the paired phone was nearby, connected and turned on. With the new update this dependency is removed. According to the official changelog, “You can now receive earthquake alerts on your Wear devices, even if they are not paired with the phone.”
This turns Wear OS from a passive accessory into an active, standalone security tool. Notifications can now arrive over Wi-Fi or cellular networks (depending on the watch’s capabilities), giving users a much higher chance of receiving real-time alerts. In earthquake-prone regions, just a few seconds’ advance warning can dramatically improve safety outcomes – allowing people to take cover, move away from dangerous structures, or protect nearby vulnerable people.
The move follows Samsung’s recent efforts to improve the earthquake warning feature in One UI 8.0, increasing the reliability of alerts on mobile phones. Google’s decision to extend the same security dynamic to wearables signals an industry-wide shift toward more resilient emergency communications on personal devices.
Why users should care
For many smartwatch owners, especially those who often leave their phones on their desk, in a locker at the gym, or in another room to charge, this change could be crucial. Earthquakes happen without warning and phones are not always within reach. However, you almost always wear a watch on your wrist – and is therefore the most immediate point of contact for urgent alarms.
This update is particularly important for residents of regions such as Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico and the West Coast of the United States, where real-time earthquake warnings are becoming important public safety tools. By expanding its capabilities, Wear OS will reach more people faster and reduce the risk of missed alerts in critical seconds.
What remains unclear
Despite the significant upgrade, Google still needs to clarify important details. The company hasn’t confirmed how the alerts work independently, whether they rely entirely on network connectivity, and whether the feature works on all Wear OS devices or just those with cellular support. It is also not known whether Google will expand support to additional regions or integrate more closely into national early warning systems.
More information is expected as Google completes the rollout and partners begin updating their Wear OS-based smartwatches.
