For all the advanced features that the Pixel Watch packs, it still misses some surprisingly basic functionality. One such glaring omission is the lack of alerts on your phone if you accidentally leave the Pixel Watch behind. This is a feature that Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch users have enjoyed for years. And it now appears that Google will also soon join the bandwagon.
The Android Authority team has discovered code strings in a system app on the Pixel Watch about a new “Notify when left behind” feature.
Based on the strings, it appears that the feature will work both ways. So, if you leave your watch behind, an alert will appear on your phone. And if you accidentally forget your phone, a notification will purportedly show up on the watch.
This is a more common scenario than you might imagine. I’ve forgotten to put my Pixel Watch back on countless times after leaving it on the charger, especially when travelling.
For a watch that commands a premium price, it’s frustrating to see the Pixel Watch missing out on such basic functionality. As things stand, the Pixel Watch or the paired Android phone will not display any alert if the Bluetooth connection drops.
A small Pixel Watch upgrade that will solve a big annoyance
Like similar features on other platforms, it will require a few basics to work properly, including having Bluetooth enabled on both the phone and watch. Unfortunately, it does not look like the “Notify when left behind” feature will use Ultra Wideband for precision tracking.
Still, even Bluetooth-based alerts would be better than not having the feature entirely. And in most real-world scenarios, such as your bedroom, office, or hotel room, it should work just fine.
Google may limit the feature to newer Pixel Watch models, most likely only bringing it to the Pixel Watch 4 and 3. The “Notify when left behind” feature could roll out as part of the next Feature Drop in March 2026. It should pair nicely with the Find Hub app for Wear OS, which launched for the platform only a month ago.
