Google may soon bring one of the Apple Watch’s most practical safety features to the Pixel Watch lineup. A new report suggests the company is working on a “Notify when left behind” alert that would warn users when their phone is no longer nearby.
This feature is familiar to Apple Watch users, where it helps prevent people from accidentally leaving their iPhone behind. Now, Google appears ready to offer a similar experience for Pixel Watch owners, making Android wearables a little smarter in everyday situations.
Samsung already includes a disconnection alert on several Galaxy Watch models, notifying users when their Galaxy smartphone loses connection. According to a report from Android Authority, Google’s Pixel Watch could be the next wearable to gain this functionality.
How the Pixel Watch alert is expected to work
The discovery comes from code found inside a system app, where references to a feature labeled “Notify when left behind” were uncovered. As the name implies, the Pixel Watch would send an alert when the paired phone is no longer within range.
For the feature to function correctly, certain conditions must be met. The Pixel Watch needs to be worn on the wrist, and both the watch and the phone must have Bluetooth enabled. Once the connection is broken, the watch would notify the user and automatically lock the connected phone for added security.
This approach closely mirrors how similar alerts work on the Apple Watch, helping users react quickly if they forget their phone at a café, office, or public place.
Trusted locations and fewer false alerts
The leaked information also suggests that Google is planning to include trusted locations. Users would be able to disable alerts in places they visit frequently, such as home or work. This would reduce unnecessary notifications while still keeping the feature useful when it matters most.
Another important detail mentioned in the report is device compatibility. Not every Pixel Watch model may receive the update. While Google has not confirmed which versions will be supported, newer models are expected to be first in line.
Devices like the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 4 are likely candidates, with the feature arriving through a future Wear OS update. Older models may or may not be included, depending on hardware limitations and software support.
What this means for Pixel Watch users
If Google officially rolls out this feature, it would add another layer of convenience and security to the Pixel Watch ecosystem. Forgetting a phone is a common issue, and quick alerts can save users time, stress, and potential data risks.
For now, everything remains unofficial. Google has not made a public announcement or provided a release timeline. As with many features found through code analysis, details could change before launch, or the feature could be delayed.
Until Google confirms the update, Pixel Watch users will need to wait for more information. If released, the “Notify when left behind” alert could become one of the most useful everyday features on Wear OS, especially for those who rely on their smartwatch to stay connected on the go.
