What you need to know
- Google is working on a Pixel Watch feature that alerts you when you leave your phone behind.
- The feature may also automatically lock your phone if you walk away while it is still unlocked.
- The feature may be limited to certain Pixel Watch models and has no rollout timeline yet.
If you keep forgetting your phone behind when leaving a place, a new Google Pixel Watch feature might end up being a real lifesaver.
As spotted by Android Authority, Google is working on a new Pixel Watch feature that will alert users when they leave their phone behind. The publication found some strings in the source code that reference a feature called “Notify when left behind,” which would send a notification to your Pixel Watch whenever you walk away without your phone.
For the feature to work, as per the report, a few prerequisites are required. Both the phone and watch need to have Bluetooth turned on, and the watch must be worn on your wrist, which is fairly obvious for something like this to function properly.
Google is finally adding a phone left-behind alert
What makes this feature more interesting is that it will also automatically lock your phone if you walk away from it while it is still unlocked. This could be especially useful from a privacy standpoint if you accidentally leave your phone behind in a public place. The report also notes that you will be able to disable these alerts in trusted locations, such as your home.
That said, it is possible that Google may limit this feature to select new Pixel Watch models and some older models, like the original Pixel Watch or the Pixel Watch 2, may be left out. The code strings include a “Not supported watch” message, suggesting that some Pixel Watch variants could miss out.
For those familiar, similar features already exist on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, but it is good to finally see Google working on bringing this functionality to the Pixel Watch.
There is no word yet on when or if this feature will officially roll out, as it has only been spotted in the source code so far. If Google does end up releasing it, we will be sure to update you.
