Earthquake early warning is coming to Wear OS
Earthquake detection and early warning features have been available on Android phones for a long time. Now, Wear OS-powered smartwatches are getting that technology. Information about the inclusion of the feature has emerged in Google's June 2025 Google Play Services update (version 25.21) release notes.
In 2020, Google first introduced this earthquake warning technology for Android phone users. This system uses smartphone sensors to detect the initial tremors of an earthquake and warns nearby users a few seconds in advance. This can lower the chances of damage and death. Although initially limited to a few specific regions, the feature was expanded to most countries around the world by 2022. Due to its ability to analyze user-based data and provide immediate alerts, it has become one of the most effective security features on Android. Google's latest Play Services release notes state that warnings will be sent to Wear OS-powered watches when seismic tremors reach alarming levels. Android Authority first reported the news.
However, Google has not yet officially announced the launch of the feature. However, Google often mentions the feature in advance in the Play Services release notes, but it is launched through a later update. So it is not certain whether it will be launched in the June update or not. It is believed that the feature may be launched by the end of the year with Wear OS-6.
Earthquake warnings are sent in two stages on Android phones. In the case of a slight tremor, the ‘Beware Alert’ comes, which is not displayed if the phone’s silent or ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode is turned on. However, in the case of a moderate or severe tremor, the ‘Take Action Alert’ is sent, which ignores all the sound settings of the device and plays a loud alarm, displays a red warning on the screen and provides emergency instructions. It is believed that Wear OS will also have a similar warning display system. It may also show information about the magnitude of the earthquake and the user’s distance from the epicenter.
