A recent Pixel firmware update released in March 2026 has sparked concern among Pixel Watch users, as reports of inaccurate Fitbit tracking, missing SpO2 readings, and inflated activity data continue to surface. What was expected to refine performance has instead led to confusion, with some users questioning the reliability of their health metrics altogether.
The March 2026 Pixel firmware update was intended to deliver routine improvements and security enhancements. However, users quickly began noticing irregularities in their Fitbit tracking data. According to multiple reports shared online, daily step counts and calorie burn estimates have become exaggerated.
Pixel Firmware Update Causes Fitbit Tracking Errors
Some users claim their Pixel Watch recorded double or even triple the number of steps taken during periods of inactivity. In more extreme cases, individuals reported seeing as many as 14,000 steps logged and 6,300 calories burned without leaving their couch. These anomalies suggest that the issue is not minor but widespread enough to impact the credibility of the device’s fitness tracking features.
The problem has been widely discussed across forums such as Reddit, with coverage also highlighted by 9to5Google. The consistency of complaints indicates that the issue is not isolated to a handful of devices.
Missing SpO2 and Health Data After Pixel Firmware Update
Initially, the fallout from the Pixel firmware update appeared limited to missing health metrics. Users reported that SpO2 levels and skin temperature readings had disappeared from the Fitbit app. These metrics are typically crucial for users monitoring wellness trends, making their absence noticeable and concerning.
Over time, the issue evolved beyond missing data. Instead of simply failing to record certain metrics, the watch began generating inaccurate activity statistics. This shift, from incomplete Fitbit tracking to outright incorrect data, has made the situation more problematic.
Despite the growing number of complaints, there has been no official explanation addressing why SpO2 readings vanished or why activity metrics became inflated following the update, as reported by Android Central.
Is the Pixel Firmware Update the Only Cause?
While many users attribute the issue directly to the March Pixel firmware update, the situation may be more complex. Some reports indicate that similar inaccuracies are occurring on devices running older software versions. This raises the possibility that the bug may not be entirely tied to the update itself.
The presence of the issue across different versions suggests a potential server-side problem affecting Fitbit tracking systems. If true, resolving the issue could require backend fixes rather than a simple patch pushed to devices. This uncertainty complicates troubleshooting efforts and leaves users without a clear timeline for resolution.
Fitbit Tracking Reliability Comes into Question
For casual users, inflated step counts might seem like a harmless glitch. However, for individuals who rely on precise Fitbit tracking, whether for fitness goals, calorie monitoring, or health management, the issue is far from trivial.
Accurate metrics are central to the purpose of wearable devices. When a Pixel firmware update introduces discrepancies in step counts, calorie burn, and SpO2 readings, it undermines user trust. The ability to rely on consistent and accurate data is a key reason why users adopt such devices in the first place.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, there has been no public statement addressing the issue. The company behind the Pixel Watch has not posted updates on official support forums or acknowledged the problem through formal channels. However, given the volume of user complaints, it is widely assumed that the issue is under investigation.
Software updates are generally expected to enhance device performance, especially when they involve critical features like health monitoring. In this case, the March Pixel firmware update appears to have done the opposite for some users.
