Google is launching its Android Earthquake Alerts System to Wear OS smartwatches, which will alert users about upcoming, potentially life-saving earthquakes on-the-wrist. First launched on Android phones back in 2020, the feature leverages crowdsourced sensor data. Migrating to wearables will provide lifesaving seconds to users even when their phones aren't within reach.
How the Earthquake Alerts System Works Google's early warning system utilizes accelerometer measurements from tens of millions of Android devices as mini-seismometers, picking up initial pressure waves (P-waves) before harmful shaking (S-waves) reaches. The system processes sudden synchronized movements on devices to determine magnitude and epicenter, sending an alert only after a quake has been confirmed.
Rolling Out to Wear OS Devices Supported on Wear OS, earthquake alerts are a new feature, according to Google Play Services release notes (v25.21). Users will receive alerts like "Be Aware" for minor quakes and "Take Action" for bigger ones, as well as visual alerts and safety tips on their watch face. The feature is rolled out gradually and is a copy of the alerting feature already present on phones.
Why Watch Alerts Matter Wear OS wearers leave their phones at the gym, running errands, or charging. Now, without a phone, they become unreachable in case of an emergency. This is particularly invaluable in seismically active regions like Japan, California, Chile, India, and Turkey. Cellular-capable watches also increase response to notifications when phones are not in convenient reach.
Saving Lives & Wearable Safety Future On-wrist alerts provide critical seconds that can lower injury or death—especially in cases with no clear shelter availability. Google's enlargement of its Earthquake Alerts System is part of broader emergency technology trends like wildfire detection and flood forecasting. Google infrastructure will continue to add the service to more areas and devices.