Google Brings Earthquake Alerts to WearOS Smartwatches: Life-Saving Notifications Now on Your Wrist

In 2020, Google introduced its Android earthquake alerts feature—a groundbreaking system that uses sensor data from millions of smartphones to detect seismic activity and warn users in real time. Now, that same life-saving technology is making its way to smartwatches, promising to deliver critical alerts straight to your wrist. According to a quiet update on the Google System Release Notes page, users will soon start receiving earthquake alerts on WearOS devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and other smartwatches powered by Google’s wearable platform. While Google hasn’t officially announced the feature, early clues spotted in an APK teardown by Android Authority suggest that the update is already in progress, rolling out via Google Play Services version 25.21. Once active, the feature will alert smartwatch users when shaking is detected, providing vital information such as the earthquake’s magnitude and the distance from the epicenter. This enhancement is especially useful when your phone isn’t within reach—like during workouts, while cooking, or when it’s left charging in another room. In a country like India, where earthquakes can be both sudden and destructive, even a few seconds of advance notice can mean the difference between safety and danger. By expanding this feature to WearOS, Google is ensuring that more people are informed faster, potentially saving lives with every timely vibration.