The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A Pixel Watch can do more than show notifications: depending on the model and setup, it can control compatible Google Home devices, a supported TV, Nest cameras and doorbells, and certain actions in the phone’s Camera app. The catch is that these features have different model, software, and setup requirements—none applies to every Pixel Watch or every device.
At a glance: what works with which watch
| Control | Supported watch models | What you can do | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Home devices | Wear OS 3 or newer | Control compatible lights, locks, thermostats, vacuums, and other configured devices | Devices must already be set up in Google Home; some phone-app features are unavailable on the watch. Google’s requirements |
| TV remote tile | Pixel Watch 3 | Power, playback, volume, and on-screen navigation | A TV compatible with Google Home, set up in the Home app and selected in the tile. Google’s TV instructions |
| Nest cameras and doorbells | Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5 | View live feeds, respond to alerts, and use two-way talk | Camera or doorbell set up in Google Home; current Home apps on phone and watch. Google’s camera instructions |
| Camera app gesture | Pixel Watch 3 and 4 with Wear OS 6.1 or later | Take a photo or start/stop video recording | Use double pinch while using the Camera app. Google’s hand-gesture instructions |
1. Smart-home devices: lights, locks, thermostats, and more
Google Home for Wear OS lets you control compatible devices that you have already added to Google Home on your phone. Depending on the device, you can turn it on or off, lock or unlock it, adjust a light, change a thermostat’s temperature or mode, select a fan speed, or control a supported smart-vacuum dock. Some appliances also have device-specific controls.
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Controls vary by device, and the watch app does not offer every feature available in the phone app. A device must support the particular action you want to use. To get started, open Home on the watch and use Favorites or browse devices by room. Google lists these general requirements: a Google Account, a watch running Wear OS 3 or newer, Android 9 or newer on a Wi-Fi or LTE connection, and the latest Google Home app on both phone and watch. See Google’s setup and compatibility details.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →2. A compatible TV: use the remote tile
On Pixel Watch 3, the TV remote tile can turn a compatible TV on, control volume, navigate with a virtual D-pad, and manage media playback. Playback controls include play, pause, stop, progress, previous, and next. The tile controls one selected TV at a time; it is not a universal remote for any television.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
- Train smarter with 40+ exercise modes and real-time stats on your wrist[8]; and with high-precision dual-frequency GPS, you get more accurate route tracking on runs and hikes[1]
To set it up, add the TV remote tile from the watch’s Tile Library, then choose a TV that is already set up in Google Home. If you use more than one Home or account, select the relevant one and then the TV. Google’s instructions also suggest updating the apps, checking the watch’s remote-button volume setup, and restarting the watch and phone if the remote does not work. TV remote tile setup and troubleshooting.
3. Nest cameras and doorbells: check the feed from your wrist
Google documents Nest camera and doorbell controls for Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5. You can view a live feed, receive camera or doorbell alerts, use two-way talk, and send quick responses. For alerts with image previews, Google specifies Nest cameras and doorbells launched in 2021 or later, with watch notifications enabled.
Rank #2
- 2yrs of data included with Pixel Watch 4 LTE[23]; Google Fi powers your messaging, navigation, and music on the go; offer only valid on Pixel Watch 4 LTE sold by and shipped from select sales channel
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning display of precision craftsmanship, with Gemini, your built-in AI assistant, Google’s longest-lasting battery, and comprehensive tools for next-level health and fitness performance[1,2,3,4]
- See it all and do the most with the Actua 360 domed display; it’s 10% larger and 50% brighter than Pixel Watch 3, and as durable as ever with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass[1]
- The Google Pixel Watch 4 has Gemini built in[4]; just ask questions and your ultra capable AI assistant will deliver quick responses for personalized help; and stay connected when you’re texting with AI-powered quick replies that are hyper-relevant[5,6]
- Get up to 30 hours of battery life or up to 48 hours in Battery Saver mode[3]; plus, the new side charging dock gives you 15 hours of battery in 15 minutes or less[7]
Set up the camera or doorbell in Google Home and install the latest Home app on both the phone and watch. On the watch, open Home, choose the camera tile, and select a camera to view it live. Double-tap to zoom; drag across the screen to pan around a zoomed view. To talk through the camera, open the live-view menu and choose the two-way talk control. Google’s camera and doorbell steps.
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4. The Camera app: use a hand gesture for photos and video
This is a control inside the Camera app, not a general-purpose shutter for every phone or camera app. On Pixel Watch 3 and 4 running Wear OS 6.1 or later, double pinch can take a photo or start or stop video recording in the Camera app. The same gesture can play or pause media. Check Google’s gesture instructions for how to enable and use it.
Rank #3
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Optional: use Assistant for compatible smart-home controls
Google Assistant can control compatible smart-home devices by voice; Google gives lights and thermostats as examples. Activate Assistant by holding the side button or using the hotword. You need a phone connection, or LTE or internet access when using the watch standalone. Google’s Assistant guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 45mm screen is twice as bright and 40% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info[1]
- Maximize your performance with advanced running features; build custom run workouts and get real-time guidance and advanced form tracking[3]
- Enhance your run routine with Fitbit Premium; Google AI uses your goals, past runs, and readiness to power personalized run recommendations[3]
- Know what your body is ready for each day with readiness; it uses sleep, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability to show if you’re ready to take on a workout or prioritize recovery[3]
- Cardio load measures how hard your heart works so you can see how hard you’ve pushed; compare trends to see if you’re under- or over-training[3]
Which feature should you try first?
- Check the watch model and software. Google Home controls require Wear OS 3 or newer; TV remote support is listed for Pixel Watch 3; Nest camera controls for Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5; and the Camera app gesture for Pixel Watch 3 and 4 with Wear OS 6.1 or later.
- Confirm the device is set up. Google Home devices, TVs, and Nest cameras or doorbells need the appropriate setup in the phone’s Home app before you try to control them from the watch.
- Match the feature to the task. Use Home for device settings and actions, the TV tile for TV navigation and playback, the camera tile for live viewing and talk, or the Camera app gesture for photo and video actions.
- Check the connection and notifications. Requirements differ by feature. Home has its own account, phone, software, and app requirements; camera alerts with previews also require watch notifications to be enabled.
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