Google smartwatch can now warn users about earthquakes

15-Jun-2025

.

Google’s earthquake detection feature, which has been available on Android phones for some time now, is coming to wearables powered by Wear OS, as per Google System Release Notes. 

First spotted by the Android Authority, the new feature will alert Wear OS users by prompting them about an incoming earthquake, right on their wrists.

The way the earthquake detection system works is actually quite clever. 

Instead of relying only on dedicated seismometers, Google uses motion sensors that are already available on millions of Android smartphones across the world. 

When several phones in one area detect ground shaking at the same time, Google’s servers quickly analyse the data to figure out if it’s an earthquake. 

If it is, the system can send out an early warning to nearby users before the shaking reaches them. 

These alerts typically show the estimated magnitude and how far you are from the epicentre. 

In situations where time is critical, even a few seconds’ notice can help people move to safety or take cover.