Wear OS 5.1 Introduces ‘Force Global AOD’ Option for Pixel Watch

Most Wear OS apps still don’t support Always-On Display (AOD), but Google’s latest Wear OS 5.1 update for the Pixel Watch has introduced a new “Force Global AOD Experience” developer option.

Background: AOD Support in Wear OS

Since Wear OS 3, many apps—including Google Maps (Navigation), Keep (Notes/Lists), and Spotify (Now Playing)—have lacked AOD support. Normally, when users lower their wrist while using an app, the screen blurs, leaving only the time visible.

New AOD Feature in Wear OS 5.1

With the Wear OS 5.1 update, Google has added a developer option called “Force Global AOD Experience” for the Pixel Watch. When activated:

• The display dims when the wrist is lowered.
• The last active screen remains visible instead of fading to a blurred digital clock.
• This behavior mirrors how watch faces handle Always-On Display.

For example, when using the Stopwatch, the countdown will continue to be visible instead of switching to a dimmed digital clock.

How to Enable the Feature

To activate this developer option:

1. Go to Settings > System > About.
2. Tap on "Build Number" multiple times.
3. Enter your device PIN when prompted.
4. The "Developer Options" menu will now appear in the main settings list.
5. Scroll to the bottom to find "Force Global AOD Experience."

This feature is currently available on the Pixel Watch 2 and is expected to be supported on the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 as well.

Battery Impact & Future Possibilities

Enabling this setting may affect battery life, so users should keep that in mind. It remains unclear whether Google will make this a standard user-facing option.

A more efficient solution would be for developers to update their apps to natively support AOD. Google should start by ensuring all of its first-party apps fully support Always-On Display.