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Google fixes Android Wear lag caused by ‘OK Google’ detection
July 20, 2025
In December, the subreddit/r/AndroidWearnoticed a bug with their smart wearables runningAndroid Wear 2.0. It seems that leaving on the “OK Google” hotword detection feature created significant lag in their smartwatches. A quick fix to the lag was to disable hotword detection, but obviously, this defeats the whole purpose of the feature.
Finally,Google announcedthat the newest update for the Google application in Android Wear devices (7.19.18.25arm) fixes this bug, so users will be able to turn the service back on without making their device a sluggish mess.
The over-the-air update is starting now. To check if your wearable has the latest update, simply go to Settings -> Apps -> System Apps -> Google -> App Info. If it lists 7.19.18.25arm, you are ready to go! If not, you will have to wait until the OTA update comes your way.
Once you know you have the update, you can toggle “OK Google” hotword detection back on by going to Settings -> Personalization. After that, you’ll be able to say “OK Google” at any time to initiate a voice command withGoogle Assistant.
If you simply can’t wait for the OTA update, you could always sideload the update afterdownloading the APK. This is an advanced procedure, so don’t perform it if you’re not comfortable tinkering with your device.
Don’t have a smartwatch yet? Check out our list ofthe best Android Wear watches!
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