Android Wear 5.1.1 Roll-out Begins: Wi-Fi Support, Screen Lock, Emoji Drawing and More [How To Install]

If you own an Android Wear smartwatch, there is a major update coming your way. Google has started pushing out Android Wear 5.1.1 to compatible smartwatches, complete with a host of new features that will amaze its users.

Currently, the update is available only for LG smartwatches, G Watch R and G Watch Urbane, but it is expected to hit other wearable gadgets soon. The update brings a number of features, including Wi-Fi support, screen lock, emoji drawing and lot more.

The new Android Wear update is being rolled out over the air, but if you are impatient and want to try it out sooner, you can always sideload them via ADB. Thanks to 9to5Google, direct download links for different smartwatches are available to get your wearable bumped up to the latest software.

Android Wear 5.1.1 OTA Download Links

Users of LG G Watch can follow the download link [HERE] to get Android 5.1.1 and LG G Watch R owners can do the same by downloading the OTA file [HERE]. Both smartwatches are currently running on Android 5.0.2. In addition to the LG smartwatches, OTA download link [HERE] for Asus ZenWatch can jump your smartwatch OS version from 5.0.2 to 5.1.1. The OTA download links of the latest update for Moto 360, Samsung Gear Live, Sony SmartWatch 3, and others are yet to be revealed.

Users can always wait for Google's official OTA update, instead of side-loading the update on their smartwatch. This may take several days or weeks as the update is rolled out gradually.

What Are The Changes?

Android Wear 5.1.1 is an important update for smartwatch owners as it brings a whole lot of impressive features aboard. According to Google's product forums, Android Wear 5.1.1 brings aboard emoji drawing. Using the new feature, users can reply to a message by simply drawing the emoji on the watch screen. Interestingly, the feature works across various messaging apps.

In addition to that, Android Wear 5.1.1 also extends the always-on screen option for apps so users can keep the app visible for as long as they need. New gestures have also been added such as swipe left to go to contacts and a simple flick of your wrist to scroll between cards.

The latest update brings heads-up notifications, so users get alerts to texts and emails instantly no matter which screen they are on. Also, the new update allows users to pair multiple smartwatches with a single smartphone, making it easier for swapping watches to match different styles.

Thanks to Google's new update, users can finally change the font size on their smartwatch and lock their smartwatch with a pattern. To enable screen lock, go to watch's settings and turn on Screen Lock. The new security lock kicks in when the smartwatch detects the user is not wearing the device or if it loses connection with the smartphone.

One of the major highlights of the update is the support for Wi-Fi in compatible smartwatches. By doing so, Google just made it easier for users to receive push notifications directly using Wi-Fi and not relying on a Bluetooth-connected device.

How to enable Wi-Fi on your smartwatch?

Android Wear smartwatch owners can simply check for updates by navigating to the Android Wear app on your smartphone. Tap on the Settings icon on the top right corner, select Cloud sync, and make sure it is turned on. This feature is compatible only with select models, including LG G Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3, and Samsung Gear Live.