Google Maps reported to show blank screen on some Wear OS watches

Android smartwatches have developed into increasingly useful phone companions over the years. One of their more useful applications may be providing access to app info that needs regular checking, such as directions in a mapping app. Unfortunately, the owners of certain watches have reported that this functionality has gone away as of late.

This problem is related to Google Maps on Wear OS. It seems that some users have found their watches have started to refuse to load any information from this app. They show a blank area on their screens instead, even though it may still be overlaid by some interface buttons.

Initially, this bug only appeared to affect the Ticwatch Pro, a recent release with an innovative dual display and GPS. However, complaints of the same issue have subsequently come in from owners of other devices. They have included the fourth-gen Fossil Q Explorist; the Skagen Falster; the Misfit Vapor, and the Tag Heuer modular smartwatch.

The bug also seems to be consistent across the more recent updates to Maps on Wear OS (i.e both versions 10.13.3 and 10.14.1). So far, the only solution appears to be to uninstall these updates, and roll back to the 10.12.1 version. It can be accessed via APKMirror, and then side-loaded onto the watch following an uninstall of the problem updates and the prevention of their installing again in the watch's settings.