Huawei Watch 5 Gets HarmonyOS 6.1 Update Globally with New Watch Faces and Health Features

Huawei is rolling out the HarmonyOS 6.1 feature update to Huawei Watch 5 users globally, following its earlier release on the Watch Ultimate 2. The update arrives as firmware version HarmonyOS 6.1.0.330 and weighs 2.65GB, bringing new watch faces, health tracking additions, and a range of optimizations to the existing feature set.

On the visual side, HarmonyOS 6.1 introduces the Sweet Companions watch face — an animated face featuring small characters that react to interactions. Tapping the display, playing music, waking the screen, or placing the watch on its charger all trigger different animations, making the watch face noticeably more lively than a static dial. A second new watch face, Dream Star, offers more straightforward customization with adjustable background and complication options.

Sleep tracking gets a meaningful addition with the new Nap Summary feature. It automatically detects short sleep phases during the day and generates a personalized analysis for each nap — a useful addition for anyone whose sleep patterns go beyond a single overnight window. Nightly sleep assessment has also been refined as part of the broader optimization pass in this update.

Running training becomes more structured, with tools to help manage pace and energy distribution during a run. Outdoor cycling also receives a notable upgrade: the watch can now display virtual cadence, virtual power, gradient data, and bike type. When paired with a physical power meter, it calculates FTP (Functional Threshold Power) values for more precise performance tracking.

Health Insights also expands in this update. Running routes, cycling routes, and VO2max data can now be viewed on the Health Insights map within the Assistant TODAY screen.

New Features

• Adds the Sweet Companions watch face, with selectable characters and personalization options. Playful animations trigger when tapping the watch face, playing music, turning on the screen, or charging the device.
• Adds the Dream Star watch face, with customizable background and complications.
• Introduces the Nap Summary feature, which tracks naps and generates a personalized summary.
• Adds running performance tracking tools to help manage speed and conserve energy during runs.
• Enhances outdoor cycling by displaying virtual cadence, virtual power, gradient, and bike type. When paired with a physical power meter, calculates FTP values for improved performance analysis.
• Displays running routes, cycling routes, and VO2max on the Health Insights map in the Assistant TODAY screen.

Optimizations

• Improves the nightly sleep assessment experience.
• Optimizes automatic segment settings and interval reminders for select workout types to deliver a more consistent experience.
• Improves system stability.