How to set up Emergency SOS on your Android phone
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Although it’s not one of the fancy features, settings up Emergency SOS features should be high on the priority list on your newbudget Android phone. While the exact array of features varies between manufacturers, Emergency SOS provides a way to call your emergency contact without doing much more than pressing your power button a few times.
Whether you are in an accidental crash, have a robbery at home, or are stuck in an undesirable situation in an unknown location, the built-in Emergency SOS features can come in handy to avoid fatal outcomes.
How to set up Emergency SOS on Android 12 and Android 13
The OS on Google Pixel phones isn’t stock Android anymore, but it’s as close as you’ll get. Most Android manufacturers use similar software, so these instructions should work whether you have a Motorola, Nokia, Sony, or Asus phone. But if you’re struggling to find the Emergency SOS settings, search for “Emergency SOS” in your Settings app’s search bar. The first result should take you to the page for adjusting SOS settings. Follow the rest of this guide from then on.
For Samsung-specific guidance, skip to the One UI section.
Add emergency contacts
Activating Emergency SOS requires you to save at least one emergency contact to your phone. You’ll need to do this before anything else.
After adding your emergency contacts, you’re ready to turn on Emergency SOS features. While most of these are optional, we recommend enabling them all. They won’t interfere with your phone and give you peace of mind.
How to turn on Emergency SOS features
Emergency SOS has two features enabled by default, and both activate when the SOS is triggered. The first triggers a loud alarm, and the second calls the emergency services. Features like car crash detection and location sharing must be activated separately.
If you don’t want the alarm to sound, toggle thePlay alarm soundswitch from the Emergency SOSmenu.
How to share information with emergency contacts
If you’re in trouble, you’ll want your emergency contacts to know your status at all times. Emergency SOS sends updates about your current location, battery status, and when you start and end a phone call to your contacts.
You must allow Google Maps to see your location at all times if you want to use this feature.
Record an emergency video
When Emergency SOS is triggered, your phone can record a video with your front and rear cameras for up to 45 minutes. it’s possible to still use your phone during the recording. After the recording is finished, it is backed up to your Google account via Google Drive.
Werecommend setting up your Google Drive accountbefore you follow this section.
Add medical information to your lock screen
It’s also possible to add medical information such as yourblood type, allergies, and medicationto your lock screen for easy access by emergency workers.
Anyone can see this information without unlocking your phone, so don’t add it if you’re uncomfortable sharing this information.
Automatically call emergency services in a car crash
If you’re in a car crash, you may be unable to reach your phone. Turning on this feature activates a 60-second countdown when your phone detects a car crash. After the countdown finishes, your phone activates Emergency SOS.
Enable Emergency Location Service on Android
It’s another neat safety add-on for Android users. If Emergency Location Service is supported in your country, your phone can automatically send its location to emergency response partners when you call or text an emergency number. It uses the device location and Google Location Accuracy even if those settings are disabled.
How to set up Emergency SOS on Samsung phones (One UI)
One UI software isa key selling point for Samsung Galaxy phones, and many people prefer it to the stock experience Google provides. Activating Emergency SOS is a different process.
Emergency SOS on Samsung phones is activated when thepower keyis pressed three or four times, not five.
The steps below outline how to use Emergency SOS features on your Samsung device with the company’s One UI skin.
How to turn on Emergency SOS features in One UI
Press thepower keyquickly three times to call an emergency number when you are in an emergency situation.
How to add medical information and emergency contacts in One UI
When adding medical information and emergency contacts, anyone can see this information without unlocking your phone.
Make sure you receive help in an emergency
Enabling Emergency SOS features on your Android device helps you receive assistance as soon as possible. Apart from Emergency SOS add-ons, you should alsotweak relevant settings on your Android phone to protect your digital privacy.
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This article is sponsored by Total Wireless.
