Google Pixel: How to activate car accident detection
Time to Read: 3 minuteIf you have a Google Pixel, here we show you what you have to do to activate accident detection on your phone
If you are a lucky owner of a Google Pixel phone, it is important that you know about Google's car accident detection function, a feature that can make a difference in emergency situations. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to activate this feature and get the most out of it.
You may remember the car accident detection feature by Google, introduced in 2019, but at that time, it was limited to users in the United States. However, the good news is that Google has expanded this life-saving feature to users in India, Austria, Belgium, Portugal and Switzerland.
What is Google's car crash detection?
This safety feature, built into specific models of Pixel phones, is designed to provide initial assistance in car accident situations. To use it, your phone must have location, fitness access, and microphone permissions, as well as a working SIM card. The feature relies on the accelerometer, location data, and microphones to detect accidents and is available in 11 languages.
If the feature detects an accident, your Pixel phone will automatically call local emergency services , like 911 in the United States. Afterwards, it will display a message stating “I'm fine” after the call. You will have a margin of 60 seconds to cancel the call if it is a false alarm. By touching “I'm fine,” you will be offered additional options, such as “No Fail,” “Minor fault” and “Call 911.”
If you decide to continue with the emergency call, you can select the type of assistance needed, whether medical, fire or police.
However, it is important to note that with this feature enabled, even if your phone is locked during an accident, other people can access your lock screen message and emergency details. This can be configured and disabled in the “Personal Security app.” In addition, it is relevant to mention that false emergency calls are usually illegal in many countries, so you must cancel them within 60 seconds if it is a false alarm.
Compatible Pixel Phones
Google's car crash detection feature is available to users on the following Pixel phone models: Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro. Globally, this feature is available on Pixel 4a and all later models, including Pixel Fold.
Turn on car crash detection
Here's a step-by-step guide to turn on the car accident detection feature on your Pixel phone:
1. Access the Personal Security app
Locate and open the “Personal Security” app on your Pixel phone. This app is labeled “Security” in the app drawer. You can find it quickly using the Google search function or the search bar in the app drawer.
2. Go to settings
Once inside the “Personal Security,” Look for the gear icon located in the upper left corner of the screen. Tap this icon to access the settings screen.
3. Enable car crash detection
Within the settings screen, look for the “Car crash detection” option. Once located, simply flip the switch to enable this feature.
Once you have enabled car crash detection, you can practice by activating a demo. This will make your phone ring and vibrate. Swipe left to access options to call 911 and specify if you were not involved in an accident or if it was a minor incident.