Crash Detection: A Life-Saving Feature for Your iPhone and Apple Watch
)What is Crash Detection?
Crash Detection is a feature that is designed to help you in the event of a car accident. It uses sensors and other technology to detect when a severe crash has occurred, and then automatically contacts emergency services and sends out an alert to your designated emergency contacts.
Crash Detection Feature in iPhone & Apple Watch
In the event that you are in a severe car crash and unable to respond, the Crash Detection feature on your iPhone or Apple Watch can still attempt to contact emergency services using Emergency SOS via satellite.
This feature is available in locations where cellular or Wi-Fi connections are not present, but satellite connectivity is available.
This can provide an additional layer of protection and ensure that you receive the necessary assistance in an emergency situation.
It is important to note that this feature may not be available in all locations, and the availability of satellite connectivity can be affected by a variety of factors such as weather conditions and the location of the device.
How Crash Detection Works in Apple Devices ( iOS)
Crash Detection is designed to detect severe car crashes—such as front-impact, side-impact, and rear-end collisions, and rollovers—involving sedans, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other passenger cars. On supported iPhone and Apple Watch models, Crash Detection is turned on by default.
When a severe car crash is detected, your iPhone or Apple Watch sounds an alarm and displays an alert. If you are unable to respond, your device will automatically call emergency services after a 20-second delay.
Your iPhone or Apple Watch can also share important information with your emergency contacts and emergency responders. To alert your emergency contacts and share your Medical ID with emergency responders, you will need to set up your Medical ID and your emergency contacts in the Health app.
To share your location with your emergency contacts, you will need to turn on Location Services for Emergency SOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services, and make sure Emergency Calls & SOS is turned on.
If you have both an iPhone and an Apple Watch, the Emergency Call slider will appear only on your watch, and the call will be connected and the call audio will play from your watch. If the vehicle has its own integrated way to detect a crash and make a call, that process will proceed without change.
How to Turn Off Crash Detection in Your Device
It is possible to disable the alerts and automatic emergency calls that are triggered by the Crash Detection feature on your iPhone or Apple Watch. When you turn off these alerts and calls on one device, they will also be automatically turned off on any other paired devices you may have.
Turn Of Crash Detection on iPhone
- Settings app >Emergency SOS >Turn off Call After Severe Crash
Turn Of Crash Detection on Apple Watch
- Apple Watch app (On your iPhone) > My Watch > Emergency SOS > Turn off Call After Severe Crash
Which iPhone and Apple Watch models are compatible with the Crash Detection feature?
Crash Detection is a feature that is available on the following iPhone and Apple Watch models:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Pro models with the latest version of iOS
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
- Apple Watch Ultra with the latest version of watchOS
Facts about Crash Detection Features
- It is important to note that in order to use Crash Detection, you will need to have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, as well as an Internet connection from your Apple Watch or iPhone. This will allow you to make emergency calls in the event of a severe car crash.
- It is generally recommended to keep your device updated with the latest software in order to ensure that the Crash Detection feature is working properly.
- If your iPhone or Apple Watch detects a severe car crash, it can assist you in contacting emergency services for help.