The Pixel Watch by Google is equipped with essential safety features like Emergency SOS, designed to quickly connect users with emergency services. A recent update has introduced a gesture-based confirmation to minimize unintentional activations, further enhancing the usability of this smartwatch. Here’s how you can set up and utilize this feature effectively.
Understanding Emergency SOS on Google Pixel Watch
Emergency SOS is a critical function of the Pixel Watch that facilitates immediate connection to emergency responders such as 911 in the United States. It’s important to note that if your watch lacks cellular capabilities, it must be paired with a smartphone to initiate calls.
The initial method for triggering Emergency SOS involved pressing the digital crown five times regardless of whether the watch was locked or active. Following a brief countdown, the device would automatically place a call to emergency services.
This straightforward approach had its drawbacks; accidental initiations could occur during workouts or even while sleeping if pressure was applied inadvertently on the crown. In situations where an unintentional call was made, users had to communicate with responders without ending the call abruptly.
How to Configure and Activate Emergency SOS Feature on Your Pixel Watch
In response to concerns about inadvertent activations, Google has now incorporated an additional touch-and-hold gesture as part of its default settings for initiating Emergency SOS.
If you’re interested in verifying whether this feature is activated on your device or wish to customize it further, follow these instructions:
- Unlock your Google Pixel Watch.
- Swipe down from your home screen and access Settings.
- Select Safety & Emergency from the menu options.
- Tap on Emergency SOS settings.
- Scroll down and select How To Start SOS calls.
- Opt for Touch & Hold for calling emergencies.
- Hit Back once finished to save your settings changes.
Accessing Settings
Navigate Safety Menu
Choose Options for Activation
Activate Touch & Hold Functionality
Navigating Through The New Touch & Hold Mechanism
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If you do not hold long enough, it will prevent any dialing from occurring—significantly lowering chances of triggering an emergency call accidentally observed earlier.
