The Pixel Watch’s Emergency SOS feature, designed to ensure your safety, has received an update to address accidental triggers. Previously, pressing the watch crown five times directly initiated a call to emergency services. This sometimes resulted in unintended consequences, such as inadvertently sharing personal information with emergency contacts. This update aims to minimize such incidents.
Google announced this change in late January, and it’s now rolling out to Pixel Watch users. The update introduces a three-second hold requirement after the five crown presses. This extra step provides a buffer to cancel the call if triggered accidentally.
A person wearing the Google Pixel Watch.
While this added layer of security reduces the likelihood of unintentional emergency calls, it also introduces a slight delay in contacting emergency services. This trade-off between safety and speed is a key consideration. However, users can revert to the previous instant-call setting if they prefer.
All Pixel Watch owners should receive a notification detailing the Emergency SOS update after updating to Wear OS version 2025.01.23.x. The importance of such features has been demonstrated repeatedly. For instance, in April 2023, the iPhone’s Emergency SOS function played a crucial role in rescuing three students stranded in a Utah canyon. The ability to quickly and discreetly summon help can be life-saving.
It’s worth noting that if you do accidentally dial 911, it’s crucial to remain on the line and explain the situation to the operator. Hanging up can trigger a callback, potentially delaying genuine emergency calls. Accidental dials are more common than you might think, and there’s no penalty for honest mistakes, as long as they aren’t habitual.
