Also: Google’s first Pixel feature drop of 2023 is official. Here’s what’s new The new Fall Detection feature uses a combination of sensors in the Watch to detect when whoever is wearing it falls. The wearer then receives an alert on the Watch asking if they’re alright, and depending on the answer – or worst case scenario, non-answer – the watch will contact emergency services and get help. Fall Detection isn’t only for those who are accident-prone, like an elderly family member, (pardon the cliché) but it’s for everyone. Ever used a ladder to change a light bulb? Go on frequent hikes alone? Or walks in general? All are situations where it’s easy to fall and get hurt. This feature on the Pixel Watch provides peace of mind, and there’s value in that. Review: Google Pixel Watch: Not the Apple of Android (yet) Now that I’ve planted a seed of fear, you surely want to know how to turn the Pixel Watch’s new Fall Detection feature on, right? Good! Here’s what you need to know.
How to turn on Fall Detection on the Pixel Watch
What happens when you fall?
When the Pixel Watch detects a hard fall, it presents an alert on the Watch asking if you fell and if you’re alright. You have 30 seconds to answer the prompt, after which it’ll begin playing an alarm sound and vibrating and ask if you need help. If no movement is detected or you fail to answer the prompt within 60 seconds, your Watch will call emergency services and play an automated voice message letting the first responder know where you’re at and that a fall was detected. More recently, Google announced the March Pixel feature drop included an update for the Watch. I haven’t seen the March update on my Watch yet, but I gained access to Fall Detection after installing the February update (I was a couple of months behind) and installing all available updates in the Play Store on the Watch itself. Also: The best smartwatches To update your Pixel Watch’s software, open the Settings app on the Watch and then scroll to the bottom of the list and select System. Next, tap System updates. If an update is available, your Watch will begin downloading and installing it. It’s a good idea to put your Watch on the charging puck and keep your phone nearby. The Play Store will then download and install all of the available apps and services updates. You can turn it on using the Pixel Watch app on your phone. The easiest way to get to the proper settings screen is to open the Watch app on your phone and tap the Messages icon at the top of the screen. You should see an alert letting you know Fall Detection is now available and ready to be turned on. Alternatively, you can open the Watch app and then select Watch preferences > Safety and Emergency > Fall detection. Also: The best Pixel phones The other method is to turn it on directly on your Watch. To do that, press the Watch’s digital crown to view your list of installed apps, then scroll down until you find the Personal Safety app; select it. On the next screen, find and select Fall Detection. Toggle the switch to the On position. Note that if you’re prompted to approve the required location permissions, you’ll need to do so directly on your Watch. You can do that by going to the Fall Detection section of the Personal Safety app using the steps I just highlighted, and then setting the permission to allow while using.
What do I do if there’s a false alarm?
The best thing you can do if your Pixel Watch detects a fall when you’re perfectly fine is to dismiss the prompt as soon as possible. Google says it’s tested the Watch’s algorithms in many different scenarios – such as during an intense workout or while skiing – and that it shouldn’t be accidentally triggered. But it’s bound to happen.
