Google just made the Pixel phone’s auto crash detection feature available in India. This feature detects serious accidents and initiates emergency assistance by using motion sensors, location, and ambient sounds.
With the release of the iPhone 14 series in 2022, Apple added the Crash Detection feature, and ever since, Apple fans have been proud of the security that their iPhones and Apple Watches offer. But Google actually invented the crash detection feature before Apple did.
In 2019, Google released the feature on the Pixel 4. Initially available in a few countries, users in Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, and India are now able to utilize the feature. Only a few Pixel models—the Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro—will have access to the safety feature in India.
The feature is also available in Pixel 4a and all subsequent models, including the Pixel Fold, for users in international markets. The fact that the feature is only currently available in 11 languages—English, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, and others—should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, Hindi is not yet supported for the auto crash detection feature.
Android Central recently reported that more countries, including India, are able to use the feature.
How Pixel’s auto crash detection functions
Pixel 4a and later phones—including the Fold—use motion sensors, location data, and ambient noises to determine whether the owner has been in a serious auto accident. Car crash detection needs access to your location, your physical activity, and a microphone in order to work. Your phone will notify emergency services on your behalf if it detects a crash. This call may send information about your location and the incident, using Android’s Emergency Location Service.
Google cautions that not all phones may be able to identify crashes, and that the feature might also be activated by vigorous activities. Your Pixel phone may occasionally be unable to contact emergency services. Google states in a blog post that “for instance, your phone might be engaged in an ongoing call or connected to a spotty mobile network.”
How to activate the crash detection function
- Here’s how to activate a Pixel phone’s crash detection feature step-by-step:
- Make sure your SIM card is inserted into your phone because the car crash detection feature needs it to function.
- Open the “Personal Safety” app on your Pixel phone to enable it. This app is typically located in your app drawer.
- Select the “Features” option from within the “Personal Safety” app.
- After navigating down the feature list, locate “Car crash detection.” Apply a tap.
- The option to “Set up” the vehicle crash detection feature will now appear. To start the setup process, tap on it.
- To ensure the functionality of the feature, accept the prompt to share your location and tap “Allow while app is in use.” This permits the application to obtain your location in the event of a possible crash.
- You will then be prompted to allow access to your physical activity and to share your microphone. To utilize the crash detection feature to its fullest extent, select “Allow.”
That is all! The crash detection feature on your Pixel phone is now activated, meaning that in the event of a serious auto accident, it will automatically contact emergency services.
