Emergency SOS on Android now prevents accidental calls to 911

Google has added a new feature to Emergency SOS on Android that prevents devices from accidentally dialing 911. The feature aims to reduce unintentional calls made to emergency services after the organization complained about the high number of accidental calls from Android users.

Emergency SOS came to Android devices from Android 12 and later. Since then, the feature has been found on most Android devices by default and helped save countless people’s lives worldwide. Emergency SOS can be activated through five consecutive taps of the power button. This triggers a countdown timer that lets users cancel the call if it is made accidentally.

On Pixel phones and other devices that use Google’s “Personal Safety” app, the feature can also start recording video besides calling the emergency services and notifying emergency contacts.

However, Emergency SOS has come under fire earlier for accidental calls to 911, especially in Scotland earlier this year. Google first promised to change how Emergency SOS works on Android devices but didn’t explain what change it would implement. Now, the company is spotted testing a barrier for calls to 911.

Android Emergency SOS adds a three-second barrier for calling 911

According to Mishaal Rahman on X (Twitter), Google now asks Android users to touch and hold the screen for 3 seconds before calling 911 emergency services. Previously, you needed to wait five seconds to connect to the 911. The new feature could significantly reduce pocket dials, but downsides can’t be ignored.

For someone in a critical emergency, it may be difficult (if not impossible) to press the screen for 3 seconds. For example, In case of a heart attack or lack of enough light, the person may not be able to hold the screen. Of course, Google still allows you to return to the old 5-second countdown in the settings menu. You can also totally turn off Emergency SOS.

Different companies have different approaches to activating Emergency SOS. For example, Samsung offers a 10-second countdown instead of 5 seconds and replaces touch and hold with a swipe gesture.