How to Set Up Crash Detection

Car crashes are unpredictable, and in those moments, every second counts. Thankfully, newer Android phones come with a built-in safety feature that can automatically contact help when you can’t. At Pull Up® Phone Repair, we help users get the most from their devices—whether it’s setting up lifesaving features or fixing them after an accident. Here’s how to turn on crash detection on your Android—and if your phone’s damaged or unresponsive, we’re your trusted source for mobile phone repair in Queens.

What Is Crash Detection on Android?

Crash detection is a smart safety feature available on select Android phones that can sense when you’ve been in a serious car accident. It uses your phone’s accelerometer, microphone, and GPS to detect sudden impact or abrupt motion.

When a crash is suspected, your phone:

• Vibrates and sounds an alarm
  
• Displays an on-screen prompt asking if you’re okay
  
• Gives you about 60 seconds to respond before calling emergency services automatically
  

If you don’t respond, your phone will contact 911 and share your location—helping emergency responders reach you faster.

This feature is available on Google Pixel™ 3 and newer models running Android 10 or higher, using the Personal Safety app.

How to Turn On Crash Detection

Before using crash detection, you’ll need Google’s Personal Safety app. Most newer Pixel devices come with it pre-installed, but you can also download it from the Play Store if needed.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Open the Personal Safety app (search “Safety” in your app drawer or Settings).
   
2. Sign in with your Google account and grant any requested permissions like location access and activity recognition.
   
3. Tap Features or Safety & emergency, then select Car crash detection.
   
4. Toggle Car crash detection to “on.”
   
5. If prompted, allow microphone and location access to ensure the feature works correctly.
   

Once you’ve completed these steps, your Android phone will be ready to detect serious impacts and automatically call for help when needed.

What Happens After a Crash Is Detected

If your Android phone detects a crash, it immediately begins a series of safety actions designed to get you help fast.

• Vibrates and sounds an alarm: Alerts you in case you’re conscious and can respond.
  
• Prompts for response: Displays a message asking if you’re okay, giving you about 60 seconds to reply.
  
• Calls emergency services: If no response is received, the phone automatically calls 911 and sends your location data to dispatchers.
  
• Notifies emergency contacts: If you’ve added contacts in the Personal Safety app, they’ll receive alerts and your location information.
  

Crash detection isn’t perfect—it may not catch every accident or could occasionally trigger false alarms—but it’s an incredibly useful safety net for drivers.

Who Can Use Crash Detection on Android

Crash detection currently supports:

• Google Pixel 3 and newer models
  
• Android 10 or higher devices with the Personal Safety app installed
  

Note: The feature isn’t available in all countries or languages yet. Check your phone’s settings or the Play Store listing to confirm compatibility.

What to Know Before Using Crash Detection

Battery Usage

Crash detection relies on your phone’s sensors, GPS, and background processes, which may slightly increase battery consumption.

Privacy Protection

Your location and motion data remain stored locally unless an emergency call is triggered. Google’s system uses end-to-end encryption, so only you and emergency services can access your location data.

Not a Guaranteed System

Crash detection is reliable but not foolproof. It may miss some accidents or mistakenly activate if the motion sensors misread data. Treat it as a backup tool, not a replacement for direct emergency calls.

Conclusion 

Crash detection is one of the most innovative safety tools Android has to offer—and it could make all the difference in an emergency. Make sure it’s turned on and ready to go before you hit the road. And if your phone doesn’t respond after an accident, don’t worry—Pull Up® Phone Repair is here to help. Schedule your appointment today for iPhone repair in New York, and our on-site experts will have your device running perfectly again in no time.