These Hidden Phone Features Could Save Your Life
News Desk
Islamabad: Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, but beyond calls, social media and entertainment, they also include built-in safety features that many users rarely notice. Experts say these tools can provide critical assistance during emergencies, including accidents, earthquakes and natural disasters.
Most modern Android smartphones come equipped with emergency functions that can automatically alert family members, share a user’s location and provide early warnings of potential dangers. However, these features often remain disabled because many users are unaware they exist.
Emergency SOS for Instant Help
One of the most important safety tools is the Emergency SOS feature. It allows users to quickly contact trusted family members or emergency contacts without unlocking the phone or manually dialing a number.
After adding emergency contacts through the Safety & Emergency settings, users can activate the feature by pressing the phone’s power button multiple times. The phone can automatically place a call, send an emergency message and share the user’s live location with selected contacts.
Early Earthquake Warnings
Android devices also include Earthquake Alerts, a system developed by Google that can notify users seconds before ground shaking begins.
Although the warning may provide only a brief window, experts say even a few seconds can allow people to move away from hazardous areas or take protective measures before stronger shaking occurs.
The feature can be enabled through the Safety & Emergency section in the phone’s settings.
Automatic Assistance After a Car Crash
Another potentially life-saving tool is Car Crash Detection, available through Google’s Personal Safety app on supported devices.
Using the phone’s sensors, the feature can detect signs of a serious traffic collision. If the user does not respond after the crash, the phone can automatically notify emergency services and send alerts with location details to pre-selected emergency contacts.
The feature is particularly useful for people who frequently travel alone or drive long distances.
Government Disaster Alerts
Smartphones can also receive Wireless Emergency Alerts issued by government authorities before or during floods, severe storms, heavy rainfall and other natural disasters.
These alerts appear directly on the phone’s screen, providing users with important safety instructions and evacuation information where available.
Why These Features Matter
Technology experts say these built-in safety tools are more than convenience features—they can make a crucial difference during emergencies. They encourage users to review their phone’s Safety & Emergency settings, activate available alerts and update emergency contact information before an emergency occurs.
With smartphones already in the hands of billions of people, simply enabling these built-in features could significantly improve personal safety when every second counts.
