Fall Detection is a peace-of-mind feature built into iPhone and Apple Watch. It uses the sophisticated sensors inside each device to detect if the user has fallen. Your iPhone and/or Apple Watch will show you a notification asking if you’ve fallen. If you don’t react to the notification, your iPhone will automatically call emergency services. In some US counties, your iPhone can also send dispatchers your current location.
If you have a Medical ID set up with Emergency Contacts, your iPhone will notify those contacts that you may need help. This can include your location and Medical ID. In some counties, iPhone will also include a copy of your Medical ID when contacting emergency services with location sharing.
Fall Detection only works with newer Apple Watch and iPhone models. Please double-check using the table below and the specific guide below that.
Supported Apple Watch Models
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 4 or later
All supported Apple Watch models require pairing with a supported iPhone model
Supported iPhone Models
- iPhone SE 2nd generation or later
- iPhone 11 or later
- iPhone 11 Pro or later
The setup process varies depending on the devices you use. If you have an Apple Watch paired, you will need to follow the Apple Watch instructions below. If you do not have an Apple Watch, follow the iPhone Only instructions.
NOTE: The instructions below use a pre-release version of iOS as reference.
Here’s how you or your grandma can set up the Fall Detection feature on iPhone if you use Apple Watch:
- Open the “Watch” app on the iPhone’s home screen.
- Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
- On the “Emergency SOS” screen, you’ll find an option called “Fall Detection.” Toggle it on by tapping the switch next to it.
- After enabling Fall Detection, you will see a message explaining how the feature works and its limitations. Read through the information provided.
- Once enabled, Fall Detection will automatically detect significant falls and send an alert. If grandma doesn’t respond within a specified time frame, the iPhone will automatically call emergency services and share her/their location with them.
- If desired, you can also choose to enable “Sound” under the Fall Detection settings. This will play an alarm sound to alert nearby people when a fall is detected.
Here’s how you or your grandma can set up the Fall Detection feature on iPhone if you do not use Apple Watch:
- Open the “Settings” app on the iPhone’s home screen.
- Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
- On the “Emergency SOS” screen, you’ll find an option called “Fall Detection.” Toggle it on by tapping the switch next to it.
- After enabling Fall Detection, you will see a message explaining how the feature works and its limitations. Read through the information provided.
- Once enabled, Fall Detection will automatically detect significant falls and send an alert. If grandma doesn’t respond within a specified time frame, the iPhone will automatically call emergency services and share her/their location with them.
- If desired, you can also choose to enable “Sound” under the Fall Detection settings. This will play an alarm sound to alert nearby people when a fall is detected.
You or your grandma are encouraged to test the Fall Detection feature after enabling it to familiarize yourself with how it works. You can simulate a fall by quickly dropping the iPhone on a soft surface. This way, you or your grandma can ensure the feature is functioning properly and understand the alerts that will be sent in case of a real fall.
Remember that Fall Detection is not flawless and may not detect all falls accurately. However, it can still provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind.
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