The latest Apple Watch has built-in fall detection and helps you after a big smack. This is how you set up fall detection and how it works.
Apple Watch fall detection: everything you need to know
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a large screen that extends to the edges and is more focused than ever on your health. That is why the smart watch has various functions to let you go through life healthier and safer, such as the fall detection.
It works very simply. If you wear the Apple Watch and make a big smack, you will automatically get a tap on your wrist and a sound will be played. The sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) detect that you have fallen and the watch checks if everything is going well.
Also read: Why the Dutch Apple Watch Series 4 cannot make heart videos
However, if there is more to it – for example, you can no longer get up – then you can switch on the emergency services with the push of a button. In addition, an SOS message is automatically sent to your emergency contacts, if you use this function. Note: you need your iPhone to make a call. Only Apple Watches with an internet connection can make independent calls, but these are currently not sold in the Netherlands.
If you have become unconscious, the Apple Watch automatically dials 112 after a minute. Before it officially starts calling, you will see a timer on the screen that counts down from 15 seconds. The sound also starts to increase in volume, so that any bystanders hear that it is not going well.
Also interesting: This is how you send an emergency SOS message with the Apple Watch
This is how you enable Apple Watch fall detection
Fall detection only works on the Apple Watch Series 4: earlier models are not supported. This is how you set it up:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone;
- In the ‘My Watch’ tab (bottom left), tap ‘Emergency SOS’;
- Slide the switch at ‘Fall Detection’ and you’re done!
If you indicated that you were 65 years older when setting up the watch, Apple Watch fall detection is automatically on. Obviously, you hope never to have to use the feature, but it could potentially save your life. Sometimes you can also receive an empty message, for example because you move your wrist very quickly. In that case, choose the last option ‘Did not fall’.
Check out our Tips overview for more handy tricks!