The Apple Watch isn’t just about tracking your fitness or checking notifications — it can literally save your life. One of its most powerful yet often-overlooked features is Crash Detection and Fall Detection, which automatically alerts emergency services if you’re in serious danger.
With several real-life stories of people being rescued thanks to these features, Apple continues to highlight how technology can protect users in critical situations. If you haven’t turned it on yet, now is the time to do it.
What is Apple Watch Crash Detection?
Crash Detection uses advanced sensors and motion algorithms to detect severe car accidents. When a crash is detected, the watch shows an alert and starts a 10-second countdown. If you don’t respond, it automatically contacts emergency services, shares your location, and notifies your emergency contacts.
This feature works on Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, SE (2nd Gen), and later models, running watchOS 9 or newer.
How Fall Detection Works
The Fall Detection feature detects if you take a hard fall. If you stay immobile for more than a minute, your watch automatically calls emergency services. It’s particularly helpful for seniors, outdoor adventurers, or anyone prone to accidents.
Apple has fine-tuned this feature using motion data from millions of users, making it extremely accurate and reliable.
How to Turn On Crash Detection and Fall Detection
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap Emergency SOS.
- Turn on Crash Detection (if available on your model).
- Scroll down and enable Fall Detection.
- Select when you want it active: Always on or Only during workouts.
- Make sure your Medical ID and Emergency Contacts are set up in the Health app.
That’s it — your watch will now automatically take action if you ever face a life-threatening situation.
Why You Should Enable It Right Now
These features have been credited with saving lives in car accidents, mountain hikes, and even household falls. In one verified case, an Apple Watch automatically contacted emergency services after detecting a crash — rescuers arrived within minutes.
Turning on these settings only takes a few seconds, but the impact could be life-changing.
Quick Tip: Keep Your Watch Updated
Make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone are running the latest software to ensure Crash Detection and Fall Detection work correctly. Apple frequently refines these algorithms to improve accuracy and response times.
Apple continues to push the boundaries of wearable technology — and features like these prove the Apple Watch is more than a gadget; it’s a personal safety companion. If you or your loved ones wear an Apple Watch, make sure these life-saving tools are activated today.