New safety feature added to Pixel Watch for emergency calls

Google has introduced a new safety feature for the Pixel Watch, making it easier and safer to use Emergency SOS. Before this update, you could start an emergency call by pressing the watch’s crown five times. After a 5-second countdown, the call would go through, accompanied by an alarm sound to confirm the action.

With the latest update, pressing the crown five times brings up a new screen. This screen now asks you to “hold your finger on the screen for 3 seconds” to make the call. This screen will disappear after 20 seconds if no action is taken, to avoid accidentally making emergency calls.

The default setting has changed to “Touch & hold to call,” but you can still choose “Automatically call” if you prefer. You can switch these settings in the Personal Safety app or under Safety & emergency in the watch’s Settings menu, in a new section called “Ways to start SOS.”

This update comes with version 2025.01.23.x of Personal Safety for Wear OS, which you can update through the Google Play Store. After updating, you’ll get a notification on your Pixel Watch about the “Emergency SOS update.”

The idea behind this change seems to be reducing the number of accidental emergency calls. Remember, if you accidentally call emergency services, do not hang up. Instead, explain to the operator that it was a mistake and that you don’t need help.