How to Enable Fall Detection on Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 keeps all the functionality offered in earlier versions. For instance, fall detection is a feature that has been included in every Apple Watch model since the first Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4, and the Series 8 models are no exception.
With the help of its accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS, the Apple Watch Series 8 precisely detects falls and makes it easy to notify emergency services or send a message to your emergency contacts, according to XDA.
To enable Fall Detection on your brand-new Apple Watch Series 8, follow the instructions below.
One of the new Apple Watch 8 series is displayed during a launch event for new products at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 7, 2022. – Apple unveiled several new products including a new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, three Apple watches, and new AirPod Pros during the event.
How to Enable Fall Detection
If you are 55 years of age or older, Fall Detection automatically activates as long as you specify your birthdate on the smartwatch. But if you are younger, you must take note of the following steps:
- Go to your Apple Watch Series 8’s Settings app.
- Go to the SOS section and select the Fall Detection option.
- Once you have found the option, simply click the switch on Fall Detection.
- Choose “Always on” to enable Fall Detection at all times or “Only during workouts” to activate it only when you begin an exercise.
- If the aforementioned steps do not work, navigate through your iPhone’s Emergency SOS section of the Apple Watch app to enable the Fall Detection feature.
Important Reminders
According to XDA, it is important to note that even after sensing a hard impact fall, your Apple Watch Series 8 will not automatically call emergency services if you turn off wrist detection.
Hence, you must turn on your wrist detection for Fall Detection to work effectively.
The following message will appear on your Apple Watch Series 8 when Fall Detection is activated and senses a fall. To contact emergency services or to turn off the alarm, move the Emergency SOS slider, tap the “I’m OK” or Close buttons in the top left corner, or click the crown.
In the event that the watch has not detected any motion for a minute or more, it will automatically dial 911.
Following the call, your watch will send a message to your emergency contacts, alerting them of your fall and current location. Make sure to set up your Medical ID as soon as you use your new Apple Watch because the Apple Watch Series 8 pulls your emergency contacts from there.