How to set up crash detection on your Android phone

Car crashes are scary and unpredictable. But some Android™ phones can help call for help when you need it most. If your phone detects you’ve been in a crash, it can check in with you and contact emergency services if you don’t respond.

At Asurion, we help you get the most out of your tech—whether you want to back up your phone or prepare for an emergency. Here’s how to turn on crash detection and use it on your Android phone.

What is crash detection on Android?

Crash detection is a safety feature that can sense when you've been in a serious car accident. It uses sensors like your phone’s accelerometer, GPS, and microphone to detect impact and sudden changes in motion. If a crash is suspected, your phone will vibrate, sound an alarm, and ask if you need help. If you don’t respond, it can call emergency services for you.

This feature is available on certain Android phones, like Google Pixel™ 3 and later models.

How to turn on crash detection on your Android phone

To use crash detection, you need the Personal Safety app by Google™. Most newer Pixel phones come with this app installed.

• Open the Personal Safety app. You can find it by searching for “Safety” in your app drawer or Settings.
• Sign in with your Google account. If prompted, sign in and allow any permissions requested, like location access and activity recognition.
• Tap Features or Safety & emergency, then select Car crash detection.
• Turn on Car crash detection.

You may need to allow microphone and location access for this feature to work properly.

What happens after a crash is detected?

If your phone detects a crash, it will:

• Vibrate and sound an alarm.
• Display a prompt asking if you’re OK.
• Give you about 60 seconds to respond.
• If there’s no response, it will call 911 and share your location.

You can also choose emergency contacts to notify during an emergency. Learn how in our guide on setting up emergency contacts on Android.

Who can use crash detection on Android?

Crash detection is currently available on:

• Google Pixel 3 or newer.
• Devices running Android 10 or higher with the Personal Safety app installed.

The feature may not be available in all countries or languages.

What to know before using crash detection

• Battery use: Crash detection uses sensors like GPS and motion tracking, which may affect battery life.
• Privacy: Location and motion data stay on your device unless you trigger an emergency call.
• Not foolproof: The feature may not detect every crash or may detect false positives.

FAQ

What phones have crash detection?

Google Pixel 3 and newer models support crash detection through the Personal Safety app. Other Android phones may not have this feature.

Do I need internet for crash detection to work?

Crash detection works without Wi-Fi, but location services and mobile data improve accuracy and emergency response.

Can I test crash detection?

There’s no built-in test option. However, you can confirm it’s on by checking the Personal Safety app settings.

Will crash detection call 911 automatically?

Yes, if your phone detects a crash and you don’t respond, it will automatically call emergency services and share your location.