Apple Watch Accident Detection - Enable and Disable in Settings

Apple has with the new Apple Watch models introduced a function called "accident detection" or "crash detection" in September 2022. This uses components such as a gyro sensor, a new high-g acceleration sensor for forces of up to 256 G and the microphone to detect serious car accidents and automatically send an emergency call. However, if you don't drive a car, you can disable accident detection on the Apple Watch. As you can see under watchOS 9 at the Apple Watch Series 8, at the Apple Watch SE2 as well as at the apple watch ultra you can switch off the crash detection, I have summarized that for you below.

How do I disable and re-enable accident detection on the Apple Watch? Here you will find the answer to this question in the form of step-by-step instructions and further explanations.
How do I disable and re-enable accident detection on the Apple Watch? Here you will find the answer to this question in the form of step-by-step instructions and further explanations.

Instructions: Activate or deactivate accident detection on the Apple Watch

Apple has enabled Apple Watch crash detection by default. So if you want to leave the new models' function on in case of an emergency, you don't have to do anything. However, if you want to turn off accident detection on one of the new Apple Watches, then proceed as follows:

  1. Opens the Settings on the Apple Watch
  2. Select the point from the list SOS and then in it accident detection
  3. Deactivates the item "Call after a serious accident" in this submenu

How does accident detection work with the Apple Watch?

If the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Ultra detects a serious crash with the car using the various sensors and the corresponding algorithm, a countdown of 20 seconds is started. This can be canceled if everything is okay and you do not need emergency care. However, if it is not aborted, an emergency call will be made after the expiry and the emergency contacts will also be notified. 

In the official Guide Apple's online manual for watchOS 9 states in detail: "If you don't respond, an audio message will play for emergency services, letting them know you've been in a serious car accident. At the same time, your location coordinates (longitude and latitude) and an approximate search radius are reported.It is also noted that emergency calls that may already be active are not overridden by the detection of accidents. There is even more information about accident detection as a function of the new smartwatches and the iPhone 14 series in the support document HT213225.

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1 comment on “Apple Watch Accident Detection – Enable and Disable in Settings”

  1. With my fenix 6 and now also fenix 7 from Garmin, this has been possible for a long time. I never let it run through to the “end”. A sensible futures

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