How to use Crash Detection on iPhone and Apple Watch

Tired of hearing about the same old smartwatch features? Apple’s Crash Detection on iPhone and Apple Watch changes the game. This life-saving tool can detect serious car crashes and automatically alert emergency services—without you lifting a finger.

But what exactly is Crash Detection? Does your device support it? And how can you turn it off if needed? Let’s break it down.

What is Crash Detection on iPhone and Apple Watch?

Crash Detection is Apple’s advanced safety feature designed to detect severe car crashes using high-tech sensors and smart software. If your iPhone or Apple Watch suspects a crash, it automatically presents the option to call emergency services. If you don’t respond within 20 seconds, it places the call and shares your location with both emergency services and your emergency contacts.

This feature is powered by:

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• Accelerometers and gyroscopes
• Barometer and microphone readings
• GPS data
• Advanced algorithms trained in Apple’s crash test labs

It can recognize a variety of crash types—rear-end collisions, rollovers, side-impact crashes, and more. Despite the robust setup, Apple does note that it might not detect all crashes.

Worried about privacy? The crash data stays on your device in encrypted form and is never shared without your consent.

Which devices support Crash Detection?

Want to use Crash Detection? You’ll need one of the supported Apple devices listed below:

• Any iPhone 14 model or newer running iOS 16 or later
• Apple Watch Series 8, SE (2nd gen), Ultra, or any newer model with watchOS 9 or later

If your vehicle supports CarPlay, the Crash Detection feature may work more effectively.

Is Crash Detection available in all regions?

Yes—but with a caveat. While Crash Detection is globally available, some regions require manual interaction, like pressing a number to confirm the emergency. Even then, your emergency contacts will still be notified.

How does Crash Detection actually work?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• It activates automatically in supported iPhones and Apple Watches.
• Sensors detect up to 256Gs of impact.
• After a crash is detected, the device waits 10 seconds for your response.
• If there’s no input, it triggers Emergency SOS, sharing your location and contacting help.

Even in Low Power Mode, Crash Detection remains active.

Tip

Update your Medical ID and emergency contacts in the Health app to ensure the right people are notified.

How to turn off Crash Detection on iPhone and Apple Watch

While it’s a great feature, Crash Detection isn’t flawless. It has mistakenly triggered emergency calls during roller coaster rides and other high-motion activities.

If you’d prefer to disable it, here’s how:

Turn off Crash Detection on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Emergency SOS.
3. Toggle off Call After Serious Crash.

Turn off Crash Detection on Apple Watch

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Emergency SOS.
3. Toggle off Call After Serious Crash.

Note

If you disable Crash Detection on your iPhone, the setting carries over to the connected Apple Watch.

That’s it!

Apple is clearly thinking beyond fitness and productivity. With Crash Detection, your iPhone and Apple Watch become a silent guardian on the road. While it’s not perfect, it’s a huge leap toward personal safety tech that could one day save lives.

Would you keep this feature on, or do you find it too sensitive? Let’s chat in the comments!

Read more:

• How to set up and use fall detection on your Apple Watch
• How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone
• iPhone security and emergency features you should start using