How to enable car crash detection on a Google Pixel
By Joe Maring published

Using its location, motion sensors, and ambient audio, your Google Pixel is able to determine if you've been in an accident. If so, it can sound an alarm to make sure you're OK and call 911 if necessary. It's a feature we absolutely recommend you have turned on, so today, we're going to teach you how to do just that.
Products used in this guide
How to enable car crash detection on a Google Pixel
- Open the Personal Safety app (it's pre-installed on your Pixel ).
- Tap the gear icon in the upper-left corner.Source: Android Central
- Tap Car crash detection.
- Tap the toggle to turn it on (if the banner is blue, it's already enabled).Source: Android Central
- From that page, you can tap Try a demo at the bottom to see how car crash detection works.
When a crash is detected, the Pixel vibrates and sounds an alarm. The Assistant then speaks to you, telling you to say "Emergency" if you want it to call 911. Alternatively, you can say "Cancel" if everything's alright.
Source: Android Central
If you say "Cancel" or tap the "I'm OK" button on your screen, you can indicate whether you were in a minor crash or didn't have an accident at all. By doing this, you can help Google improve its detection methods so that it's more accurate in the future.
Alternatively, if you do end up needing to call 911, you'll see your exact location on the Pixel's display so you can let the dispatcher know exactly where you are.
We certainly hope you never need to use car crash detection on your Pixel, but in the event that something does happen, it's nice knowing there are safety measures in place to keep you safe.
Google Pixel 5
Google didn't shoot for the moon, but it landed among the stars anyway. The Pixel 5 is one of the best and most accessible phones out there, offering most people everything they want and nothing they don't.
Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.
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