How Safety Check and Safe Zone Work in SOS Alert
By Gia Software Solutions · Published
Compare the iOS Safety Check timer with Android Safe Zone alerts and learn what each needs to work.
Safety Check responds to a missed check-in on iOS
Use Safety Check when you expect to check in after a set period, such as when you reach the end of a walk. Choose a trusted contact or group and start the timer. Tap I'm Safe to reset it. If you miss the check-in, the app can send an SOS to the people you selected, including when the app is closed.
Agree on how the recipient should respond before starting the timer. Set a realistic check-in interval and try it together so you know what the recipient sees. The App Store listing describes this feature for iPhone and iPad.
Safe Zone responds to leaving an area on Android
Use Safe Zone when the trigger should be a change in location, such as leaving the area around your home. On the Android device that will monitor the zone, draw a circle and choose the trusted contact or group to notify. If you leave the circle, the app warns you first. If you stay outside for the 60-second warning period, it can notify your contacts with your location. Google Play describes the current zone settings and alert behavior.
Enable notifications and set SOS Alert's location access to Allow all the time for Safe Zone to work when the app is closed. GPS accuracy affects how reliably the app can tell which side of the boundary you're on. Test the zone in the intended area and make sure your contact knows it is a practice run.
Choose the trigger and review what you share
Choose Safety Check for a deadline and Safe Zone for a boundary. These features are documented on different platforms; check the store and your installed version before planning around either one. Neither timer nor GPS detection replaces the internet connection and permissions needed to deliver an alert.
Discuss background location and who receives the alert before setting up Safe Zone on a device. Review the Google Play privacy policy link or the App Store privacy policy link for your platform. Turn off features you don't need, and use the delivery and permissions checklist before using a feature on your own.