A new function for Android is currently being distributed to Pixel smartphones that will let you make emergency calls even faster. In this article, we explain what the function looks like and how you use it.
When you’re in an emergency and need to call an ambulance as soon as possible, every second can count. Therefore, during your coffee break today, take five minutes and familiarize yourself with your Pixel smartphone – it could save lives.
A feature is currently being distributed to Pixel smartphones, which is about the quick emergency call that you can make at any time. You can already make an emergency call at any time, regardless of the network operator or an Internet connection. The screen with the dialing keys is shown to you so that you can quickly type in 112 or whatever emergency number you have.
Faster emergency call becomes even faster
What is new now is that you no longer have to type in this number at all. If the feature has already arrived on your smartphone, you should see a slider that shows you 112 directly in Germany. This does not have to be configured and is linked to your location. If you are traveling abroad, you will automatically be shown the emergency numbers that apply there.
Because you no longer have to type the number yourself, you sometimes save precious seconds. Especially abroad, where you may not even know the emergency numbers, the time saving is even more dramatic. The rollout of this feature on Pixel smartphones has been happening for some time, but has not yet arrived on every device. So don’t be surprised if you don’t see the slider yet. In this case, you can of course continue to call up the traditional way using the dialpad.
This is how you use the fast emergency call on the Pixel smartphone
There are different ways of making the quick emergency call or calling up the emergency call menu. These depend on the Android version installed and the model you are using. That’s why there are three ways that we would like to describe to you: via the lock screen, by pressing and holding the on/off button and simultaneously via the on/off button and the volume buttons.
If you don’t have the slider yet, you can also type in the classic 112. / © NextPit
From the lock screen:
- Swipe up
- Taps emergency.
- Use the slider in the emergency call menu (see the middle screenshot in the image).
Via a long press of the power button (Android 11 and below, Android 12 on Pixel 5 and below):
- Hold those Power button pressed for five seconds.
- Taps emergency.
- Uses the slider in the emergency call menu.
Using the power and volume buttons (default on Android 12 on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro):
- Press at the same time Power button and the volume up button.
- Taps emergency.
- Uses the slider in the emergency call menu.
As mentioned above, the slider with the country-specific emergency number (there can be several) is automatically preset. But that doesn’t work in every country! If you are going on vacation in a foreign country, it is best to set up the emergency number before you travel. This way you don’t lose any valuable time in an emergency.
Now I wish you that you never get into the situation of having to use this feature. Feel free to write us in the comments what you think of the improvement of this function and what additional emergency measures you would like for your smartphone.