Increase your personal safety with Android built-in security features and the GPS BodyGuard SOS app.
Android smartphones include powerful emergency functions that can save lives in cases of assault, medical emergencies, lone working, or dangerous situations.

This guide explains how to properly configure Android so you can call for help quickly and be located in an emergency.

Why Android Security Features Are Important

Android provides system-level safety features such as:

• Emergency SOS

• Location sharing (GPS)

• Emergency information on the lock screen

• Quick emergency access via the power button

Combined with GPS BodyGuard, your smartphone becomes a powerful personal emergency alarm system (PNA).

1. Enable Location Services (GPS) – Essential for Emergencies

To allow emergency contacts or rescue services to receive your location, Android location services must be enabled.

How to enable GPS on Android:

1. Open Settings

2. Select Location

3. Enable Use location

4. For GPS BodyGuard, allow Location access: “Allow all the time”

Recommendation:
Enable High accuracy location to improve positioning indoors and in urban areas.

➡️ Essential for SOS apps, emergency calls, and location transmission.

2. Activate Android Emergency Mode (Emergency SOS)

Android Emergency SOS allows you to trigger an alarm quickly – even when the phone is locked.

How to activate Emergency SOS:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Safety & emergency

3. Enable Emergency SOS

Triggering an emergency:

• Press the power button 5 times quickly

Your smartphone may automatically:

• Call emergency contacts

• Share your live location

• Place an emergency call

➡️ Ideal for violence, falls, medical emergencies, and lone worker protection.

3. Use the Power Button as an Emergency Button

The power button is the fastest way to call for help – no need to unlock your phone or open an app.

Benefits:

• Works with a locked screen

• One-handed operation

• Reliable under stress

Recommended setup:
Android Emergency SOS + GPS BodyGuard alarm function

4. Display Emergency Information on the Lock Screen

Emergency responders can view critical information without unlocking the device.

How to set up emergency information:

1. Settings → Safety & emergency

2. Emergency information

Recommended details:

• Name

• Blood type

• Allergies

• Medical conditions

• Emergency contacts

➡️ This information is accessible directly from the lock screen.

5. Set Up Emergency Contacts

Emergency contacts are notified automatically when an SOS is triggered.

Recommended contacts:

• Family members

• Close contacts

• Colleagues

• Security services

• Employers (for lone workers)

GPS BodyGuard advantage:
Additional alerts via:

• App notifications

• Location sharing

• Optional monitoring center

6. Add Emergency Contacts as Icons or Widgets on the Home Screen

For maximum accessibility, emergency contacts should be placed directly on the home screen.

How to add a contact widget:

1. Long-press on the home screen

2. Select Widgets

3. Choose Contact widget

4. Select your emergency contact

➡️ One tap is enough – ideal for seniors, children, and lone workers.

7. Check Volume, Battery & Power Settings

An emergency alert must be audible and reliable.

Safety recommendations:

• Set ringtone and media volume to high

• Disable battery optimization for GPS BodyGuard

• Allow background activity

• Keep location and phone permissions enabled

Conclusion: Proper Android Setup Can Save Lives

With just a few settings, you can significantly increase your safety:

✅ faster emergency calls
✅ automatic location sharing
✅ critical information for first responders
✅ immediate notification of emergency contacts

GPS BodyGuard turns your Android smartphone into a personal emergency command center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I increase my safety using Android built-in features?

By enabling GPS, setting up Android Emergency SOS, adding emergency information to the lock screen, and defining emergency contacts. Combined with GPS BodyGuard, this allows faster alerts and accurate location sharing.

How do I activate Android Emergency SOS?

Go to Settings → Safety & emergency → Emergency SOS and enable the feature. On most devices, pressing the power button five times quickly triggers the emergency.

How do I trigger an emergency using the power button?

On many Android devices, pressing the power button five times activates Emergency SOS, even when the screen is locked. Availability may vary by manufacturer and Android version.

Why does GPS BodyGuard require location access?

To transmit your exact location during an emergency. Location access should be set to Allow all the time to ensure reliable tracking in the background.

How do I set up emergency information on the lock screen?

Go to Settings → Safety & emergency → Emergency information and enter medical data and emergency contacts. This information is visible without unlocking the phone.

How can I add an emergency contact to the home screen?

Long-press the home screen, select Widgets, add a Contact widget, and choose the desired emergency contact.

Which emergency contacts should I add?

Family members, trusted contacts, colleagues, security services, or employers—especially for lone workers.

What if Android battery optimization limits emergency alerts?

Disable battery optimization for GPS BodyGuard and allow background activity to ensure alerts and location sharing work reliably.

Does Emergency SOS work when the phone is locked?

Yes, on many Android devices, Emergency SOS can be triggered via the power button even when the phone is locked.

In which situations is GPS BodyGuard especially useful?

GPS BodyGuard is ideal for lone working, security services, construction sites, delivery drivers, medical emergencies, and everyday personal safety.