Increase Android Security – Using Built-in Features & GPS BodyGuard
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:
Open Settings
Select Location
Enable Use location
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:
Open Settings
Go to Safety & emergency
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:
Settings → Safety & emergency
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:
Long-press on the home screen
Select Widgets
Choose Contact widget
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.
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