The Android Emergency SOS function causes a privacy nightmare for a Pixel user; here’s how to avoid similar situations.

A Reddit user had an embarrassing experience when they accidentally activated the SOS Emergency feature on their phone. In an attempt to turn off their phone's alarm in the morning, the user known as AssistancePretend668 repeatedly pressed the power button, which caused their device to activate a siren and call 911. Additionally, a video was automatically sent to their 12 emergency contacts.

In the rush to cancel this activation, the user picked up their phone unaware that the feature was starting to record a video that would be sent to their contacts. This became humorous, as the user, who usually sleeps naked, ended up sharing an unwanted video with their friends. Despite the initial embarrassment, all parties involved took the situation in a lighthearted way.

For those who fear experiencing something similar, there are options to adjust the SOS Emergency settings without having to deactivate it completely. One alternative is to require an extra action after pressing the power button five times, which would prevent automatic activation. On Pixel devices, this is done by holding down an icon on the screen, while on Samsung, it requires swiping up on the phone symbol.

You can also adjust the information that emergency contacts receive by choosing not to send audio recordings, photos, or videos, although this could hinder communication in a critical situation. Another option is to review the contacts on the emergency list, thus limiting the number of people who would receive messages or videos.

Finally, it is suggested to activate the option to stop the alarm simply by telling the phone "Stop." This solution may have drawbacks if, while still half-asleep, the alarm is cut off too early, but being a hands-free option, it reduces the risk of accidentally activating SOS Emergency. Despite its limitations, staying informed about these settings can help avoid uncomfortable situations in the future.