Notification Access
The SOS App requires Notification Access to deliver real-time alerts, warnings, and safety updates — even if the app is minimized or running quietly in the background.
Granting Notification Access ensures you never miss critical emergency notifications.
Overview
Notification Access enables the SOS App to:
- Display immediate alerts when a fall is detected.
- Notify you when Family Tracking updates occur (e.g., a family member location change).
- Warn you about pending or triggered emergency events (e.g., Fall Detection Countdown).
- Keep you informed of background activity, system permissions, or safety issues.
Without Notification Access, you might miss important safety alerts during emergencies.
Why Notification Access is Critical
| Purpose | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Fall Detection Alerts | Sends instant on-screen notifications when a fall is detected. |
| Family Tracking Notifications | Informs you of live location updates and tracking changes. |
| Background Emergency Monitoring | Warns you if permissions are missing or safety services are restricted. |
| Countdown Timers | Alerts you to emergency action timers before they complete. |
Notification Access ensures critical alerts reach you immediately, even if you are using other apps or if your screen is locked.
Features That Use Notification Access
- Fall Detection Countdown Warnings
- Family Tracking Status Updates
- Emergency Event Alerts
- App Service Monitoring and Warnings
How to Grant Notification Access
You can grant Notification Access in two ways:
During Initial Setup
- When prompted by the SOS App during setup, allow Notification Access for faster alert delivery.
Manually Through Device Settings
- Open your device’s Settings.
- Navigate to Apps & Notifications or Notifications Settings.
- Tap Special App Access (or similar).
- Choose Notification Access.
- Find and enable access for the SOS App.
View Screenshot
Notification Access Permission:
Device-specific names may vary slightly (e.g., Special Permissions, Advanced Settings).
Best Practices for Notification Settings
| Recommendation | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Allow full notification access | Ensures Fall Detection and emergency alerts are received promptly. |
| Enable high-priority notifications | Makes alerts more visible with sounds, vibrations, or popups if desired. |
| Periodically test notification delivery | Confirm alert functionality after major app or system updates. |
| Disable Do Not Disturb (or whitelist SOS App) during high-risk situations | Prevents missed emergency alerts. |
Common Questions
Will the SOS App send unnecessary notifications?
No.
Notifications are limited strictly to important safety-related alerts such as Fall Detection, Tracking Updates, SOS events, and permission warnings.
Can I customize the alert sounds or vibrations?
Yes.
You can customize notification tones and behavior via your device's standard notification settings per app.
Will I still get alerts if Notification Access is disabled?
Partially.
Visual alerts inside the app may still function, but emergency popups, countdowns, and background warnings may be missed.
Does granting Notification Access compromise privacy?
No.
The SOS App only uses Notification Access to display safety-related alerts.
It does not read, modify, or interact with unrelated notifications from other apps.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not receiving Fall Detection alerts | Verify that Notification Access is granted and active for the SOS App. |
| Alerts delayed or missed | Ensure the device's Do Not Disturb mode isn’t blocking SOS App alerts. |
| Notification popups not appearing | Check notification permissions and allow high-priority alerts. |
| Alerts silent | Enable sound or vibration for SOS App notifications via device settings. |
Notification Access is vital for the SOS App to deliver timely, life-saving alerts during emergencies.
By enabling this permission, you ensure that critical updates like fall detection warnings, tracking changes, and emergency countdowns reach you without delay — keeping you and your loved ones safer.
Act fast. Stay informed. Enable Notification Access.
What's Next
Learn about Physical Activity Recognition Permission, and how it powers Fall Detection, Step Tracking, and Health Monitoring features.