Fix iPhone 14 & Apple Watch Crash Detection on Roller Coasters

Crash Detection on the iPhone 14 series and Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and later can mistake the rapid acceleration, sudden stops, and hard impacts of a roller coaster for a real car crash. This causes the device to count down and then call emergency services, which can be alarming and disruptive. Here is how to stop false crash alerts while you are at an amusement park, and how to turn the feature back on when you leave.

What You’ll Need

• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, or later (any model with Crash Detection)
• Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, or later (any model with Crash Detection)
• Your Apple ID passcode or device passcode
• A few minutes before you get in line for a ride

Step-by-Step

There are two ways to handle this: turn off Crash Detection entirely (the most reliable method), or just silence the countdown and call if you forget. The steps below cover both.

Method 1: Turn Off Crash Detection on Your iPhone (Recommended)

1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
2. Tap Emergency SOS (on older iOS versions, it may be listed as SOS).
3. Look for the section labeled Crash Detection.
4. Tap the toggle next to Call After Severe Crash to turn it off. The toggle will turn from green to gray.
5. This disables the automatic call, but the phone may still show a “Severe Crash” alert on the screen. If you want to completely disable that too, you can also turn off Severe Crash if the option is present, or simply proceed to the next step.
6. If you are also wearing an Apple Watch, the watch uses the same setting. However, to be absolutely safe, also turn it off on the watch directly (see Method 2).

Method 2: Turn Off Crash Detection on Your Apple Watch

1. On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to open the app grid.
2. Tap the Settings app (the gear icon).
3. Scroll down and tap SOS.
4. Scroll to find Crash Detection.
5. Tap the toggle next to Call After Severe Crash to turn it off.
6. If you only turn it off on the watch, your iPhone will still be active. You must turn it off on both devices to be fully protected from false alerts.

Method 3: Quick Way to Cancel the Alert During a Ride

1. If you forget to turn it off and the countdown starts, you have about 20 seconds to cancel it.
2. On the iPhone, tap Close on the alert, or press the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously to stop the call.
3. On the Apple Watch, tap Close on the screen, or press and hold the Digital Crown and side button together to stop the countdown.
4. If the call has already been placed, you can hang up immediately, but do not press the side button five times (that triggers SOS again).

Method 4: Turn Crash Detection Back On After Your Visit

1. After you leave the park, go back to Settings > Emergency SOS on your iPhone.
2. Tap the toggle next to Call After Severe Crash to turn it back on (green).
3. Do the same on your Apple Watch: Settings > SOS > Call After Severe Crash.
4. Make sure both devices show the toggle as green before you drive home.

Common Mistakes

• Only turning it off on one device: Crash Detection runs independently on the iPhone and the Apple Watch. If you only disable it on the watch, the iPhone in your pocket will still trigger an alert.
• Forgetting to turn it back on: Leaving Crash Detection disabled after the trip means you lose protection in a real car accident. Always re-enable it when you are done.
• Using Airplane Mode: Airplane mode disables cellular and Wi-Fi, but Crash Detection still runs locally and can still trigger the countdown. It may not be able to call, but it will still alarm you and can cause confusion.
• Silencing notifications: Do Not Disturb or silent mode does not stop the emergency alert. The countdown and sound are designed to override those settings.
• Assuming the watch mirrors the phone: They sync most settings, but Crash Detection toggles are not always mirrored in real time. Check both devices.

Tips

• Set a reminder on your phone for the end of the day to re-enable Crash Detection. A simple alarm labeled “Turn on Crash Detection” works well.
• If you are visiting a park with a group, have everyone in your group do this at the same time so nobody forgets.
• Before you go, practice the “cancel” gesture (pressing the side button and volume button together) so you know how to stop the countdown if you forget to disable the feature.
• If you are just watching from the sidelines and not riding, you do not need to disable anything. Only the person on the ride is at risk of a false trigger.
• Consider turning it off before you even enter the park, not just before the first ride. Some walkways and motion simulators can also trigger it.

Troubleshooting

If you followed the steps but still get an alert, or if you cannot find the toggle, try these fixes:

• The toggle is grayed out: This usually means a restriction is active. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure Emergency SOS is allowed.
• The toggle is missing: Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later and your watch is running watchOS 9 or later. Older software versions may not have the toggle in the same place. Update your devices.
• You turned it off but the countdown still starts: Restart both devices. Sometimes the setting does not apply until a reboot. Press and hold the side button and volume button on the iPhone, then slide to power off. For the watch, press and hold the side button, then tap the power icon.
• You already triggered a call and cannot cancel it: If the call went through, stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was a false alarm. Do not hang up immediately, as they may send help if they cannot hear you.
• You cannot remember if you turned it back on: Check the toggle in Settings. If it is green, it is on. If gray, it is off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does turning off Crash Detection disable the fall detection feature?
A: No. Fall Detection is a separate setting. Turning off Crash Detection only affects the car crash detection algorithm. You can check Fall Detection separately in the same SOS settings menu.

Q: Will my Apple Watch still detect a crash if my iPhone is off?
A: Yes, the Apple Watch has its own sensors and can independently detect a crash. That is why you must disable it on both devices when you want to stop alerts.

Q: Can I just put my devices in a locker or bag to avoid false alerts?
A: No. The sensors are motion-based, so they will still detect the forces of the ride even if the device is in a bag or pocket. The only reliable way is to turn off the feature.

Q: How long does the countdown last before it calls emergency services?
A: You have about 20 seconds to cancel the alert. The screen shows a countdown, and a loud alarm sounds. After the countdown ends, the device calls 911 (or the local emergency number) automatically.

Q: Is it safe to ride a roller coaster with Crash Detection on?
A: It is generally safe, but you risk a false call. The feature is designed to be accurate, but high-G rides can mimic crash forces. It is not a safety risk to you, but it can be a nuisance and can tie up emergency lines.

Q: Will turning it off affect my ability to call 911 manually?
A: No. You can still call 911 by dialing it normally, or by pressing the side button five times (Emergency SOS). Disabling Crash Detection only stops the automatic detection and call after a simulated crash.

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