Google's Personal Safety app, a crucial tool for emergency situations, is undergoing changes that may affect users of older Android devices. Here's what you need to know:
Key Updates
- The app now requires Android 12 or later for newer Pixel phones and third-party devices
- Older Pixel models will continue to use the existing version without changes
- This update primarily impacts non-Pixel phones running Android 10 or 11
What is Personal Safety?
Google's Personal Safety app offers features like:
- Emergency contact management
- Safety check-ins
- Automatic car crash detection
Initially exclusive to Pixel phones, the app later expanded to select third-party devices.
Impact on Users
The majority of users shouldn't be affected:
- All Pixel phone users can continue using the app as before
- Most third-party phones with Personal Safety likely run Android 12+
- Only users with older Android versions (10-11) on non-Pixel devices may lose access
Why the Change?
While Google hasn't officially commented, this move likely aims to:
- Focus development resources on newer Android versions
- Encourage users to keep their devices updated for better overall security
What Should You Do?
If you rely on Personal Safety:
- Check your Android version (Settings > About Phone)
- Consider upgrading your device if you're running Android 11 or older
- Explore alternative safety apps if an upgrade isn't possible
This change serves as a reminder that keeping your smartphone's software up-to-date is crucial for both feature access and security in our increasingly connected world.