Is there a test mode in Watch OS where my mother could practice shutting off false fall alarms? So far we’ve had two false alarms. Luckily for the second one I was with her and able to cancel. But she’s elderly, easily flustered by ordinary tech, the fall alert paralyzed her. A practice mode might help her and would save a lot of unnecessary 911 calls.
Apple Watch Series 8, watchOS 10
I have accidentally set off Fall Detection (FD) on my watch when playing with my cat!
While you are with her, have your mother pound hard on her bed or the sofa with her fists to set off FD and then practice quickly canceling the function before anyone is alerted. It takes about 30 seconds for FD to respond to the pounding.
M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.2; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.2; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 16.7.3; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.2; HomePods, audioOS 17.2 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2
I have accidentally set off Fall Detection (FD) on my watch when playing with my cat!
While you are with her, have your mother pound hard on her bed or the sofa with her fists to set off FD and then practice quickly canceling the function before anyone is alerted. It takes about 30 seconds for FD to respond to the pounding.
M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.2; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.2; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 16.7.3; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.2; HomePods, audioOS 17.2 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2
I don't believe there is such a practice mode. You can let Apple know you think it would be a good idea here:
Sounds like a great suggestion to me.
You could try turning off WiFi/cellular and experimenting. While you're there, obviously.
This could be an interesting solution. However, I tried a few times and wasn't able to replicate it, not FD detected. Do you have a way to make it work all the time? I guess for an elderly person it would be even more difficult to make the right movement.
Interesting, I'll give that try. Thanks
That's a good idea too. I put in a suggestion with Apple, FWIW.
Practice Mode for Watch Fall Detection
