I am having issues with Watch not detecting falls

Question

Level 1

4 points

I am having issues with Watch not detecting falls

I have an Apple Watch S7, GPS and Satellite, it’s 2 1/2 years old and in that time I’ve had 3 nasty falls and not once has the watch activated fall detection. It has when I’ve been doing other things, even when I put down my grocery bags, but not when I hit the ground myself. The software is up to date, I’ve always had issues with phone calls cutting out but considering I bought it predominantly as a safety backup as I live alone it’s been a major disappointment. Today I hit the concrete from a vertical position to a horizontal one, face into the ground in a couple of seconds flat and nothing! No fall detection at all! Not happy! I’m not the only person I know who this has happened to, my sister has had a couple of falls and her watch hasn’t activated and I know someone who fell off a ladder and nothing. Not good enough for what you pay for the watch.

Has anyone else had the same problems?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Apple Watch Series 7, watchOS 10

Posted on Nov 12, 2024 2:30 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,671 points

Nov 12, 2024 4:39 AM in response to 8Lht3W-KmJ

It’s been reported from time to time in the community. The reality of the situation is if a fall happens and certain sensors are able to detect the fall, a Watch can notify emergency services and specific contacts.

Specifically, the Watches accelerometer and gyroscope are used to detect a fall. However, if the fall is slow enough or more of a faint/collapse the sensors may not be able to detect the fall. The Watch also checks for a period of immobility. But if the wearer gets up and is moving around, the Watch will not notify emergency services.

You may want to review the information in the Apple Support article I linked to below.

Use Fall Detection with Apple Watch - Apple Support

Manage Fall Detection on Apple Watch - Apple Support

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Answer 2

8Lht3W-KmJ Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2024 6:27 AM in response to Jeff Donald

The fall I had today was from tripping over the end of a towball. I went from vertical to head in the turf in a matter of seconds and as someone with Parkinson’s Disease I certainly didn’t bounce straight back up.

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Answer 3

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,671 points

Nov 12, 2024 7:04 AM in response to 8Lht3W-KmJ

If your Apple Watch doesn’t fit your particular needs and circumstances you should explore other devices that are actually medically approved for detecting falls and provide a monthly subscription service that allows emergency services to be contacted.

I suspect the underlying condition is interfering with the sensors and algorithms ability to detect a fall accurately.

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