Using Shake for Help on Android

The Shake for Help feature in OK Alone lets you discreetly trigger a help alert without touching your screen — ideal when you can’t safely unlock your phone or need to call for help quickly.

How Shake for Help Works

When Shake for Help is enabled, shaking your phone strongly will start a 20-second countdown.

• Notification and vibration: When the shake is detected, your phone vibrates and a notification appears.

• If it’s a real emergency: Let the phone continue to vibrate — the Help alert will automatically trigger after 20 seconds.

• If it’s a false alarm: Open the OK Alone app and tap Cancel Help during the countdown.

Once triggered, OK Alone immediately sends a Help alert to your monitor(s) along with your GPS location.

Alarm vs Discreet Mode

You can choose between two activation modes:

• Alarm Mode: Plays a loud audible alarm when triggered, signalling that help is being sent.

• Discreet Mode: Silently triggers the alert — perfect if you need to remain unnoticed.

To change modes:

1. 1. Tap the Menu (☰) icon.

   2. Select Shake for Help.

   3. Choose Alarm or Discreet – No Alarm.

Enabling Shake for Help

Before enabling, confirm you’re using version 10.3 or newer of the OK Alone Android app.

1. Tap the Menu (☰) icon in the top-left corner.

2. Select Shake for Help.

3. Toggle Shake for Help to On.

4. Choose your preferred Sensitivity and Mode.

5. Tap Save Settings.

Adjusting Sensitivity

Shake sensitivity determines how much movement is needed to start the countdown. Choose the setting that best fits your work environment.

HIGH Sensitivity

• Requires firm, deliberate shaking (about 4 full shakes)

• Easier to trigger in emergencies but still requires intentional motion

• Recommended only for desk or stationary work where there’s little movement

MEDIUM Sensitivity (Recommended)

• Requires vigorous, deliberate shaking (about 5 full shakes)

• Balanced to reduce false triggers

• Best for active workers standing at a machine or performing slow-movement activities

LOW Sensitivity

• Requires vigorous and sustained shaking (about 6 full shakes)

• Approximate threshold: 40.0 m/s²

• Virtually no false positives — ideal for high-activity environments

• Recommended if you move frequently or may be running (running may still start a countdown)

Should Trigger (True Positives)

Shake for Help is designed to respond only to deliberate, emergency-type movement. The following actions will reliably start the alert countdown:

1. Vigorous shake – Hold the phone firmly and shake rapidly back and forth

2. Quick wrist flicks – Two to three fast flicks in succession

3. Panic motion – Rapid up-down or side-side movement

4. Emergency shake – Strong, intentional motion signalling distress

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which sensitivity or mode suits your environment, contact our support team at [e-mail].