Workers can now trigger an emergency alert by quickly pressing their phone’s power button multiple times — without unlocking the device or opening the app.
Introduction to the Power Button SOS
This provides a discreet, fast way to call for help when workers can’t safely access their phone or need to avoid drawing attention.
The feature is disabled by default and can be managed through a dedicated settings screen accessible from the main menu.
OK Alone Power Button SOS Overview
The Power Button SOS feature lets you signal for help by pressing your phone’s power button several times in quick succession.
It works even when your screen is locked and your phone is in your pocket.
To turn the feature on or manage your preferences:
Open the OK Alone app.
Tap the Menu (☰) icon.
Select SOS Button.
Toggle the feature On.
Choose how many button presses trigger the alert (for example, 4 or 6).
Select whether a notification should appear when triggered.
Tap Save Settings.
OK Alone vs. Android Emergency SOS
The key difference lies in how each feature is triggered:
Android Emergency SOS: Activated by pressing the power button five or more times rapidly. It automatically dials emergency services (e.g., 999, 911, 112).
OK Alone Power Button SOS: Sends an alert through the OK Alone system to your designated monitors or monitoring centre.
Both use the power button, so they may conflict if activated the same way.
Why They Might Conflict
Since both features use the power button:
Android SOS takes priority — it’s built into the system.
Rapid presses may trigger both, resulting in unwanted emergency calls.
How to Avoid the Conflict
Option 1: Disable Android Emergency SOS
If available on your phone:
Go to Settings > Safety and emergency > Emergency SOS.
Turn off Use Emergency SOS or Call emergency services.
Some devices (especially Samsung) don’t allow full disablement — continue with Option 2.
Option 2: Press the Power Button More Slowly
If you want to keep Android’s Emergency SOS active, you can avoid triggering it by pressing your power button more slowly when using OK Alone.
Android detects SOS when the power button is pressed five times very quickly (faster than two presses per second).
If you press the power button about twice per second, OK Alone can still recognize your presses without activating Android’s SOS.
This allows you to use OK Alone’s Power Button SOS safely on Samsung and other Android devices where the built-in Emergency SOS cannot be disabled.