GMP issue urgent warning to Android users

Police have issued an urgent warning to Android phone users after a new emergency button feature was introduced.

Greater Manchester Police said this morning (June 15) that BT is seeing a 'significant' rise in 'accidental' 999 calls. It put the problem down to the latest Android update.

That new update, GMP said, allows users to trigger an SOS function when the side button of the phone is pressed five times. However, it can be turned off.

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GMP also asked anyone who made an accidental 999 call to let operators know they are safe and well.

In a statement, the force said: "BT are reporting a significant increase in accidental calls to the 999 service following a recent Android update that triggers an SOS when a button on the side of your phone is pressed five times.

"If you have an Android phone, you can check your emergency settings to turn off the functionality added in the latest update. Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Safety and Emergency’ and slide the button which says ‘Emergency SOS’ to switch the functionality off.

"Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line (silent calls) are never just ignored. If you do accidentally dial 999, please don’t hang up and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance."

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