Blink Flashlight Alert
The SOS App lets you use your device's flashlight to blink rapidly during emergencies, providing a highly visible visual alert that can attract attention even from a distance.
Flashlight blinking works as a powerful silent alarm — especially in noisy, dark, or crowded environments where sound may be missed.
Overview
Using the Blink Flashlight Alert, you can:
- Signal your location visually without needing sound.
- Supplement emergency sirens with highly visible flashes.
- Get attention faster in outdoor or low-light emergency scenarios.
- Deter threats by making yourself highly visible.
The Blink Flashlight feature can be triggered manually or automatically during SOS Alerts and Fall Detection.
Why Blink Flashlight Alerts Are Useful
| Situation | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Crowded events or public places | Visual alert stands out when sound is drowned out. |
| Dark or nighttime emergencies | Flashing light is easier to notice from a distance. |
| Injuries where shouting isn't possible | Use light as a non-verbal help signal. |
| Trapped or hard-to-reach areas | Rescue teams can spot blinking light quickly. |
Visual signaling enhances emergency communication when other channels are limited.
How to Trigger Blink Flashlight Alert
You can manually activate Blink Flashlight in the SOS App:
- Open the SOS App.
- Tap the Blink Flashlight Alert button on the dashboard.
- Your device's flashlight will start blinking at high visibility frequency.
You can stop blinking manually by tapping the button again or after resolving the emergency.
How to Link Flashlight with SOS Alerts
You can configure the SOS App to automatically start flashlight blinking when an SOS is triggered:
- Open the SOS App.
- Navigate to Settings → Emergency Actions.
- Enable Blink Flashlight During SOS Activation.
- Save settings.
Now, when you trigger an SOS alert (via button, widget, or quick tile), the flashlight will blink automatically along with other emergency actions.
Best Practices for Using Flashlight Alerts
| Recommendation | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Keep flashlight easily accessible | Some phone cases block flashlight lenses partially. |
| Use blinking cautiously indoors | Avoid disturbing people unless necessary. |
| Combine flashlight with siren when possible | Maximizes both visual and audible signaling. |
| Test the feature periodically | Ensure your device flashlight is functioning properly. |
Common Questions
Will Blink Flashlight work if the screen is locked?
Yes.
Once triggered, the SOS App can keep the flashlight blinking even if the device screen locks.
Does Blink Flashlight use a lot of battery?
Moderately.
Rapid blinking can drain the battery faster if left on for a long time, so use wisely during emergencies.
Can I adjust the blinking speed?
Currently, the SOS App uses a pre-optimized blinking pattern for maximum visibility.
Future updates may introduce customizable speeds.
What happens if my device flashlight is damaged?
Blink Flashlight will fail to start if the flashlight hardware is non-functional.
The app will continue sending emergency alerts and sirens normally.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Flashlight not blinking | Ensure the SOS App has camera and flashlight permissions. |
| Blink speed inconsistent | Restart your device or update the app. |
| Flashlight shuts off suddenly | Battery optimization settings may disable continuous flashlight use — whitelist the SOS App. |
| Device heats up during blinking | Extended flashlight use can cause minor heating; turn off blinking once safe. |
The Blink Flashlight Alert transforms your device into a powerful emergency beacon — helping you get noticed faster during critical moments.
When every second counts, combining audible alarms with visual signaling maximizes your chances of being found, assisted, or defended.
Shine bright. Stay safe.
What's Next
Learn how to use the Fake Call Feature inside the SOS App to discreetly escape suspicious or risky situations.