The SOS Emergency alarm app on the mobile phone
For Android. Works as a safety feature built into many modern Android phones (from Android 12 onwards) or is available as third-party apps under similar names. Here’s a summary of how SOS Emergency usually works on Android:
Function and use
The SOS Emergency app, which is the alarm feature built into Android (often called “SOS Alarm” or “Personal Safety”), is completely free to use and is included as a feature of the operating system on Android phones from Android 12 onwards. This means that you do not have to pay any one-time cost or subscription for the app itself or its features when you use the built-in version on your phone.
For third-party apps with similar names (such as “SOSApp: Emergency SOS App”), they are also usually free to download for Android – some allow free download and use without any charge. However, there may be additional charges from your mobile operator for calls and SMS.
Summary:
- Android’s own SOS Emergency feature is free.
- Most similar third-party apps are also free to download and use at the basic level.
- Any charges only apply to calls or SMS depending on your operator and mobile subscription.
The free app SOS Alert Emergency & Safety
SOS Alert Emergency & Safety is an emergency app for Android that helps you quickly alert selected emergency contacts – such as family or friends – if you find yourself in an emergency situation. The app’s design is simple and user-friendly without ads or complicated menus.
Key features
- Quick SOS alarm: In case of danger, press the app’s SOS button or a widget on the home screen. An SMS with your GPS position and a preset SOS message is immediately sent to all your selected emergency contacts.
- Location sharing via SMS: Your contacts receive a link to your current location on Google Maps so they can easily see exactly where you are at the time of the alarm.
- Countdown: After you press the SOS button, a countdown starts (often 3 seconds – you have time to cancel if it was a mistake). After the countdown, the alarm is sent automatically.
- Personal Emergency Message: You can change the text of the SOS message and add relevant information about yourself (e.g. medical needs, phone number, etc.).
- Everything is stored locally: The app saves your emergency contacts and messages locally in your phone’s memory – no outsider has access to the data or can see who you are alerting.
- Simple and discreet use: Minimal design, dark theme and very simple but clear menu make the app easy to use even in stressful situations.
- Widget: With the shortcut (widget) you can raise the alarm with a single tap directly from the home screen without opening the app.
Additional possibilities (may vary between versions or apps):
- Some SOS apps also enable voice commands, image/video recording and automatic call function to emergency services or the police, depending on which variant you download and which Android version you have.
Here’s how:
- Download the app on Google Play.
- Add your emergency contacts to the app.
- Write your personal SOS message.
- Place the widget on your home screen (optional).
- Press the SOS button or widget in an emergency – the app will then send your location and message to all registered contacts.
Summary:
The free SOS Alert Emergency & Safety app works as a discreet and fast emergency button that sends your GPS position and your personal message to selected emergency contacts via SMS – the app is ad-free, saves data on your own mobile phone and is very easy to use.
Plegium Smart Emergency Button
- Alarm function: Plegium Smart Emergency Button is a small and portable alarm button that connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and Plegium’s free app. When you press and hold the two buttons on the sides for 2 seconds, automatic phone calls and SMS with your GPS position are immediately sent to the emergency contacts you have entered in the app. Your relatives will receive a call and an SMS with a link to your position on Google Maps. This happens completely silently and discreetly, without the alarm sounding.
- Installation: To use the button, download the Plegium app, connect it to your device via Bluetooth, set emergency contacts, and you’re good to go. The app must be running in the background and your phone must be nearby for the alarm to work.
- Extra features: The service works internationally and has a set option (Plegium Plus/Premium) that allows your contacts to live-track your position and receive audio recordings of the situation – however, this requires a subscription for an additional monthly cost.
- Battery & Design: The battery life is up to 4 years, and the device does not require charging. It is very small and can be easily attached to a key ring, bag or clothing.
How much does the Plegium Smart Emergency Button cost?
- One-time purchase: The price for the button itself varies between SEK 239 and SEK 399 depending on the retailer and whether a subscription is included. The most common price is around SEK 299–399.
- Subscription: The additional service Plegium Plus or Premium costs from SEK 39 to SEK 49 per month. With the subscription you get extra features such as live positioning, audio recording and more emergency contacts, as well as connection to an alarm center.
| Product/service | Price range |
|---|---|
| Smart Emergency Button (device) | 239–399kr |
| Additional subscription | SEK 39–49/month |
Summary
Plegium Smart Emergency Button is a small, discreet safety button that sends your location with one press of a button and alerts selected contacts via SMS and call, costs approximately SEK 239–399 and offers extra safety features via subscription (SEK 39–49/month) .
Sensorem security alarm
- Subscription price: Sensorem security alarm costs from 249 SEK/month and there is no commitment period. The subscription includes the watch itself, SIM card and access to the alarm center and app – no extra fees.
- Annual price: If you want to pay for a whole year, the price is often around 3,470 SEK for 12 months, including everything (watch, SIM card, app, and calls).
- Promotions: Sometimes there is a discount if you order two watches – for example, 30% off the first year if you buy two at the same time.
- Payment: You can choose to pay via direct debit, card or invoice. If you cancel your subscription, you will receive a refund for any unused time, and you can return the watch if you are not satisfied.
Key points
- Everything is included in the price (no start-up fee, no extra costs for SIM or calls).
- No commitment period – you can quit whenever you want.
- The watch works immediately upon delivery and can be used within a few days.
- Full guarantee during the subscription period.
Example prices August 2025:
| Payment method | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly | from 249kr/month |
| Annually (12 months) | approx. 3,470 SEK/year |
Prices are current for 2025 and apply to all-inclusive subscriptions – all you need to pay is the monthly or annual fee.
Minifinder as an alarm
MiniFinder as an alarm function (personal alarm or tracking transmitter) works with several smart GPS-based alarm systems connected to the MiniFinder GO or MiniFinder Live app.
How does MiniFinder work as an alarm?
- GPS Tracking & Alarm: MiniFinder devices continuously send GPS position to your app, so you can see exactly where the carrying person or object is.
- SOS/Panic Alarm: The device has a panic button (SOS button) that you press and hold for about 3 seconds. This sends an emergency alarm to the app on your phone, which displays an alarm notification.
- Calling upon alarm: After the SOS alarm is activated, the device will automatically dial authorized phone numbers or a local emergency center in turn. If the first number does not answer, it will move on to the next one.
- Fall alarm: Some models have fall alarms that activate automatically in the event of a fall and send an alarm.
- Geofence alarm: You can set an area (geofence) and receive an alarm if the device leaves this area.
- Low battery alarm and speed alarm: You will receive a notification about low battery level and if the device exceeds the set speed.
- App Features: Through the app, you can receive alarm notifications, view route history, start live tracking, and adjust settings.
Cost MiniFinder alarm:
- Unit prices: Varies depending on model, from around SEK 749 for simpler units up to around SEK 5,400 for advanced models like the MiniFinder Xtreme.
- Subscription: Required to use the service fully and costs between approximately SEK 69/month to SEK 159/month depending on subscription type (Basic or Premium) and commitment period.
- Example model MiniFinder Nano (personal alarm in wristband format): Priced at approximately SEK 1,500–2,000 and uses the MiniFinder Live system for tracking and alarm.
Summary:
MiniFinder is a GPS-based security and alarm system with features such as SOS button, fall alarm, geofence and notifications via app. It works with a subscription for positioning and alarm management. Unit prices are around 749–5,400 SEK, and monthly subscriptions cost 69–159 SEK depending on the package and commitment period.
The practical management is done via the MiniFinder GO or MiniFinder Live app where you receive alarms, track position and manage settings.
Municipal aging alarms
Municipal alarms for the elderly, also known as security alarms, are safety and security systems offered to older people to quickly get help in emergency situations, such as falls or illness at home. Here are some important aspects and cost information for municipal security alarms in Sweden:
Aspects of municipal aging alarms (security alarms)
- Function: The alarm is usually a portable device (e.g. bracelet or necklace) with a button that the elderly person can press when needed. In the event of an alarm, a signal is automatically sent to an alarm center or home service that can quickly respond and provide assistance.
- Installation: Installation often takes place in the resident’s home, sometimes even with a digital lock knob for the front door for quick intervention.
- Operating area: Security alarms usually work in the home and in some municipalities there are also mobile security alarms that work outside the home with a GPS function.
- Service and support: The monthly cost often includes service, technical support and staff who follow up on alarms and contact healthcare or relatives.
- Target group: Usually, security alarms are offered to people over a certain age, often from 65–75 years and up, or to younger people with special needs after an assessment.
- Safety aspects: If there is no response after an alarm, personnel can be sent to the home for inspection or the police can be called if necessary.
Costs for municipal security alarms
- Monthly fee: Approximately 200–322 SEK per month depending on the municipality.
- One-time installation: There is a one-time installation fee, for example SEK 250–264.
- Compensation for lost equipment: Loss of an alarm button or device may incur fees ranging from approximately SEK 1,100 up to several thousand SEK.
- Maximum fee for care: The fee is often included in the municipality’s maximum rate for home care.
- Possible additions: Mobile security alarms (which also work outside the home with GPS tracking) may involve special costs for rental and IT operation.
Example of cost from Swedish municipalities:
| Cost type | Price range (SEK) |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee for security alarm | SEK 200–322/month |
| One-time installation | 250–264 SEK |
| Loss of alarm button | About 1,160 SEK |
| Loss of entire alarm unit | About 5,268 SEK |
Summary
Municipal elderly alarms are offered to provide older people with security in emergency situations at home and sometimes even outside the home with mobile solutions. The cost of a security alarm usually consists of a monthly fee of 200–322 SEK and an installation fee of approximately 250 SEK. Lost equipment may incur additional costs. Security alarms are often included as part of the municipality’s home care service and are covered by the maximum tariff.
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