Put the safety action within reach on the Home screen
An action in the same visible place may be easier to find, but Home is only the start. Lock state, authentication, confirmation, network, recipients and understanding still matter.
The icon opens the app; tapping does not send
Apple and Android let people move an icon on Home. Put it on a familiar page, away from similar icons and crowded folders.
Tapping opens My Safe Circle: SOS and ALL OK remain separate actions in the app. Unlocking, network and prepared recipients are still separate steps.
The widget opens a flow with confirmation
Current iOS and Android Home widgets open the SOS, ALL OK or combined route. Before sending they show confirmation, recipients and message or location status: there is no silent send from Home.
Implemented iOS widgets cover small and medium Home formats; Android widgets are for Home. The product does not document a proprietary Lock Screen widget that sends while locked.
Keep the reference point stable
Ask people not to rearrange the page and check the icon or widget after updates, launcher changes, restore or a new phone. Familiar placement helps only while it remains recognisable.
A widget is larger but can be resized or removed; an icon is compact and opens the full Home screen. Choose one primary route and one backup.
Test accessibility and confirmation
Apparent size, space, contrast, label and distance from opposite actions work together. WCAG 2.2 gives target criteria, but minimum conformance does not prove comfort for every person.
Test text size, zoom, contrast, VoiceOver or TalkBack, case and preferred hand. The person must distinguish SOS, ALL OK, confirmation and cancel.
Home cannot solve physical distance
If the phone is elsewhere, flat, locked or unreachable, an icon does not remove that obstacle. Agree where the device stays and a different channel such as a call or SMS.
A contact’s availability, network and permissions affect the route. Visibility is not a promise of delivery or action.
Rehearse after every change
Run an announced, non-emergency test locked and unlocked: check code or biometrics, summary, recipients, confirmation and cancel before a false SOS.
Repeat without Wi‑Fi to observe the network limit, keep numbers on paper and restore desired settings. In immediate danger call 112 in the EU or the local number.
Frequently asked questions
Does the widget send SOS as soon as I tap it?
No. It opens the prepared My Safe Circle flow and shows confirmation before sending.
Is there a My Safe Circle Lock Screen widget?
The product documents Home widgets, not a proprietary Lock Screen widget that sends while the phone is locked.
Does the icon make the action always reachable?
No. Lock state, network, permissions, confirmation and physical distance can still interrupt the route.
Sources consulted
Technical and safety information was checked against the following official sources.
- Apple — organise apps on Home Screen
- Apple — add and manage widgets
- Android — customise Home screen
- Android — apps, shortcuts and widgets
- W3C — minimum target size
- European Union — 112
- My Safe Circle — features and limits
Editorial guide from My Safe Circle, checked on 8 September 2026. Icon and widget descriptions reflect the current implementation; system, device and launcher can change behaviour.
KEEP IT VISIBLE
Choose a place and test the route.
Check lock state, confirmation, network and backup.
Explore My Safe CircleMy Safe Circle is not an emergency service or medical device, does not detect events and cannot guarantee access, sending, delivery, reading or action. An icon and widget do not replace the local number in immediate danger.