Google Introduces Emergency Live Video Feature for Android Users

Google has rolled out a major safety upgrade for Android users by announcing a new tool called Emergency Live Video. The feature enables individuals to share a real-time video feed with emergency service dispatchers, giving responders an instant visual understanding of the situation while help is on the way.

According to Google, the capability is designed on top of Android’s Emergency Location Service (ELS), which has long helped deliver precise location data during emergency calls and texts.

How Emergency Live Video Works

No Setup Required for Users

In its official blog post, Google explained that the new Emergency Live Video capability has been built to work automatically without any prior configuration. During an emergency call or SMS interaction, if the dispatcher concludes that visual information would assist emergency personnel, they can send a prompt directly to the user’s Android device.

One-Tap Video Sharing

Once the request arrives, the user will see an on-screen notification asking whether they want to start an Emergency Live Video stream. With a single tap, they can activate the phone’s camera and begin broadcasting the live feed. Google confirms that the video stream is encrypted and that users maintain full control, allowing them to end the video at any time.

Google's Statement

As Sameer Samat, Google’s President of Android Ecosystem, stated in an X post, “In an emergency, it can be hard to describe exactly what's happening. That's why we're launching Android Emergency Live Video. Dispatchers can now request to see a secure live stream from your camera to quickly assess the situation and get you help faster.”

Powered by Android’s Emergency Location Service (ELS)

Enhanced Location Accuracy

Emergency Live Video relies on ELS, Android’s supplemental emergency location technology. The system uses the Android Fused Location Provider (FLP) to compute accurate on-device location data whenever a user contacts emergency services. According to Google, ELS enhances speed and precision by combining GPS, cellular networks, Wi-Fi and sensor-based signals.

Wide Device Compatibility

ELS functions on any Android phone running modern Google Play services, ensuring the new feature reaches a broad user base across supported regions.

Where Emergency Live Video Is Rolling Out

Google confirmed that Emergency Live Video is being deployed to Android devices running Android 8 or later with Google Play services. The initial rollout includes users in the United States, along with select locations in Germany and Mexico.

Part of Google's Growing Safety Suite

This new addition joins an expanding portfolio of Android emergency and personal safety features, such as:

• Emergency Location Service (ELS)

• Car Crash Detection

• Fall Detection

• Satellite SOS

The inclusion of real-time video marks one of the most advanced upgrades yet, significantly strengthening the ecosystem of emergency response tools available to Android users.