Panic Button App for Apple Watch

Owned by Chris Sinkinson (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Dec 15, 2020 by David Sinkinson (Unlicensed)
5 min read

The AppArmor panic button app allows you to discretely trigger a distress alert from your Apple Watch to the security team that operates your community safety program through AppArmor. This simple app consists primarily of a single panic button. Optionally, you can configure the app to share your location. That way, responders will know where you are located when the panic button was pressed. The app can also be added to your watch face for quick access.

Downloading From The App Store

The AppArmor Panic Button app is available for download from the Apple Watch App Store. You can download the app directly from your Apple watch using the “App Store” app and searching for “AppArmor Panic Button”, or by visiting:

https://apps.apple.com/app/id1541535315

Once found, tap the “Get” button to download and install the app:

Once installed, the “Open” button will appear. Tap it to launch the app:

First Run

Location Access Request

When the app first launches, you will be prompted to allow the app to access your location. This is optional, however if you do not allow the app to access your location, then it will not be able to share that information with security personnel who respond to your panic button request. For this reason, we strongly encourage that you choose “Allow While Using App” at the bottom of the location prompt screen:

Prompt for ID Code

During your first run, you will be prompted for a numeric “ID Code”. The ID Code is provided by your AppArmor system administrator. Key in the code using the numeric keypad:

Tap “Save ID Code” and you should be taken to the main screen. The ID Code provided to you will configure the app to connect to your security team, and manage all other preferences of the app. Once you’ve entered the ID Code, it shouldn’t be necessary to change it.

Triggering the Panic Button

Triggering the panic button is done by simply pressing the red “Panic” button. When the button is pressed, the app will gather your location (if you allowed access to your location) and relay the information to your security team in the AppArmor system. They will then be able to see your location, if provided, and contact your or send help. After pressing the panic button, there is a dialog confirming the panic was sent. You can cancel the panic if the situation is resolved by pressing the “Cancel” button.

The panic button will NOT play any audible alert noise, and is designed to be tapped discretely.

Settings

Your app is configured using an “ID Code” provided by your administrator. Typically entering the ID Code is a one-time task and the ID Code should not need to be modified. However, if you do want to change your configuration by entering a new ID Code, it can be done through the “Settings” button. Once the Settings menu appears, use the keypad to enter the new code and press “Save ID Code” to save. You will receive a prompt if your code is accepted.

 

About

The app includes an “about” buttons to view information about the app.

Support

There are details about support for the end user, including the ability to view the user’s “ID Code” by clicking on the “Support” button.

Support for the AppArmor Panic Button app is available by opening a support ticket with our team.

Adding the AppArmor Panic Button Complication to Your Watch Face

You can add the AppArmor Panic Button directly to the watch face of your Apple Watch. This allows you to access the panic button with fewer taps. To do this, first go to your watchface:

Press down and hold the watch face until the customize interface appears:

Tap the “Edit” button, then the you should see the “Complications” heading:

Tap one of the spots where you would like to place the panic button. A list will appear, choose the “AppArmor - Panic Button” item:

After selecting the item. Tap the crown button twice to return back to your watch face. The AppArmor Panic Button icon should now be available on the watch face:

This configuration will give you much quicker access to the AppArmor Panic Button.

Passcode Considerations

Apple Watch has a “Passcode” feature that allows you to protect access to your device, requiring you to enter a code to unlock the watch. Generally speaking, we discourage the passcode if you anticipate using the panic button. The passcode will slow down your access to the panic button.