Signal · offline
Distress signal
If you are trapped, lost or need to be seen: your phone flashes SOS with the camera LED or becomes a whistle. Everything works offline.
Steady light: use your phone's built-in torch (quick settings) – it is brighter than any screen.
SOS light signal
The screen flashes SOS in Morse rhythm and repeats it until you tap.
Between flashes
Letters A–Z and digits 0–9; umlauts are spelled out. Other characters are skipped.
Sound signal
A shrill whistle tone generated on the device. Turn the volume all the way up.
Very loud – do not hold the phone to your ear.
Good to know
- Emergency call: If you have signal, call 112 first (999 also works in the UK).
- SOS (· · · — — — · · ·) means the same everywhere: I need help. Three short, three long, three short, pause, repeat.
- Alpine distress signal: 6 signals per minute (every 10 seconds), then a 1-minute pause, repeat. The reply is 3 signals per minute. Works with sound, light, shouting or waving.
- Save battery: Use light only when someone could see it – in the dark, or when a helicopter or search party is near. Sound in intervals rather than non-stop.
- Trapped: Knock on pipes or walls – it carries further than your voice. Shout only when you hear someone, to save strength and air.
- Screen: Screen and sound signals run while Bereitsein is open. The LED keeps flashing even when the phone is locked – stop it in Bereitsein.