Police have issued all Android users an urgent warning, after a new update has sparked accidental 999 calls.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has revealed that the number of calls handlers at emergency services receive has shot to a record high - with an update on Android smartphones plaguing control rooms.
Silent calls are described as when an operator cannot hear anyone on the other end of the line, and result in handlers spending 'valuable time' trying to call back and enquire as to whether someone is in genuine need of help.
The brand-new Android update has introduced SOS calling to 999 through the power button being pressed five times, with police concluding that the record number of calls received is potentially being added to by accidental pocket dials through the function.
Read more: Security experts issue urgent Android warning over bank detail-stealing mobile apps - delete now
The Met Police told The Express that the force has witnessed a 'huge increase' in abandoned calls, as well as 'inappropriate use' of the service recently, outlining how technology like mobile phones, cars and smartwatches are all a factor. People with Android devices are being asked to check their emergency settings, and turn off the function added in the new update.
Those who may have made a call by mistake are being asked to stay on the line and tell operators of the error, rather than hanging up without a word. A spokesperson for the NPCC said: "Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record-high 999 call volumes.
"There are a few reasons for this but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones. The update added a new SOS emergency function for devices to call 999 through the power button being pressed five times or more.
"These ‘silent calls’ as they are named, are directed to police control rooms and the result has been a significant increase in silent calls. Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line are never just ignored. Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help.
"If you do accidentally dial 999, please don’t hang up. If possible, please stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance."
It comes after the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) warned earlier this month that it has been alerted to a 'surge in automatic false calls' also originating from Android devices. They detailed: "In some cases, false calls may originate from a handset without the handset owner realising or being aware that their mobile phone is making an emergency call."
Chief Superintendent Dan Ivey, responsible for Met Command and Control, said: "We have seen a huge increase in abandoned calls and inappropriate use of the service. If we are going to get to the people in the queue who need us, we need to reduce the calls from those who don't. We need the public to work with us.
"The introduction of tech is a factor, including cars and watches with tech that call 999. There are Android devices that automatically call 999 if you press a side button a number of times. You can really help us out by going to your device settings and sliding the SOS button to the off position.
"And if you do pocket-dial 999 and see a call incoming, please answer it because it is probably someone from a control room seeing if you are okay."
A Google spokesperson, added: "Keeping Android users safe and public safety infrastructure available are top priorities. We are aware of reports from emergency services of increased unintentional emergency calling rates related to the 5-button-press emergency calling (“Emergency SOS”) feature.
"Android supports Emergency SOS because it can help users contact 911 more quickly in emergency situations. Android phone manufacturers who choose to offer Emergency SOS on their devices manage the implementation of the feature.
"To help these manufacturers prevent unintentional emergency calls on their devices, Android is providing them with additional guidance and resources. We anticipate device manufacturers will roll out updates to their users that address this issue shortly.
"Users that continue to experience this issue should contact their device’s manufacturer."
