Frequently Asked Questions

SeizAlarm detects irregular/abnormal movement and can automatically notify emergency contacts. Detection is done using either the sensors on the iPhone or the Apple Watch. Using the sensors on the Watch is more accurate and using the Watch also allows you the option of heart rate based detection which isn’t available with the iPhone alone. We make no claims regarding the accuracy of detection, but we do offer sensitivity controls within the app so that you are able to customize it for yourself. SeizAlarm does not convert your iPhone or Apple Watch into a medical device and is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, monitoring, prevention, or treatment of disease.

Users of the models from the past couple of years have reported that the battery has been lasting over 15 hours after optimization. Following our optimization tips help you get the optimium about of battery life.

Emergency contacts will receive a phone call, text message, and email letting them know the user needs help with the GPS coordinates of where the user is located. You have complete control over which contact methods are used for each contact.  Which means that with one caregiver you could have them just receive calls where another receives calls and text messages.

Yes we sure do! Just make sure to include a “+” along with your country code before the number (example: +441234567890). If you should have any issues with a number not working, let us know.

Note: At this time we do not support China due to their governmental ban of calls from automated calling services.

The Apple Watch uses Bluetooth to communicate with each other.  The range for Bluetooth is 30 ft, so SeizAlarm will work if the Watch is within 30 ft of the connected iPhone.  If you have an LTE model Apple Watch and it has a service plan, then the distance is limited by mobile service area.  Also, it will work if both devices are on the same wifi network.  

No, you do not.  Though, the LTE model does allow you to use SeizAlarm when outside of the range of the iPhone it is connected to.  This can be for an LTE watch directly connected to your iPhone or one that you have linked to your SeizAlarm account using the “Family Setup Watches” feature. 

Yes. SeizAlarm now works with LTE Watches set up with Apple’s Family Setup.  You just have to add the Watch in the settings of the app.  You will generate a link code and you enter that code on the Watch to complete adding the Watch to the account.

Yes!  We have many subscribers that use the Watch for their children.  The only requirement is that the Apple Watch firmly attaches to their wrist.  It is worth noting that children are quite active so there may be a higher level of false alarms compared to an adult.  You can use the sensitivity controls in the “Settings” to customize detection for your child.  Compliance is another condition to keep in mind.  Some children may take off their Watch or play with the buttons on the Watch, which could prevent monitoring.

It depends on the type of exercise.  Since detection is based off of motion and heart rate, you will most likely have many false alarm during rigorous activities.  An exercise such as yoga most likely will not lead to abundant false alarms while jogging would.

Yes! You will be asked for the contact information of the primary contact when signing up as it is required that you have a least one emergency contact. After signup, you are able to manage and add additional contacts within the app.  There is no limit to the number of contacts you can set up.

No, the Watch adds the convenience of being able to request immediate help and initiate time delayed help requests from your wrist. Using the Apple Watch also allows more accurate motion detection and the extra option of detecting elevated heart rate.

If you are only using the iPhone for detection, it must be firmly attached to you. This could mean a tight pocket for example.  If it in a loose location there will be more motion thus leading to more false alarms.  We highly recommend the use of an exercise arm band to connect the iPhone to your arm.  This results in less false alarms and it also is more accurate.

SeizAlarm is currently compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 through the Series 9. The original (Series 0) and Series 1 and Series 2 are no longer supported due to Apple dropping support for future WatchOS updates on that model.  At the minimum we recommend the Series 5 or the SE models, since Apple does drop support for older models over time.

Yes you can.  Within the log, there is an option to export the log as a PDF.

The subscription must be purchased within the app.  You will find the option at the top of the “Settings” screen.  You will be taken to another screen and you will be presented the option for a monthly or yearly recurring subscription.  We use Apple’s built in subscription system which makes the process very seamless.  You will then use Apple’s subscription manager to manage your subscription.  Funds will come come from your Apple iTunes account. 

Your data is secure. Data sent to and from the iPhone and Apple Watch to our servers is encrypted in both directions.  Also, we do not sell your data to any third parties, even for research purposes.

The “Help Request” button should be used if you feel a need for immediate assistance. The “Time Delayed Help” button can be used for a delayed help request. If the delayed help request is not ended manually by the user after user-controlled set period of time, then a help request is sent to your emergency contacts. This options can also be used if you are experiencing any other symptoms you believe could be a precursor to an irregular movement event.

Currently we have support for the iPhone SE (and all other phones released from 2016) and above running iOS 13+.  At this time we do not have an Android version of the app.

SeizAlarm is not an FDA approved, certified or registered medical device.  SeizAlarm does not prevent seizures, should not be used for diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or cure of any disease and and is not a substitute for medical care.  Use of SeizAlarm should be a supplement to other medical treatments you are already using.

In most cases no, since the alert subscription doesn’t require a prescription.  But there are some organizations that sponsor support for some individuals, so it is possible someone could pay for your subscription if you qualify for such a sponsorship.  Note: We are not able to provide a list of organizations that may do this.

Yes, without internet access the app cannot send the notifications to emergency contacts. Emergency contacts will need their mobile or landline phone to receive the call.  They would need a mobile phone if you want them to receive text alerts.

There is no cost for the app, but there is a $17.99 USD/month -similar cost to a few fancy coffee drinks – or $179.99 USD/year (17% discount) subscription required for irregular movement detection and the help request service.  Less than a lot of other services with similar features.  Without the alerting subscription, users are able to log events manually but will not be able to send help requests.

We do not do tiered pricing where we have different features at different price points. We offer almost all of the features that other services do for one low price.

Notice: Due to ever increasing infrastructure costs we may raise prices over time.  

Yes, in addition to contacting your emergency contacts you can use the Siren feature to play an alarm.  This would allow others around you know you need help.  This is an optional feature, so you do not have to use it if you do not wish to. There are several siren sound options to choose from.

You can also choose to have it say a custom verbal message.  For example, you could have it give instructions for seizure first aid.

Since SeizAlarm use Apple’s built in subscription system, we are not able to make changes to your subscription, which means we can not cancel it for you.  Here is an article Apple has provided that walks you through the steps to manage your subscription.  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039

If you want a refund you will have to call Apple Support to make that request.  https://support.apple.com/billing

When you add an emergency contact’s phone number within the app, they are sent an email asking them to opt-in if they would like to receive your help requests via text message.  If they opt-in by clicking an opt-in button within the email, then help requests will be sent to them if a potential seizure has been detected.

Emergency contacts can opt-out at anytime by simply responding with “STOP” to any message received from SeizAlarm to no longer be contacted via text.  Additionally, within the app, you can disable text messages as a method to deliver help requests to them. 

If you or your emergency contacts have a non-US phone number, message rates may apply if your/their mobile plan charges for incoming messages from US-based phone numbers. Text messages are only sent for help requests and are not used for other communication purposes.