SwitchBot has introduced a new addition to its smart home ecosystem — the Safety Alarm, a compact keychain device designed to combine everyday convenience with personal security. Priced at $39.99, the gadget functions as both an NFC key for unlocking SwitchBot smart locks and a discreet personal safety tool capable of triggering alerts, alarms, and even a fake phone call in potentially unsafe situations.
At first glance, the Safety Alarm resembles a small flashlight, complete with built-in LEDs for quick illumination. Available in black, white, and aqua finishes, it serves as a portable NFC key that can unlock SwitchBot smart locks with a tap. The device can also send “home arrival” notifications when within Bluetooth range, automatically informing contacts that the user has returned safely.
Where it stands out, however, is in its emergency functionality. The fob’s short keychain can be pulled free in a tense moment, instantly activating a 130dB alarm and flashing strobe light — loud and bright enough to draw attention. Simultaneously, a linked smartphone can alert up to five preselected contacts with the user’s last known location. Although it doesn’t provide continuous live tracking, this system offers an immediate safety signal to trusted contacts without requiring an app launch or manual interaction.
For less urgent situations, a subtle double-press of the Safety Alarm’s button initiates a simulated phone call — a feature meant to help users exit uncomfortable encounters. The fake call rings even if the smartphone is set to silent mode, giving it a degree of realism that might discourage unwanted attention.
Compared with similar safety trackers like Pebblebee’s Clip, the SwitchBot Safety Alarm trades compactness for more power and volume — its siren is about 30 decibels louder. It’s also compatible with Apple’s Find My network for basic location tracking, though it lacks Android Find My integration or the subscription-based real-time sharing features Pebblebee offers.
Built for durability, the Safety Alarm carries an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle rain but not full submersion. Power comes from two replaceable CR2032 batteries, which can last about a year with Find My enabled or up to two years without it.
While the Safety Alarm isn’t the smallest or smartest tracker on the market, it’s a practical extension of SwitchBot’s focus on blending smart home utility with everyday usability. The inclusion of both NFC access and layered safety features gives the device a broader appeal — especially for users who want a simple, always-on form of personal security without relying on subscription services or complex app ecosystems.
