PB&J

Personal Buddy & Jelly

One tap to alert the people who matter most.

A free emergency alert app for iPhone and Apple Watch that instantly notifies your trusted contacts when you need help.

What is PB&J?

PB&J is a personal safety app designed for real-life situations when you need to quickly reach your emergency contacts. Whether you're walking alone at night, traveling, or caring for an elderly family member, PB&J puts a lifeline at your fingertips.

When you trigger an alert, your designated contacts receive an instant notification with your real-time location. No phone calls to fumble with. No texts to type. Just one tap.

Important: PB&J is designed to alert your personal contacts—it does not contact 911 or emergency services. In a life-threatening emergency, always call emergency services first.

Key Features

Instant Emergency Alerts
Tap the HELP button on your iPhone or Apple Watch to immediately notify all your emergency contacts. They'll receive a push notification with your current location.

Real-Time Location Sharing
During an active alert, your location updates continuously so your contacts can track where you are and come to help.

Apple Watch Integration
Trigger alerts directly from your wrist—perfect for situations where reaching your phone isn't possible. The Apple Watch app works independently, so you're protected even without your iPhone nearby.

Fall Detection (Apple Watch)
On supported Apple Watch models, PB&J can automatically detect falls. If you fall and don't respond within 60 seconds, an alert is automatically sent to your contacts.

Home Screen Widget
Add the HELP button as a widget on your iPhone home screen for even faster access in emergencies.

Two-Way Protection
Add contacts who will be notified when you trigger an alert, and accept invitations from others who want you to monitor them. PB&J works both ways.

Privacy-Focused
Your location is only shared when you trigger an alert. PB&J uses Apple's iCloud to securely store your data—we never see or store your personal information on external servers.

How It Works

Getting Started

1. Download PB&J from the App Store on your iPhone
2. Grant permissions for location and notifications during setup
3. Add emergency contacts from your phone's contact list
4. Install on Apple Watch (optional) for wrist-based alerts
   

Triggering an Alert

On iPhone:

• Open the app and tap the large HELP button, or
• Tap the HELP widget on your home screen

On Apple Watch:

• Open the PB&J app and tap HELP, or
• Use the complication on your watch face 

What Your Contacts See

When you trigger an alert, your contacts receive:

• A push notification that you need help
• A link to view your real-time location on a map
• Updates as your location changes
  

Canceling an Alert

Changed your mind or triggered by accident? Simply tap "I'm Safe" in the app to cancel the active alert and notify your contacts that you're okay.

Who Is PB&J For?

•  Solo travelers who want loved ones to know their location
• College students walking home late at night
• Elderly family members who may need quick assistance
• Runners and hikers exploring alone
• Anyone who wants peace of mind knowing help is one tap away

Requirements

• iPhone running iOS 17.0 or later
• Apple Watch running watchOS 10.0 or later (optional)
• iCloud account (for syncing contacts and alerts)
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular)

Download

PB&J is available exclusively on the Apple App Store for iPhone, with a companion app for Apple Watch.

A Project for the Sandwich Generation

PB&J was born from a familiar situation: being part of the "sandwich generation"—caring for aging parents while also looking after kids. When you're pulled in both directions, peace of mind becomes priceless.

I wanted a simple way for my loved ones to reach me in an emergency without complicated setups or monthly fees. And honestly, PB&J just seemed like the perfect name for an app made by someone sandwiched between generations.

Forever Free

PB&J is and always will be free. No subscriptions. No premium tiers. No ads. Just a useful tool for families who need it.

This is a passion project, not a business. I built it because I needed it, and I'm sharing it because others might need it too.

Buy Me a Sandwich

If PB&J has helped you or your family feel more connected and secure, and you'd like to show your appreciation—well, you could always buy me a sandwich. 🥪

It's completely optional, of course. The app will always be free regardless. But if you insist, I won't say no to lunch.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep PB&J free and available to those who need it.

Privacy

Your privacy matters. PB&J:

Only accesses your location when you trigger an alert
Stores data in your personal iCloud account
Never sells or shares your data with third parties
Does not contain ads or tracking

FAQ

Does PB&J call 911?
No. PB&J notifies your personal emergency contacts only. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 (or your local emergency number) first.

Does it work without internet?
No. PB&J requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to send alerts and share your location.

Can I use it without an Apple Watch?
Yes. The Apple Watch app is optional. The iPhone app works completely on its own.

Is my location always being tracked?
No. Your location is only accessed and shared when you actively trigger an alert.

What if my contact doesn't have PB&J installed?
Your contacts need to have PB&J installed to receive alerts and view your location.

Is there an Android version?
Not currently. PB&J is only available for iPhone and Apple Watch.

PB&J - Personal Buddy & Jelly

A free community safety app for iPhone and Apple Watch

© 2026 PB&J. Made with care for the community.