How to Set Up Emergency SOS: In today’s fast-paced world, personal safety is always a top priority. Whether you’re on a hiking trail, in a new city, or simply running errands, having a reliable way to reach emergency services can be crucial in times of distress.
Apple’s iPhone features an essential safety tool known as Emergency SOS, which can provide peace of mind by allowing users to quickly alert emergency services when in need.
The Emergency SOS feature on your iPhone is designed to streamline the process of seeking help during an emergency. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up Emergency SOS on your iPhone, how to use it effectively, and answer some frequently asked questions about the feature.
What is Emergency SOS?
Before we dive into setting up Emergency SOS, it’s important to understand what it is and how it works. Emergency SOS is a feature built into iOS that allows users to quickly call emergency services and alert others to their location during an emergency. Once activated, it can notify emergency contacts, share your location, and even automatically dial emergency services in some regions.
Depending on the model of your iPhone, Emergency SOS can be activated in different ways, including through the side button (also known as the power button), or Volume buttons. When activated, Emergency SOS can do the following:
- Automatically dial emergency services (911 in the U.S. and other local emergency numbers internationally).
- Send a message to your emergency contacts with your current location.
- Alert emergency contacts of your status with an automated message.
Setting this up will ensure that, in times of crisis, help is just a button away.
Setting Up Emergency SOS
Step 1: Add Emergency Contacts
The first step in setting up Emergency SOS is to select emergency contacts who will be notified when the feature is activated.
- Open the Health app: Tap on the Health app icon from your Home screen.
- Tap on your profile: At the top of the screen, you should see your profile picture or your name. Tap it to access your personal details.
- Set up Emergency Contacts: Scroll down and tap on Medical ID, then tap Edit in the upper-right corner. You will see an option to add emergency contacts here.
- Select contacts: You can choose contacts from your phone’s address book. Once selected, they will be notified if you activate Emergency SOS.
Your emergency contacts will receive a message that includes your location, which can be a lifesaver if you’re unable to communicate due to the situation.
Step 2: Enable Auto Call (Optional)
In certain situations, you might want Emergency SOS to automatically dial emergency services without having to tap anything after initiating the feature. This is particularly useful if you are unable to speak or communicate clearly due to the emergency.
- Open the Settings app: Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
- Scroll down to Emergency SOS: Tap on Emergency SOS under the “Emergency & SOS” section.
- Enable Auto Call: There is an option called Auto Call. Toggle this switch on to allow the iPhone to automatically call emergency services after the emergency SOS sequence is activated.
When Auto Call is enabled, a countdown will appear on your screen before the call is placed. This gives you a few seconds to cancel the action if it was triggered by accident.
Step 3: Set Up Medical ID (Optional)
The Medical ID feature allows first responders to access important medical information if you are unable to communicate. This can include allergies, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts.
- Open the Health app: Tap on Health.
- Access your Medical ID: Tap on your profile picture or name at the top of the app. Select Medical ID from the list.
- Edit your Medical ID: Tap Edit and enter any relevant medical information, such as allergies, medications, or conditions that medical professionals should know in an emergency.
- Make it accessible: Ensure the option to Show When Locked is turned on, so emergency responders can access your information even when your iPhone is locked.
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How to Use Emergency SOS
Once you have set up the Emergency SOS feature, you may be wondering how to actually use it in case of an emergency. The process varies slightly depending on the model of your iPhone, but the steps are generally straightforward.
On iPhone 8 and later:
- Press and hold the Side Button + Volume Button(s): To activate Emergency SOS, press and hold the side button (the power button on the right side of the iPhone) along with either of the Volume buttons on the left side.
- Wait for the slider to appear: After a few seconds, the Emergency SOS slider will appear on your screen. You can swipe it to call emergency services.
- Or, wait for the countdown: If you do not swipe the slider, a countdown will begin after about 5 seconds. Once the countdown reaches zero, the phone will automatically call emergency services.
- Alert Emergency Contacts: If you have enabled the option, your emergency contacts will receive a message containing your location and an alert that you have activated Emergency SOS.
On iPhone 7 and earlier:
- Press and hold the Side/Top button: Press and hold the side (or top) button for a few seconds until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
- Slide to call: Swipe the slider to call emergency services, or wait for the automatic call after the countdown.
Additional Features of Emergency SOS
Location Sharing
In certain countries and regions, your iPhone will send your location to emergency services as well as your emergency contacts when you activate Emergency SOS. This can be particularly helpful in cases where you’re unable to communicate your exact location.
Silence on Calling
In some cases, Emergency SOS will also automatically silence your phone after activation, ensuring that emergency services receive clear audio without any background distractions.
What to Do After Using Emergency SOS
After using Emergency SOS, it’s important to remain calm and assess your situation. If emergency services respond, they may request additional information. Be prepared to explain the details of the emergency, your location (if needed), and any relevant medical conditions or concerns.
If your emergency contacts were notified, you may also want to reach out to them once the situation is under control. They can provide additional support and possibly help coordinate with emergency responders.
FAQs
Can Emergency SOS be activated accidentally?
Yes, Emergency SOS can be triggered unintentionally, especially when the buttons are pressed while the iPhone is in a bag or pocket. However, if you have Auto Call enabled, you will receive a countdown before the call is placed, giving you time to cancel.
Does Emergency SOS work internationally?
Yes, Emergency SOS works in many countries around the world. When you activate the feature, your iPhone will dial the local emergency services number, no matter where you are.
Can Emergency SOS be used without an active SIM card?
If your iPhone has no SIM card or cellular service, you can still use Emergency SOS to make an emergency call over Wi-Fi, provided you have a connection.
Can I add more than one emergency contact?
Yes, you can add multiple emergency contacts in the Medical ID section of the Health app. You can include family members, friends, or anyone who should be notified in case of an emergency.
Can Emergency SOS send my location if my iPhone is in a remote area?
Yes, Emergency SOS uses GPS and cellular networks to send your location. In areas without cellular coverage, your iPhone may still use satellite signals or Wi-Fi if available, depending on the model of the iPhone and the region.