There is an Emergency SOS option on iPhones that makes it simple and quick for its users to call their local emergency services in an emergency. This feature was recently added to iOS and is very useful in several situations.
If you don’t know how to use the emergency SOS feature on iPhones, we’ve created this guide for you. Here, you’ll learn what the emergency SOS feature really means for iPhone users, and how to set up features to make it work on your device.
What is the Emergency SOS Feature?
The Emergency SOS feature lets iOS users call for help in an emergency from the power screen of their devices. You can swipe the power slider to enable Emergency SOS, which is where the feature is located.
Using this slider will cause your iPhone to automatically contact the nearby emergency services without requiring you to first dial the appropriate number. This implies that you’re also able to use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones if you’re outside your country of residence, and it will immediately contact the local emergency services.
How Can I Use the Emergency SOS Feature on iPhones?
It’s not hard to use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones. Just make sure you’re following the right instructions. You’ll first need to open the slider from the Power menu to use it. This is the same screen on which you swipe the bar to switch off your iPhone. Here’s how to use the Emergency SOS feature on different iPhones:
● If you’re using an iPhone 8 or newer device, press and hold down the Side button as well as either of the Volumebuttons to activate the emergency slider. The call will be placed if you move the Emergency SOS slider to the screen’s right portion.
● The menu will show on an iPhone 7 or earlier if you push the Sleep/Wake key five times. To place the call, move the Emergency SOS slider to the screen’s right portion.
If you press and hold the Power button (or the Power combination) for five seconds, you can also enable the option to make the call. This is ideal if you need to make the call secretly or can’t get to your phone. You won’t need to touch the slider or your phone’s screen in any way.
Unless you choose to turn off this feature, your emergency contacts will receive a text message when your call with the emergency responders is complete. As long as your iPhone is turned on and remains in SOS mode, if your emergency contacts are notified, your iPhone will also communicate your location with those contacts. By activating the setting in the status bar, you can opt to stop location-sharing.
Starting in 2022, some iPhone or Apple Watch devices automatically trigger a feature similar to Emergency SOS when you’re in an automobile accident. When a serious auto accident is detected, the feature known as “Car Crash Detection” will activate the emergency slider and automatically dial 911 within ten seconds.
How to Set Up Auto Call to Use the Emergency SOS Feature on iPhones
As described earlier, your iPhone’s Auto Call feature enables you to use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones without touching the device’s screen or slider.
Open the Settings app to make sure Auto Call is enabled—or off if you don’t want to use it. When you tap on Emergency SOSfrom here, the toggle for Auto Call will appear. The toggle will be green if Auto Call is turned on and greyed out if it is turned off.
When you use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones, you’ll be able to tell if Auto Call is functioning properly or not. Each second that passes before the call is placed, your iPhone will vibrate quite forcefully. In the final three seconds, a siren will also sound.
How to Set Emergency Contacts
Setting up emergency contacts is another helpful thing you’ll need to do in order to fully use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones.
You’ll typically be able to access your emergency contact list once you’ve set up your Medical ID. It’s a good idea to set up your emergency contacts in advance because they’ll be informed if you use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones.
Click on your profile in the top-right corner of the Health app to add an emergency contact. Tap the Medical ID button when you find it. Locate the section named Emergency contacts after selecting Edit.
To select a contact and their relationship to you, tap the green Add button. Once all of your emergency contacts have been entered, select Done to save the changes. Your emergency contacts will now be listed next to your Medical ID. From the Health app, you may view this at any time, and you can also change the contacts if you want.
In summary, the option to use the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones is a good one, since it may help save many lives in the event of an emergency. Follow the instructions in this guide carefully to set it up and enjoy its benefits.