Turning off Emergency SOS on your iPhone is relatively simple. Navigate to the Settings app, select Emergency SOS, and then toggle off the “Call with Side Button” option. By doing so, you’ll prevent your iPhone from accidentally calling emergency services when the side button is pressed multiple times.
After completing this action, your iPhone will no longer automatically place a call to emergency services when the side buttons are pressed in quick succession. This means you won’t have to worry about accidental emergency calls in situations where you’re fumbling with your phone or it’s in your pocket.
Introduction
Emergency SOS on the iPhone is a crucial feature that can be a lifesaver in dire situations. With a quick press of a button, your phone can call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts, ensuring that help is on the way when every second counts. However, there may be times when you want to disable this feature, particularly if you find yourself accidentally triggering it or if you want more control over when and how you contact emergency services.
Understanding how to turn off Emergency SOS on your iPhone is important for those who want to personalize their device’s settings according to their preferences or needs. This article is particularly relevant for iPhone users who may not be familiar with the ins and outs of their device’s settings or for those who have accidentally triggered the Emergency SOS feature and want to prevent it from happening again. Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial on how to achieve this.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Turn off Emergency SOS on iPhone
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to note that turning off Emergency SOS on your iPhone means that you won’t be able to use the side button to quickly call emergency services. This could be crucial in situations where you are unable to unlock your phone and need immediate assistance.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone
Locate and tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone’s home screen to open the Settings menu.
The Settings app is where you control all of your iPhone’s functions and features. Once you’re in the app, you’re just a few taps away from configuring Emergency SOS to your liking.
Step 2: Scroll down and select “Emergency SOS”
Swipe up or down to navigate through the menu and tap on “Emergency SOS” to access its settings.
The Emergency SOS settings page is where you can adjust how your iPhone responds in emergency situations, including the option to turn off the automatic emergency call feature.
Step 3: Toggle off “Call with Side Button”
You’ll see a switch next to “Call with Side Button”—simply tap it to toggle it off.
Disabling the “Call with Side Button” feature means you will have to manually dial emergency services if needed. It’s a good idea to ensure that you and your loved ones know how to do so in case of an actual emergency.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents accidental calls | Turning off Emergency SOS helps to prevent unintentional calls to emergency services, which can be a nuisance and potentially divert resources from real emergencies. |
| More control over calls | By disabling the feature, you have more control over when and how you contact emergency services, ensuring that such calls are made deliberately. |
| Peace of mind | Knowing that your phone won’t automatically call emergency services can provide peace of mind, especially in situations where you’re prone to pressing buttons unintentionally. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reduced quick access | Turning off Emergency SOS can mean that you won’t have the same quick access to emergency services in a crisis, which could be crucial in time-sensitive situations. |
| Risk of forgetting | Without the feature enabled, there’s a risk that you or someone else might forget how to manually call emergency services in an emergency. |
| Must unlock phone | If you disable Emergency SOS, you’ll need to unlock your phone to make a call, which may not be possible if you’re injured or otherwise incapacitated. |
Additional Information
When considering turning off Emergency SOS on your iPhone, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While it can prevent accidental calls, you also lose a potentially life-saving shortcut. If you decide to go ahead and disable it, make sure everyone who uses your iPhone knows the standard procedure for dialing emergency services manually.
Also, remember that you can set up Medical ID on your iPhone, which can provide emergency responders with important health information without needing to unlock your phone. This can be a good complement to Emergency SOS, providing you with a different kind of safety net.
Summary
- Open the Settings app
- Select “Emergency SOS”
- Toggle off “Call with Side Button”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emergency SOS on iPhone?
Emergency SOS is a feature that allows users to quickly call emergency services by pressing the side button multiple times.
Can I still call emergency services if I turn off Emergency SOS?
Yes, you can still make emergency calls manually by dialing the emergency number on your iPhone’s keypad.
Will turning off Emergency SOS affect my Medical ID?
No, turning off Emergency SOS does not affect your Medical ID or its accessibility to emergency responders.
Can I turn Emergency SOS back on if I change my mind?
Yes, simply follow the same steps and toggle on “Call with Side Button” in the Emergency SOS settings.
Is there another way to quickly access emergency services without Emergency SOS?
Yes, you can use the “Emergency Call” option on your iPhone’s lock screen by swiping up and tapping “Emergency.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to turn off Emergency SOS on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can save you from accidental calls to emergency services. However, it’s crucial to remember the potential risks involved in disabling this feature.
Make sure you’re making an informed decision and that everyone who might use your iPhone is aware of how to manually call for help if needed. Now that you know the steps, you can confidently manage your iPhone’s settings to suit your preferences.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.