These smartphone settings could save your life

Unexpected emergencies demand quick access to life-saving phone features. Both iOS and Android offer safety tools to instantly alert emergency services, family, and friends. While you can customize these settings, federal law mandates 911 calling capability on all US phones, regardless of SIM card status or network connection. A connection, however minimal, should suffice for emergency calls.

iPhone Emergency SOS:

The quickest way to call for help on an iPhone (8 or later) is via Emergency SOS. Holding down the side button and a volume button activates the Emergency SOS slider. Slide right to call, or continue holding for a 10-second countdown before the call connects. Disable this by navigating to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggling off "Call with Hold and Release." The phone vibrates during the countdown; release the buttons to cancel before it ends.

Alternatively, rapidly pressing the side/top button five times (three times in India) achieves the same result (default on iPhone 7 and earlier). This triggers an 8-second countdown and a loud alarm, even on silent. "Call Quietly" in Emergency SOS settings silences the alarm. Tap "Stop" to cancel. Automatic dialing is now always active; the phone dials emergency services after the countdown. A SIM card is required, and service area may necessitate specifying the emergency number.

Managing Emergency Contacts (iPhone):

Access Emergency SOS settings, tap "Edit Emergency Contacts in Health," then add contacts via the Health app. After an emergency call, your phone texts these contacts, sharing your location (even with location services off) and updating them as your location changes, unless canceled. Biometric locks (Touch ID/Face ID) are disabled until you enter your passcode, even if you cancel the call. You can also dial 911 from the lock screen by tapping "Emergency."

Android Emergency Calls:

Android features vary by manufacturer, but Google's Personal Safety app (available on Pixel phones and the Play Store) provides core functionality. The lock screen features an emergency call button, allowing direct 911 dialing (automatic or manual). Android Emergency Location Service (if enabled and available) sends your location to emergency responders during calls or texts. You can also configure it to notify emergency contacts with your location and call status. Access this via Settings > Location > Location Services > Emergency Location Service. Earthquake Alerts (from the same menu) provide quake information for areas with ShakeAlert data.

Beyond Built-in Features:

Regardless of your operating system, explore safety features within various apps. Proactive safety planning is always beneficial.

This story has been updated. It was first published on March 30, 2021.

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