How to Set Up Emergency SOS on Your iPhone
Emergency SOS lets you quickly call 911 and alert your emergency contacts with just a few button presses — even without typing a number.
At a Glance
Know how to trigger Emergency SOS
~15sAdd emergency contacts in the Health app
~15sFill in your Medical ID
~15sEnable fall detection on Apple Watch (if you have one)
~15sYou Did It!
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Emergency SOS is one of the most important safety features on your iPhone. With a few button presses, it can automatically call 911 and send your current location to your emergency contacts — even if you can't speak or if your phone is locked.
This is especially useful if you fall, feel unwell, or are in any situation where you need help quickly but can't dial manually.
How to trigger Emergency SOS (iPhone 8 and newer):
Press and hold the Side button (the power button on the right) and either Volume button at the same time. After 2 seconds, a slider appears with emergency options. Slide the "Emergency SOS" slider to call 911.
Alternatively: Press the Side button five times quickly. This right away calls 911.
How to set up Emergency Contacts (so your family is notified):
When you call Emergency SOS, your iPhone automatically sends your location to people you designate as emergency contacts. Here's how to add them:
- 1Open the Health app (the heart icon — it comes preinstalled on all iPhones).
- 2Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- 3Tap "Medical ID."
- 4Tap "Edit" in the top right.
- 5Scroll down to "Emergency Contacts."
- 6Tap the green + button and choose a contact from your list.
- 7Select their relationship to you (spouse, child, sibling, etc.).
- 8Tap "Done" to save.
How to fill out your Medical ID (strongly recommended):
In the same Medical ID screen, you can fill in: - Medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) - Allergies - Blood type - Medications you're taking
Emergency responders can see this information from your lock screen without needing your password. It can save your life.
How to set up fall detection (Apple Watch users):
If you have an Apple Watch, it can detect if you fall and automatically call 911 if you don't respond within 60 seconds. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone → My Watch → Emergency SOS → turn on "Fall Detection."
Quick Tip:
Test the process so you're familiar with it. You can trigger Emergency SOS and right away cancel — this won't call 911 as long as you cancel before the countdown ends.
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