Your iPhone's emergency feature can save lives
Your iPhone has an emergency alert feature. Press the power button five times. Done. Most people know about this, but never set it up. They think it's too much hassle. Or they assume it works automatically.
But here's the thing: without the right settings, your phone will do absolutely nothing if you press it five times in a panic. And then you're stuck there. In an emergency. With a useless phone in your hand. While the solution is so simple you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
Three taps in your settings and your medical information, emergency contacts, and location are automatically shared with emergency services. Even if your phone is locked. Even if you're unconscious and someone else takes your phone. Those few minutes of setup can literally make the difference between life and death. And the best part? It also works with your Apple Watch, if you have one.
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What exactly is the emergency feature on your iPhone?
Your iPhone's emergency feature is more than just a shortcut to 911. It's a complete system that automatically shares your location, medical information, and emergency contacts with emergency services in crisis situations. This all happens within seconds, even when your phone is locked.
Activate it using the side button (on/off button). Press five times quickly, and your phone will begin a three-second countdown. The device will then automatically call local emergency services. In the Netherlands, that's 112, but the system adapts when you're abroad.
Setting up the Medical ID
Before the emergency feature becomes truly useful, you must first enter your medical ID. You can do this through the Health app:
- Open the Health app on your iPhone
- Tap 'Overview' at the bottom right
- Tap your profile picture at the top right
- Select 'Medical ID'
- Tap 'Edit' at the top right
- Enter your medical information
- Turn on "Show when locked"
What information is important to provide? Consider your blood type, allergies, medications, medical conditions, and whether you're an organ donor. Your height and weight may also be relevant for healthcare providers.
Add emergency contacts
You can add emergency contacts to the same medical ID. These are the people who will be called when you activate the emergency feature, such as your partner, parents, or best friend. They'll automatically receive a message with your location when you send an emergency notification.
The addition process is as follows:
- Go to your Medical ID in the Health app
- Tap 'Edit'
- Scroll to 'Emergency Contacts'
- Tap the green plus sign
- Select a contact from your list
- Please indicate the relationship (partner, parent, friend)
Configure the emergency function
Now that your medical ID is complete, you can configure the emergency function yourself. You can do this via the settings:
- Open Settings
- Go to 'Emergency notification SOS'
- Turn on 'Call with side button'
- Turn on 'Automatic Call'
- Turn 'Countdown Sound' on or off
With "Automatic Call" enabled, your phone will immediately call 911 after the three-second countdown. Without this option, you'll first have to adjust a slider. In a panic, automatic calling is often more convenient.
When do you use the emergency function?
The feature is designed for genuine emergencies. Think of a medical emergency, an accident, a fire, or if you feel threatened. The system sends your exact location, even if you don't know exactly where you are.
A practical example: you're cycling alone through the woods and fall. You break your leg and can no longer walk. Press the side button five times to call for help, share your location, and alert your emergency contacts. Emergency responders can immediately see your medical information on the lock screen.
The Apple Watch as extra security
Do you have an Apple Watch? Then the emergency feature works on it too. Press and hold the side button until the sliders appear. Drag the "Emergency SOS" slider to the right. Your watch will then call 911 and send your location.
The watch even has fall detection. If you fall hard and don't move afterward, the watch automatically calls emergency services and sends your location to your emergency contacts. This feature is enabled by default for users over 65.
Tips for optimal use
Test the feature first without actually making a call. Press the side button five times and then cancel the call during the countdown. This way you'll know how it works without needlessly calling 911.
Keep your medical ID up to date. Medications change, allergies can develop. Check every six months to ensure the information is still accurate. Let your emergency contacts know they're on your list. That way, they won't be alarmed if they ever get a call.
Enable this feature on your parents' or children's phones as well. This simple activation is especially valuable for those who are less tech-savvy. Five presses always work, even in a panic.
Privacy and security
Your medical information is only visible from the lock screen if you've enabled it. This way, emergency responders can access your information, but random passersby can't easily snoop on your health data.
Location sharing automatically stops after the emergency notification is completed. Your contacts will receive your location once, not continuously. Apple does not store any data from your emergency notifications.
The emergency feature also works without a SIM card or cellular network, as long as there's some coverage from any carrier. Your iPhone automatically searches for the strongest signal for emergency calls.
Make sure your emergency function works when you need it
Pressing your iPhone's side button five times can make all the difference in an emergency. But only if you've configured it beforehand. So take a moment to enter your Medical ID, add emergency contacts, and configure the emergency feature.
It'll only take you ten minutes at most, but that investment can be crucial when every second counts. Try it out without actually making a call, so you know how it works. And don't forget: this feature is also on your Apple Watch, if you have one.
