If you have ever used an iPhone, you may have come across the term “SOS.” But, what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explain what SOS means on iPhone, how to use it, and why it is essential for your safety. So, let’s dive in!
What is SOS on iPhone?
SOS is an emergency feature that is built into all iPhone models. It allows you to quickly contact emergency services, such as the police, fire department, or ambulance, in case of an emergency. When you activate SOS on your iPhone, your phone will automatically call the local emergency services and send your location to them.
How to Activate SOS on iPhone
Activating SOS on your iPhone is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons on your iPhone.
- Wait for the Emergency SOS slider to appear.
- Drag the slider to the right to initiate the emergency call.
Related Article : How to Turn Off Emergency SOS on iPhone in 3 Easy Steps
When to Use SOS on iPhone
You should only use the SOS feature on your iPhone in case of an emergency. For example, if you or someone else is in danger, or if you witness a crime or accident, you can use SOS to quickly contact the appropriate emergency services.
How to Turn off Auto Call Feature on SOS
If you don’t want your iPhone to automatically call emergency services when you activate SOS, you can turn off the Auto Call feature. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
- Toggle off the “Auto Call” option.
How to Add Emergency Contacts to Your iPhone
Aside from contacting emergency services, you can also add emergency contacts to your iPhone. These contacts will be notified when you activate SOS on your phone. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
- Tap on “Set up Emergency Contacts.”
- Select the contacts you want to add and save them.
How to Use Medical ID on iPhone
The Medical ID feature on iPhone allows you to store important medical information, such as allergies and medications, on your phone. This information can be accessed by emergency services when you activate SOS. Here’s how to set up Medical ID:
- Go to the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “Medical ID” at the bottom right corner.
- Fill in the necessary information and save.
What Happens When You Activate SOS on iPhone
When you activate SOS on your iPhone, your phone will automatically call emergency services and send your location to them. You will also see a screen with an emergency contact button and the option to share your location with your emergency contacts.
How to Cancel SOS on iPhone
If you accidentally activate SOS on your iPhone or no longer need emergency assistance, you can cancel the call. Here’s how:
- Press the side button and one of the volume buttons on your iPhone.
- Swipe left on the “Emergency SOS” slider to cancel the call.
Benefits of Using SOS on iPhone
- Quick access to emergency services
- Automatic location sharing
- Ability to add emergency contacts
- Medical ID feature
When Should You Not Use SOS on iPhone
You should not use the SOS feature on your iPhone for non-emergency situations. For example, if you need roadside assistance, you should call a towing company instead of using SOS. Additionally, you should not use SOS as a prank or to test the feature.
How to Use Emergency SOS on Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch, you can also use the Emergency SOS feature. To activate Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Then, drag the slider to the right to initiate the emergency call. You can also add emergency contacts to your Apple Watch and set up Medical ID through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
How to Test SOS on iPhone
While it is not recommended to use the SOS feature on your iPhone for non-emergency situations, it is still essential to know how to test it in case of a real emergency. To test SOS on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
- Toggle on the “Call with Side Button” option.
- Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons to initiate the emergency call.
- When the Emergency SOS slider appears, cancel the call by swiping left.
SOS Compatible iPhone Models
iPhone Model | SOS Compatibility |
---|---|
iPhone X and later | Yes |
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus | Yes |
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus | Yes |
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus | Yes |
iPhone SE (1st generation) | Yes |
iPhone SE (2nd generation) | Yes |
iPhone 6 and earlier | No |
Emergency Service Numbers in Different Countries
Country | Emergency Service Number |
---|---|
United States | 911 |
United Kingdom | 999 or 112 |
Australia | 000 |
Canada | 911 |
Japan | 110 or 119 |
Germany | 110 or 112 |
Benefits of Using SOS on iPhone
- Quick and easy access to emergency services
- Automatic location sharing with emergency services
- Ability to contact emergency contacts in case of emergency
- Option to display medical ID information to first responders
- Can be activated even if your iPhone is locked or in your pocket
Dos and Don’ts of Using SOS on iPhone
Dos:
- Familiarize yourself with the SOS feature on your iPhone.
- Add emergency contacts and medical information to your iPhone.
- Test the SOS feature on your iPhone to ensure it is working correctly.
- Use SOS only in case of a real emergency.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use SOS as a prank or test.
- Don’t accidentally trigger SOS by pressing the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously.
- Don’t disable the “Call with Side Button” option in the Emergency SOS settings.
- Don’t rely solely on SOS in case of an emergency. Try to call emergency services directly if possible.
Conclusion:
SOS on iPhone is a crucial feature that can help save lives in case of an emergency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can activate SOS on your iPhone, add emergency contacts and medical information, and test the feature. Remember to only use SOS in case of a real emergency and not as a prank or test. Stay safe!
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