Quick Summary: You can turn off SOS on your iPhone by disabling “Call to Send SOS” in Settings. This prevents accidental emergency calls. If you need to disable it completely, you’ll need to turn off “Emergency SOS” and “Emergency & Health” features. This guide shows you exactly how, step-by-step.
It can be a bit alarming when your iPhone suddenly starts dialing emergency services, especially if you didn’t intend for it to. This often happens because of the Emergency SOS feature, designed to help you quickly contact emergency responders when you’re in trouble. While incredibly useful, it can sometimes be triggered accidentally. Maybe you’ve accidentally pressed the side button multiple times, or perhaps a child playing with your phone activated it. Whatever the reason, you’re probably wondering how to stop these unintended calls and disable the feature if needed. Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to manage your iPhone’s Emergency SOS settings, ensuring you have control and peace of mind. We’ll cover how to turn off the specific actions that trigger the calls and how to adjust the broader emergency features. Let’s get your iPhone working exactly how you want it to.
Understanding iPhone’s Emergency SOS Feature
Before we dive into how to turn off SOS, it’s helpful to understand what it is and why it’s there. Apple designed the Emergency SOS feature as a critical safety tool. Its primary goal is to allow users to quickly contact emergency services like 911 (or your local equivalent) with just a few button presses, even when your phone’s screen is locked. This can be a lifesaver in genuine emergencies. However, this very sensitivity can sometimes lead to accidental activations.
There are two main ways Emergency SOS can be triggered on most iPhones:
- Call to Send SOS: This is the most common trigger. On iPhones with Face ID, you press and hold the side button and either volume button until the “Emergency SOS” slider appears. Then, you drag the SOS slider. If you continue holding the side button and volume buttons, a countdown will begin, and your phone will automatically call emergency services. On iPhones with a Home button, you quickly press the side button five times.
- Crash Detection (iPhone 14 models and later): For the latest iPhone models, Apple has integrated Crash Detection. If the iPhone detects a severe car crash, it will automatically display an alert and initiate a call to emergency services if you don’t respond within a set time. This feature is part of the broader Emergency SOS capabilities.
Understanding these triggers is the first step to managing the feature. Now, let’s look at how to turn off the “Call to Send SOS” function, which is the most frequent cause of accidental calls.
How to Turn Off “Call to Send SOS” on iPhone
This is the most common scenario for turning off SOS – preventing accidental calls triggered by button presses. This method disables the ability to initiate an emergency call by holding buttons or pressing them rapidly. Your iPhone will still be able to make regular phone calls.
Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app: Find the gray gear icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap it.
- Scroll down and tap “Emergency SOS”: You’ll find this option nestled among other settings like “Cellular” and “Face ID & Passcode.”
- Toggle off “Call to Send SOS”: Look for the option that says “Call to Send SOS” or “Call With Hold.” It will likely have a toggle switch next to it. Tap the switch to turn it off. The switch will turn from green to gray.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully disabled the button-activated Emergency SOS feature. Your iPhone will no longer call emergency services if you accidentally press the side and volume buttons or the side button multiple times.
What Happens When You Turn Off “Call to Send SOS”?
When you disable “Call to Send SOS,” you essentially remove the shortcut for initiating an emergency call using hardware buttons. Here’s a breakdown of what changes:
- No more accidental calls: The primary benefit is that you won’t accidentally trigger an emergency call by pressing the side and volume buttons or the side button repeatedly. This is especially helpful if you have children who might play with your phone or if you find yourself inadvertently pressing the buttons in certain situations.
- Manual dialing remains: You can still call emergency services manually by opening the Phone app and dialing your local emergency number (like 911 in the US and Canada, 112 in Europe, etc.). The SOS feature is a shortcut, not a complete restriction on calling for help.
- Other SOS features are unaffected: This setting specifically targets the button-activated call. Other aspects of Emergency SOS, such as sharing your location with emergency contacts after an SOS call (if you have that set up), are not disabled by this specific toggle. We’ll cover other related settings later.
This is the most practical solution for most users who want to prevent accidental emergency calls without losing the ability to contact help when truly needed. However, some users might want to disable Emergency SOS more broadly, especially if they are concerned about privacy or have specific needs. Let’s explore those options.
Disabling Emergency SOS and Emergency & Health Features
For users who want to turn off the Emergency SOS feature more comprehensively, or if you want to manage related health and safety features, there are additional settings to consider. This involves disabling not just the “Call to Send SOS” but also other emergency-related functions that might interact with your iPhone.
Disabling Emergency SOS Completely
While Apple designs these features for safety, you do have control over them. To turn off the “Call to Send SOS” as described above is the most common way to “turn off SOS.” However, if you want to ensure no emergency calls can be initiated via button shortcuts, you’ve already done the primary step. There isn’t a single switch to “turn off all SOS features” in the way one might imagine, as the core functionality is tied to the ability to call emergency services, which is a fundamental phone capability.
The setting “Call to Send SOS” is the main control for the shortcut to emergency services. If this is off, you won’t accidentally dial. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, Crash Detection is a separate, albeit related, feature within the Emergency SOS settings.
Managing Crash Detection (iPhone 14 and later)
For iPhone 14 models and newer, Crash Detection is a significant safety feature that can automatically contact emergency services if it detects a severe car crash. If you wish to disable this specific feature, here’s how:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap “Emergency SOS.”
- Toggle off “Crash Detection”: You will see an option for “Crash Detection.” Tap the toggle switch to turn it off. It will turn from green to gray.
When Crash Detection is turned off, your iPhone will no longer automatically detect severe car crashes and attempt to contact emergency services. You will still be able to make emergency calls manually, and the “Call to Send SOS” feature (if enabled) will still function independently.
Understanding “Emergency & Health” Settings
Beyond just calling emergency services, your iPhone has broader “Emergency & Health” features, primarily related to Medical ID and emergency contacts. These settings are found under the “Medical ID” section in the Health app, not directly under “Emergency SOS” in Settings. However, they are interconnected as they allow emergency responders to access vital information.
To access these settings:
- Open the Health app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap “Medical ID.”
- Here, you can edit your Medical ID (which includes medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts, etc.) and choose whether it’s viewable from the Lock Screen.
Turning off “Show When Locked” for your Medical ID means that emergency personnel won’t be able to easily access your critical medical information from your iPhone’s lock screen. This is a privacy setting rather than a way to “turn off SOS” calls, but it’s related to the overall emergency preparedness on your device.
Table: Emergency SOS Related Settings Comparison
To help clarify the different settings and their impact, here’s a comparison:
| Setting Name | Location in Settings | iPhone Models Affected | What it Does | Impact of Turning Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call to Send SOS | Settings > Emergency SOS | All supported iPhones | Allows initiating emergency calls via side button (5x press or hold) or side + volume buttons (hold). | Prevents accidental emergency calls via button shortcuts. Manual dialing still works. |
| Crash Detection | Settings > Emergency SOS | iPhone 14 and later | Automatically detects severe car crashes and calls emergency services if user doesn’t respond. | iPhone will not automatically detect or call for severe car crashes. Manual calls and “Call to Send SOS” (if enabled) still function. |
| Medical ID (Show When Locked) | Health App > Profile > Medical ID | All supported iPhones | Determines if your medical information is accessible from the iPhone’s lock screen. | Emergency responders cannot access your critical medical info from the lock screen. Emergency calls can still be made. |
As you can see, “Call to Send SOS” is the primary setting for controlling accidental emergency dialling via button presses. Crash Detection is a specific feature for newer models. Medical ID is about sharing information, not initiating calls.
Why You Might Want to Turn Off SOS (and When Not To)
Understanding why someone would want to disable or modify the Emergency SOS feature is key. While it’s a vital safety tool, there are valid reasons for adjusting its settings.
Reasons to Turn Off or Adjust SOS Settings:
- Prevent Accidental Calls: This is the most common reason. As discussed, accidental triggers can happen, leading to unnecessary calls to emergency services. This can be embarrassing, time-consuming for dispatchers, and potentially concerning if authorities are dispatched unnecessarily.
- Children Using the Phone: If your children play with your iPhone, they might accidentally activate the SOS feature. Disabling “Call to Send SOS” provides peace of mind when the phone is in their hands.
- Sensitive Pockets/Bags: For some users, especially those with older iPhone models where the button combination might be more sensitive, simply having the phone in a tight pocket or bag could theoretically trigger the countdown. Disabling the feature prevents this.
- Personal Preference/Comfort: Some users may simply feel more comfortable not having an automatic emergency dial feature activated by button combinations, preferring to initiate any emergency call manually.
- Concerns about Crash Detection (iPhone 14+): While a valuable safety feature, some users might be concerned about potential false positives with Crash Detection, especially if they have a job or hobby where their phone might experience sudden jolts or impacts that could be misinterpreted as a crash.
When NOT to Turn Off SOS:
It’s crucial to remember the purpose of this feature. Emergency SOS is designed to save lives.
- Genuine Emergencies: In a real emergency – whether it’s a medical issue, a dangerous situation, or witnessing an accident – the ability to quickly contact help is paramount. The SOS feature is a rapid-response tool.
- Lack of Cellular Service: iPhones can often still make emergency calls (including to SOS numbers) even when they don’t have regular cellular service. This is a critical function that could be lost if you disable the feature and find yourself in a situation where only emergency calls are possible.
- Situations Where You Can’t Reach Your Phone Easily: If you were incapacitated, having the SOS feature available via button press could be your only way to get help.
- For Younger Users or Vulnerable Individuals: For those who might need immediate assistance and might not be able to clearly communicate or operate their phone under duress, the SOS feature can be a lifeline.
Ultimately, the decision rests on your personal needs and comfort level. For most users, simply disabling “Call to Send SOS” is the best balance, allowing the feature to be available if truly needed through manual dialing while preventing accidental activations.
Troubleshooting Common SOS Issues
While turning off SOS is usually straightforward, sometimes users encounter minor hiccups. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
- “I turned off Call to Send SOS, but it still called emergency services!”
Solution: Double-check that you toggled off the correct setting. Go back to Settings > Emergency SOS and ensure “Call to Send SOS” is grayed out. Also, confirm you aren’t using an iPhone 14 or later with Crash Detection still enabled, as that’s a separate trigger.
- “My iPhone keeps showing the Emergency SOS screen randomly.”
Solution: This could indicate a faulty button or a software glitch. Try restarting your iPhone by holding the side button (or side and volume buttons) until the power off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on. If the issue persists, consider checking if your buttons are physically stuck or damaged. If it’s a consistent software problem, ensuring your iOS is up-to-date is also recommended (Settings > General > Software Update).
- “I accidentally called SOS, and now my phone keeps asking to share my location.”
Solution: After an SOS call, your iPhone may offer to share your location with emergency contacts for a period. To stop this, open the Messages app, find the alert from your iPhone, and tap “Stop Sharing Location.” You can also manage emergency contacts and sharing preferences within Settings > Emergency SOS.
- “I can’t find the Emergency SOS setting.”
Solution: Ensure you are looking in the correct place. The primary setting is under Settings > Emergency SOS. If you are on an older version of iOS, the location might be slightly different, but it’s usually grouped with security or phone settings. Make sure your iPhone’s iOS is updated to the latest compatible version for the most current settings layout.
If you’ve tried these steps and are still experiencing issues, it might be worth contacting Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide device-specific troubleshooting and help diagnose any hardware-related problems.
Emergency SOS: A Lifeline When You Need It
It’s important to reiterate that the Emergency SOS feature, including Crash Detection on newer models, is a powerful safety net. Apple has invested heavily in making these tools accessible and effective for users in genuine distress. The ability to quickly summon help, even without a cellular signal for regular calls, is a significant advantage.
For example, the feature can dial your local emergency number, and if no local number exists, it can even dial internationally recognized emergency numbers. After an emergency call is made, your iPhone will send your current location to emergency services. If your location changes, emergency services will be updated. This location sharing continues for a period after you turn off SOS Mode or after your device restarts.
Furthermore, if you have set up Medical ID and chosen to share it from the Lock Screen, emergency responders can access critical health information, allergies, and emergency contacts, which can be vital in providing immediate and appropriate care. This comprehensive approach underscores why the feature exists.
The key takeaway is to use the settings to your advantage. If accidental calls are a concern, disabling “Call to Send SOS” is a sensible step. However, understanding how to manually call for help and ensuring your Medical ID is up-to-date (if you choose to use it) are equally important aspects of personal safety preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I permanently disable SOS on my iPhone?
A: You can disable the most common trigger, “Call to Send SOS,” by going to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggling it off. For iPhone 14 and later, you can also disable “Crash Detection” in the same menu. There isn’t a single switch to disable all emergency calling capabilities, as calling emergency services is a core phone function.
Q2: Will turning off SOS affect my ability to call 911 (or my local emergency number) manually?
A: No. Turning off the “Call to Send SOS” setting only disables the shortcut that uses button presses. You can still open the Phone app and manually dial your local emergency number anytime.
Q3: My iPhone 14 keeps calling emergency services. What should I do?
A: If your iPhone 14 is making accidental calls, ensure both “Call to Send SOS” and “Crash Detection” are turned off in Settings > Emergency SOS. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone. If it continues, there might be a hardware issue with the buttons or sensors, and you should contact Apple Support.
Q4: Can I turn off the SOS feature for just one person using my iPhone?
A: No, the Emergency SOS settings apply to the iPhone itself, not to specific users. If you want to prevent accidental calls when someone else is using your phone, you need to disable the “Call to Send SOS” feature in your iPhone’s settings.
Q5: What happens if I disable Crash Detection on my iPhone 14?
A: If you disable Crash Detection, your iPhone will no longer automatically detect severe car crashes and attempt to contact emergency services if you don’t respond. You will still be able to initiate emergency calls manually or using the “Call to Send SOS” shortcut (if enabled).
Q6: How do I re-enable Emergency SOS if I turn it off?
A: To re-enable the feature, simply go back to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggle the switch for “Call to Send SOS” (and “Crash Detection” if applicable) back to the ON position (green).
Q7: Is it safe to turn off the Emergency SOS feature?
A: Turning off the “Call to Send SOS” shortcut is generally safe and recommended if you experience accidental calls. However, completely disabling the ability to call emergency services is not advised, as it’s a critical safety feature. The core functionality of being able to call for help manually always remains.
Conclusion
Navigating your iPhone’s features, especially safety-related ones like Emergency SOS, can sometimes feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve walked through exactly how to manage these settings, primarily focusing on how to turn off the “Call to Send SOS” function, which is the most common reason users seek to disable the feature. By following the simple steps of going to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggling off “Call to Send SOS,” you can effectively prevent accidental emergency calls triggered by button presses.
We’ve also touched upon Crash Detection for newer iPhone models and clarified the role of Medical ID within the broader context of emergency preparedness. Remember, the goal is to have your iPhone work for you, providing peace of mind and control. Disabling the accidental trigger is a practical step that doesn’t compromise your ability to call for help in a real emergency; you’ll simply need to dial manually through the Phone app.
By understanding these settings, you can customize your iPhone to better suit your needs and comfort level, ensuring technology enhances, rather than complicates, your daily life. Stay safe, and enjoy mastering your iPhone!
