If you ever activated the SOS feature on your iPhone by mistake, you are not the only one who faced this issue. It is handy during certain situations as an evacuation tool but it happens that it is all to easy to instigate. If you are an iPhone user, the tech-savvy, or a beginner who wants to learn how to turn off SOS on iPhone, this article is for you. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the SOS Feature
What is SOS on iPhone?
SOS – on the iPhone is a safety application which has been created to help the user get help as soon as possible. This can be done by pressing the side button five times or pressing a side button and one of the volume buttons till the iPhone calls emergency services and shares your location with your emergency contacts..
How SOS Works
When activated, the SOS feature goes into action immediately:
- Calls emergency services.
- Sends a text message with your current location to your emergency contacts.
- Provides updates if your location changes.
Benefits and Risks of SOS
While the SOS feature can be a literal lifesaver, it’s essential to balance its benefits with some potential drawbacks:
- Benefits: Quick access to help, automated location sharing.
- Risks: Accidental activation, unnecessary emergency calls.
Turning Off SOS in Settings
Accessing the Settings App
First, let’s start by accessing your iPhone’s “Settings” app. You can usually find it on your home screen—it’s the icon that looks like a set of gears.
Navigating to Emergency SOS
Once you’re in Settings, scroll down until you find “Emergency SOS.” Tap on it to access the SOS settings.
Disabling auto-call
In the Emergency SOS options, there is something called “Auto Call. ” Be sure to turn this off. This will ensure that your iPhone does not dial emergency numbers when the SOS mode is turned on.
Using Shortcuts to Turn Off SOS ON IPHONE
Creating a Shortcut
For those of you who prefer shortcuts, you can create a custom shortcut to disable SOS. Open the Shortcuts app and tap on “Create Shortcut.”
Setting Up Automation
In the newly created shortcut, under the first action, use the “Go to app” feature to open the “Settings” application right to the Emergency SOS area. This makes them easily accessible when you wish to enable or disable the feature as a preference.
Testing the Shortcut
Before relying on your shortcut, give it a test run. Ensure it opens the correct settings and performs as expected.
Managing Emergency Contacts
Adding Emergency Contacts
Emergency contacts are essential for the SOS feature. To add them, go to the Health app, tap on your profile picture, and select “Medical ID.” From here, you can add and manage your emergency contacts.
Removing Emergency Contacts
To remove an emergency contact, follow the same steps in the Health app to access your Medical ID. Tap on “Edit,” then remove the desired contact.
Editing Contact Information
If you need to update contact information, you can easily do this within the Health app by selecting the contact and making necessary adjustments.
Customizing Emergency SOS Settings
Adjusting SOS Settings
Aside from turning off Auto Call, you can further customize how SOS behaves. Explore the options within the Emergency SOS settings to find configurations that work best for you.
Changing Side Button Behavior
You might prefer to change how the side button activates SOS. Within the settings, you can adjust the number of presses or disable the feature altogether.
Customizing Countdown Sound
The countdown sound can be a helpful alert but might not be necessary for everyone. You can toggle this sound off if you find it disruptive.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
SOS is still activating.
If you’ve followed these steps and the SOS feature is still activating, ensure all settings were correctly changed. Restarting your iPhone might also help.
Issues with Emergency Contacts
If you’re experiencing issues with emergency contacts not receiving alerts, double-check their contact information and ensure they have notifications enabled for your messages.
Notifications and Alerts
Sometimes, notifications and alerts can interfere with the SOS feature. Ensure Do Not Disturb isn’t silencing critical alerts.
Best Practices for Emergency Situations
Using SOS Wisely
While having SOS is crucial, use it wisely. Ensure it’s only activated in genuine emergencies to avoid unnecessary strain on emergency services.
Communicating with Emergency Services
If you do activate SOS, stay calm and provide essential details to emergency responders to facilitate quick assistance.
Ensuring Personal Safety
Always prioritize your safety. Familiarize yourself with other emergency features on your iPhone, such as Medical ID and location sharing, to be well-prepared.
Conclusion
Turning off the SOS feature on your iPhone is straightforward once you know where to look. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prevent accidental activations while retaining the ability to use the feature in genuine emergencies. Remember, your iPhone is designed to safeguard your well-being, and understanding its features ensures you get the most out of your device.
User Experiences
Many users share positive experiences using the SOS feature in emergencies, highlighting its importance despite occasional accidental activations.
Official Apple Support
For more detailed guidance, visit the official Apple support page or contact Apple Support for personalized assistance.
For more tips and tricks on managing your iPhone and other tech-related queries, stay tuned to our blog Solve My IOS. Happy tech exploration!