How to set up Emergency SOS on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Emergency SOS calls the local emergency number wherever you are in the world, then sends your location to your emergency contacts. It is worth knowing how it works before you need it.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and tap Emergency SOS

   It has a red SOS icon.

   Done

2. Choose how to start a call

   Call with Hold and Release starts a countdown when you keep holding the side button and a volume button. Call with 5 Button Presses starts it when you press the side button five times quickly.

   Done

3. Decide about Call Quietly

   With this on, the countdown makes no siren sound or flash, for situations where noise would put you at risk.

   Done

4. Add emergency contacts

   Tap Set up Emergency Contacts in Health, or Edit Emergency Contacts in Health. After a call, they receive a text with your location.

   Done

5. Know how to use it

   Hold the side button and either volume button. Keep holding through the countdown, or drag the Emergency Call slider. The phone calls the emergency number for the country you are in.

   Done

Good to know

If you start a call by accident, stay on the line and tell the operator it was a mistake. Do not hang up, or they may send help.

Crash Detection, on the same page for iPhone 14 and later, calls automatically after a severe car crash unless you cancel.

iPhone 14 and later can also contact emergency services by satellite in supported countries when there is no mobile signal or Wi-Fi.

Fill in your Medical ID too: how to set up Medical ID.

In short: Settings, Emergency SOS. To call: hold the side button and a volume button.