How to Turn SOS Off on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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By Matthew Simpson

If you’ve ever triggered the SOS feature on your iPhone by accident, you’re not alone. This feature, while useful in emergencies, can sometimes be a little too easy to activate. Fortunately, turning it off is a straightforward process. Here’s the lowdown: dive into your iPhone settings, find the Emergency SOS option, and toggle off the features that might be causing accidental calls. In minutes, you’ll have more control over when your iPhone screams for help.

How to Turn SOS Off on iPhone

Disabling the SOS feature on your iPhone can prevent those accidental emergency calls. Whether it’s the button combo or the auto-call feature, you can tailor the settings to fit your needs. Here’s how to navigate and tweak your settings:

Step 1: Open Settings

Locate and tap the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen.

The Settings app is your gateway to adjusting all sorts of features on your iPhone. By accessing it, you’ll be able to explore and modify various options, including the Emergency SOS settings.

Step 2: Tap on Emergency SOS

Scroll through the settings menu and select Emergency SOS.

When you tap on Emergency SOS, you’re entering a section dedicated to emergency-related settings. This is where the magic happens if you want to manage how and when emergency calls are made.

Step 3: Turn Off Call with Side Button

Toggle off the switch next to Call with Side Button.

This feature allows you to make an SOS call by pressing the side button quickly. Turning it off can help avoid those unintended emergency calls that might happen if you accidentally press the button several times.

Step 4: Turn Off Auto Call

Toggle off the Auto Call option.

With Auto Call turned off, you’ll prevent your iPhone from automatically making an emergency call if the SOS feature is activated. It’s particularly useful if you want to review your options before making a call.

Step 5: Consider Other Options

Check other settings that might be related to SOS or emergency features.

While you’re in the Emergency SOS section, you might want to explore other settings that could influence how your iPhone behaves in emergency situations. It never hurts to be thorough!

Once you’ve adjusted the settings to your liking, your iPhone won’t make those accidental SOS calls anymore. You can still access emergency services; you’ll just have more control over when and how it’s done.

Tips for Turning SOS Off on iPhone

  • Double-check your settings if you’re prone to accidentally activating the SOS feature.
  • Remember that turning off these features doesn’t disable emergency calls altogether; you can still call 911 manually.
  • Familiarize yourself with how to manually dial an emergency number, just in case.
  • Consider keeping a written emergency contact list if you decide to tweak your SOS settings significantly.
  • Keep in mind that the settings might differ slightly between different iPhone models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I turn off the SOS feature?

If you turn off the SOS feature, your phone won’t make automatic emergency calls. You’ll have to manually call emergency services if needed.

Will turning off SOS affect other emergency alerts?

No, turning off the SOS feature won’t affect other emergency alerts like Amber Alerts or government notifications.

Can I customize the SOS feature instead of turning it off entirely?

Yes, you can customize settings like the Call with Side Button or Auto Call without disabling the SOS feature completely.

What happens if I accidentally press the SOS button after turning it off?

If you accidentally press the SOS button with the feature turned off, nothing will happen. Your iPhone won’t make an emergency call.

Is the SOS feature available on all iPhone models?

Most modern iPhones have the SOS feature, but the exact settings and options might vary slightly between models.

Summary

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap on Emergency SOS
  3. Turn off Call with Side Button
  4. Turn off Auto Call
  5. Consider other options

Conclusion

Turning off the SOS feature on your iPhone can save you from those heart-stopping moments when you accidentally call emergency services. While it’s a feature designed with safety in mind, it’s not always convenient for everyone, especially if you’re prone to accidental button presses. By adjusting your settings, you gain more control over your device and ensure that emergency calls only happen intentionally.

But don’t forget, emergencies can happen when you least expect them. While disabling certain aspects of the SOS feature may be more convenient, it’s crucial to remember how to dial emergency services manually. You never know when that knowledge might come in handy.

For further reading, you might want to explore how other safety features on your iPhone work, like location sharing in emergencies or setting up Medical ID. Being tech-savvy about your device’s emergency functions can make a big difference when seconds count. So, make sure to familiarize yourself with these features and adjust them according to your needs. Your iPhone is a powerful tool, and knowing how to use it properly can make all the difference.