Are you constantly triggering the SOS feature on your iPhone by mistake and want to know how to turn it off? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to disable the SOS feature on your iPhone. Whether you have an iPhone 12, iPhone 11, or older models, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding the SOS Feature
The SOS feature on your iPhone is designed to quickly call for emergency assistance. It allows you to easily contact emergency services and your emergency contacts in critical situations. However, it can sometimes be triggered accidentally, causing unnecessary distress. To avoid any unintended emergency calls, it’s important to understand how the SOS feature works and how you can disable it.
What is the SOS Feature?
The SOS feature on your iPhone is a built-in emergency calling feature that allows you to quickly contact emergency services with just a few taps. When activated, it also automatically sends a message to your emergency contacts, notifying them of your current location. This feature can be a lifesaver in genuine emergency situations, but it can also cause inconvenience if triggered by mistake.
How Does the SOS Feature Work?
By default, the SOS feature on your iPhone is triggered by pressing the side button and either volume button simultaneously. Once activated, your iPhone will automatically call emergency services in your region and send a message to your designated emergency contacts, providing them with your location information. This feature is especially useful when you’re unable to make a regular call or need immediate assistance.
Disabling SOS on iPhone Settings
If you find yourself accidentally activating the SOS feature on your iPhone, you can easily disable it through the device settings. Follow these steps to turn off the SOS feature:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To begin, locate and tap on the “Settings” app on your iPhone’s home screen. The Settings app icon resembles gears and can typically be found on the first page of your home screen.
Step 2: Access the Emergency SOS Settings
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.” This option is usually located towards the top of the list in the Settings menu.
Step 3: Disable the “Call with Side Button” Option
Within the Emergency SOS settings, you will see an option labeled “Call with Side Button.” By default, this option is enabled, allowing you to trigger the SOS feature by pressing the side button on your iPhone. To turn off the SOS feature, simply toggle off the “Call with Side Button” option.
Step 4: Optional – Disable the “Auto Call” Feature
If you want an extra layer of protection against accidental emergency calls, you can also disable the “Auto Call” feature. This feature automatically initiates a call to emergency services after a specified countdown, which can be triggered by pressing the side button five times quickly. To disable the “Auto Call” feature, toggle off the corresponding option within the Emergency SOS settings.
Step 5: Verify SOS Deactivation
Once you have disabled the “Call with Side Button” and “Auto Call” options, exit the Settings app and attempt to press the side button to ensure that the SOS feature is no longer activated. Your iPhone should no longer trigger the SOS feature when pressing the side button or any other combination of buttons.
Disabling SOS on Control Center
Another convenient way to disable the SOS feature on your iPhone is through the Control Center. The Control Center provides quick access to various settings and features, including SOS. Follow these steps to disable SOS from the Control Center:
Step 1: Open the Control Center
To access the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen on iPhone X or later models. On iPhone 8 or earlier models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. This action will reveal the Control Center.
Step 2: Locate the SOS Button
In the Control Center, you will see various buttons and shortcuts. Look for the SOS button, which is represented by a red background with a white cross in the center. This button is used to quickly trigger the SOS feature in emergency situations.
Step 3: Disable the SOS Button
To disable the SOS feature, simply tap on the SOS button in the Control Center. The button should no longer be highlighted or active, indicating that the SOS feature has been successfully disabled.
Customizing Emergency SOS Settings
While disabling the SOS feature can prevent accidental triggers, you may still want to keep it available for genuine emergency situations. Fortunately, you can customize your Emergency SOS settings to suit your preferences. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Launch the “Settings” app on your iPhone by tapping on its icon on the home screen. The Settings app icon resembles gears and can typically be found on the first page of your home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to Emergency SOS Settings
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.” This option will be located towards the top of the list in the Settings menu.
Step 3: Edit Emergency Contacts
Within the Emergency SOS settings, you will find an option to edit your emergency contacts. Tap on “Edit Emergency Contacts” to manage the individuals you want to be notified in case of an emergency. You can add or remove contacts as needed.
Step 4: Adjust Countdown Sound and Other Settings
While still in the Emergency SOS settings, you can further customize your preferences. For example, you can toggle off the “Countdown Sound” option if you find the sound alert during the SOS countdown to be unnecessary or alarming. Additionally, you can enable or disable the “Call with Side Button” and “Auto Call” features depending on your personal preferences.
Disabling Auto Call Feature
The Auto Call feature in the SOS settings automatically initiates a call to emergency services after a specified countdown, which can be triggered by pressing the side button five times quickly. If you want to disable this feature, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Locate the “Settings” app on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on its icon to launch the app. The Settings app icon resembles gears and can typically be found on the first page of your home screen.
Step 2: Access the Emergency SOS Settings
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.” This option is usually located towards the top of the list in the Settings menu.
Step 3: Toggle Off the “Auto Call” Option
Within the Emergency SOS settings, you will find an option labeled “Auto Call.” By default, this option is enabled, allowing your iPhone to automatically call emergency services after the countdown. To disable the Auto Call feature, simply toggle off the corresponding option within the Emergency SOS settings.
Disabling SOS on Apple Watch
If you own an Apple Watch and want to disable the SOS feature on it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings App on Apple Watch
On your Apple Watch, locate and tap on the “Settings” app. The Settings app icon on the Apple Watch resembles a gear.
Step 2: Select the General Option
In the Settings app, scroll down and tap on the “General” option. This option is typically located towards the top of the list.
Step 3: Access Emergency SOS Settings
Within the General settings, look for and select “Emergency SOS.” This option will allow you to configure the SOS settings specific to your Apple Watch.
Step 4: Disable “Hold Side Button” and “Auto Call”
Within the Emergency SOS settings, you will find options to disable the “Hold Side Button” and “Auto Call” features. Toggle off both options to turn off the SOS feature on your Apple Watch.
Disabling SOS on iPhone Lock Screen
If you accidentally trigger the SOS feature from your iPhone lock screen, you can quickly disable it by following these steps:
Step 1: Wake Up Your iPhone
If your iPhone is in sleep mode, press the side button or any of the volume buttons to wake it up. This action will activate the lock screen.
Step 2: Locate the “Emergency SOS” Slider
On the lock screen, swipe left until you see the “Emergency SOS” slider. The slider should have a red background with a white SOS symbol.
Step 3: Cancel the SOS Call
To disable the SOS call, simply tap on the “Cancel” button located below the “Emergency SOS” slider. This action will halt the emergency call and prevent it from being placed.
Disabling SOS on iPhone Home Screen
If you accidentally trigger the SOS feature from your iPhone home screen, you can easily exit the SOS screen and prevent an emergency call by following these steps:
Step 1: Press the Home Button
If you find yourself on the SOS screen after accidentally triggering it, press the “Home” button on your iPhone. This button is usually located on the front of your device, below the screen.
Step 2: Enter Your Passcode (If Required)
If prompted, enter your passcode to unlock your device. This step ensures that any unintended emergency calls are avoided, as the SOS feature requires additional confirmation to initiate a call.
Disabling SOS on iPhone Side Button
If you want to prevent the side button on your iPhone from triggering the SOS feature, you can disable this functionality through the device settings. Follow these steps to turn off the SOS feature triggered by the side button:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Locate and tap on the “Settings” app on your iPhone’s home screen. The Settings app icon resembles gears and can typically be found on the first page of your home screen.
Step 2: Access the Emergency SOS Settings
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.” This option is usually located towards the top of the list in the Settings menu.
Step 3: Disable the “Call with Side Button” Option
Within the Emergency SOS settings, you will see an option labeled “Call with Side Button.” By default, this option is enabled, allowing you to trigger the SOS feature by pressing the side button on your iPhone. To turn off the SOS feature triggered by the side button, simply toggle off the “Call with Side Button” option.
Disabling SOS on iPhone Emergency Call Screen
If you accidentally trigger the SOS feature from the emergency call screen on your iPhone, you can cancel the call and prevent any further actions by following these steps:
Step 1: Tap on the “Stop Sharing Emergency Location” Option
On the emergency call screen, which displays your location and emergency contact information, tap on the “Stop Sharing Emergency Location” option. This action will prevent the sharing of your location with emergency services and your emergency contacts.
Step 2: Confirm Your Decision
After tapping on the “Stop Sharing Emergency Location” option, a confirmation prompt will appear. Confirm your decision by tapping on the “Stop Sharing” button. This action will cancel the SOS call and prevent any further actions related to the emergency call screen.
Q: How can I customize my emergency contacts?
A: Customizing your emergency contacts allows you to designate specific individuals who will be notified in case of an emergency. To edit your emergency contacts, navigate to the “Settings” app, tap on “Emergency SOS,” and select “Edit Emergency Contacts.” From there, you can add or remove contacts as needed.
Q: Can I disable the countdown sound when triggering SOS?
A: Yes, you can disable the countdown sound alert that plays when the SOS feature is triggered. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone, tap on “Emergency SOS,” and toggle off the “Countdown Sound” option. With this option disabled, your iPhone will no longer emit a sound during the SOS countdown.
Q: Will disabling the SOS feature affect my ability to call emergency services?
A: No, disabling the SOS feature does not hinder your ability to call emergency services directly. You can still dial emergency numbers such as 911 or the equivalent emergency services number in your country even if you have disabled the SOS feature on your iPhone.
Q: Can I disable SOS on specific iPhone models only?
A: No, the method to disable the SOS feature remains the same across various iPhone models, including iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, and older models. The steps outlined in this guide apply to all supported iPhone devices.
Q: What happens if I accidentally trigger SOS after disabling it?
A: If you accidentally trigger the SOS feature after disabling it, you can easily cancel the call and prevent any further actions. Simply tap on the “Cancel” button on the SOS slider or press the “Home” button on your iPhone to exit the emergency call screen. This action will halt the emergency call and prevent any unintended consequences.
Q: Can I disable SOS on my Apple Watch separately?
A: Yes, youcan disable the SOS feature on your Apple Watch separately from your iPhone. To do so, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, select “General,” and then choose “Emergency SOS.” From there, you can disable both the “Hold Side Button” and “Auto Call” options, ensuring that the SOS feature is turned off specifically on your Apple Watch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to disable the SOS feature on your iPhone is crucial to prevent accidental emergency calls and unnecessary distress. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this comprehensive article, you can easily turn off the SOS feature on your iPhone and customize your settings according to your preferences. Whether you choose to disable the SOS feature in the iPhone settings or via the Control Center, it’s important to verify that the feature is no longer active by attempting to trigger it. Additionally, customizing your emergency contacts and adjusting other SOS settings can further enhance your experience and ensure that the feature is available when you truly need it. Remember, disabling the SOS feature does not hinder your ability to call emergency services directly, so you can still seek help whenever necessary. Now that you have all the information you need, go ahead and confidently disable the SOS feature on your iPhone with ease!