Tech

what is sos only on iphone

If you own an iPhone, you might have come across the term “SOS” on your device. You may have noticed it on your lock screen or within the Control Center. In this article, we will explore what is sos only on iphone, how to activate it, how it works, and more.

Introduction

In emergency situations, having quick access to help can be critical. The SOS feature on the iPhone provides a way to contact emergency services swiftly and discreetly. Whether you find yourself in a dangerous situation or need immediate medical assistance, the SOS feature can be a lifesaver.

What Does SOS Stand for on iPhone?

SOS stands for “Save Our Souls” or “Save Our Ship.” It is an internationally recognized distress signal used to request help in emergency situations. On the iPhone, the SOS feature allows users to quickly call emergency services and notify their emergency contacts with just a few simple steps.

How to Activate SOS on iPhone

Activating the SOS feature on your iPhone is easy and can be done in a few different ways. Let’s explore the various methods:

Emergency SOS Settings

To ensure your iPhone is set up to use the SOS feature, follow these steps:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
Enable the “Call with Side Button” option if it’s not already enabled.

Activating SOS Using Side Buttons

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you can quickly activate SOS on your iPhone using the side buttons. Here’s how:

Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously.
Keep holding the buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
Slide the Emergency SOS slider to make the call to emergency services.

Auto Call Feature

To enable the Auto Call feature, which automatically calls emergency services when you activate SOS, follow these steps:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Go to “Emergency SOS” settings.
Enable the “Auto Call” option.

How Does SOS Work on iPhone?

When you trigger SOS on your iPhone, it initiates a call to the emergency services number in your region. The call is made using cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, depending on what is available. Your iPhone automatically shares your location information with the emergency services, ensuring they can find you quickly.

What Happens When You Trigger SOS?

When you activate SOS on your iPhone, the following actions occur:

Your iPhone starts a call to emergency services.
It plays a loud alarm sound to attract attention.
Your iPhone sends a message to your emergency contacts, informing them that you have triggered SOS. The message includes your current location.

SOS Emergency Contacts

Emergency contacts play a vital role when using the SOS feature on your iPhone. These contacts receive a notification whenever you activate SOS, along with your location details. To set up your emergency contacts, follow these steps:

Open the “Health” app on your iPhone.
Go to the “Medical ID” tab.
Tap on “Edit” to add or update emergency contacts.

Customizing SOS Settings

You can customize the SOS feature on your iPhone to suit your preferences. Let’s look at some options you can modify:

Emergency Contacts

To change or add emergency contacts, follow these steps:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Go to “Emergency SOS” settings.
Tap on “Edit Emergency Contacts.”

Medical ID

Your Medical ID is a crucial part of the SOS feature. It provides important information about your health that can assist emergency services. To set up your Medical ID, follow these steps:

Open the “Health” app on your iPhone.
Go to the “Medical ID” tab.
Tap on “Edit” to add or update your medical information.

Countdown Sound

You can choose whether to enable or disable the countdown sound that plays before SOS is activated. To modify this setting:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
Go to “Emergency SOS” settings.
Toggle the “Countdown Sound” option.

How to Turn off SOS on iPhone

If you accidentally trigger SOS or no longer need assistance, you can turn off the SOS call on your iPhone. Follow these steps:

On the “Emergency SOS” slider screen, swipe from left to right.
The call will end, and your iPhone will return to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other features does Emergency SOS provide?

In addition to calling emergency services, Emergency SOS can also activate the Medical ID feature, display your emergency contacts, and provide a quick way to disable Touch ID and Face ID.

Can I activate SOS discreetly on iPhone?

Yes, you can discreetly activate SOS on your iPhone. Simply press and hold the side button and volume button without releasing them until the Emergency SOS slider appears.

Can SOS be triggered accidentally?

While it’s unlikely, accidental triggers of SOS can happen. Apple has implemented a safety mechanism that requires users to slide the Emergency SOS slider to confirm the call to emergency services.

Does SOS work internationally?

Yes, SOS works internationally, but it’s important to note that the emergency number may vary depending on the country you’re in. The iPhone automatically detects the correct emergency number based on your location.

Is SOS available on all iPhone models?

Yes, SOS is available on all iPhone models running iOS 11 or later.

In conclusion, SOS on the iPhone is a powerful feature that allows users to quickly call emergency services and notify their emergency contacts. With its customizable settings and discreet activation options, it provides a reliable safety net in critical situations. Remember to set up your emergency contacts and Medical ID for enhanced effectiveness. Stay safe and be prepared.