

You’ll be asked to put in your PIN or lock pattern. Tap on “Emergency information” and then on the pencil symbol (or, depending on your phone, on “Add”).Look for the word “Emergency” at the bottom of the lock screen.(You don’t have a screen lock set? Why not?)

While the setup may differ somewhat depending on what phone you have and which version of Android it runs, the basics should be the same. The simple option for AndroidĪndroid doesn’t have a similar all-in-one function, though it does provide a way to offer emergency services information about a preassigned emergency contact from the lock screen. If you have an iPhone 7 or earlier, press the power button five times fast, then drag your finger across the Emergency SOS slider that appears on the screen to initiate that same process.Īndroid emergency info page. Your iPhone will automatically call 911, and as soon as the call disconnects, the phone will text your emergency contacts with your current location.Keep holding both buttons until the countdown ends.Press and hold the power button along with either volume button, and you’ll see an “Emergency SOS” countdown appear on your screen.Now, if you’re ever in an emergency situation with an iPhone 8 or later:


The key to all of this is to configure your emergency system ahead of time so it’ll be available in case an actual emergency occurs. You can even create connections that’ll allow you to check up on loved ones to see if their phone has detected movement lately and then request an automated location update if you’re unable to reach them. Smartphones are spectacular for snapping photos, scanning the news, and sending messages, but they can also be literal lifesavers if you take the time to set them up before the need arises.īoth Android and iOS have easy-to-use systems for sharing your location with a friend, family member, or other trusted contact in an emergency.
