How To Turn Off SOS On iPhone? Quick Steps

Have you ever accidentally triggered the Emergency SOS when trying to take a screenshot or adjust your volume on your iPhone and felt flustered trying to turn it off? Don’t panic! We’ve all been there!

Whatever the reason may be, fortunately, you can toggle off the button-press-to-call action so you don’t accidentally call the cops.

Although they are super helpful in a true emergency situation when you can’t make a call to help yourself, they also can be annoying when your pocket or purse sends a faulty SOS signal.

When the feature is being triggered, no matter how you can disable it within minutes. 

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of turning off Emergency SOS on your iPhone so that you can avoid any unnecessary calls to emergency services. Do you know anything about What Are Haptics On IPhone? Read this guide to learn about it.

What Is SOS on an iPhone?

When you press and hold the side button and either volume button simultaneously on an iPhone 8 or later. Or, you unknowingly press the side button five times in quick succession on an iPhone 7 or earlier, the Emergency SOS slider appears on the screen.

Emergency SOS is a valuable feature that can quickly get you help in times of need. If you continue holding down these buttons or slide the slider, a loud siren will begin to ring and automatically contact emergency services and notify your emergency contacts of your current location. 

Once the call is made, your iPhone will also send a text message to emergency contacts, if you have set them up in your Medical ID.

Why Would You Want to Turn it Off?

While the Emergency SOS feature can be incredibly useful in a real emergency, it can also be a nuisance if triggered accidentally. Some users may also feel uncomfortable having this feature readily available on their phones and prefer to turn it off for personal reasons.

How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone?

Turning off emergency SOS on your iPhone is a simple process that only takes a few seconds. Here are the steps to turn off SOS on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

   

2. Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS”.

   

3. On this screen, you will see options to toggle on or off “Call with Hold and Release” and “Call with 3 Button Presses”. Toggle both of these options to the off position.

   

4. You can also choose to enable “Call Quietly” if you don’t want an alarm sound when using Emergency SOS.

5. Once these settings are turned off, you have successfully disabled the emergency SOS.

How to Turn Off SOS Only?

Is your iPhone stuck in “SOS only” mode, disconnecting you from your regular network? This issue can be a real inconvenience but fear not, there are ways to troubleshoot and fix it.

• Check SIM Card: See, if the SIM card is properly inserted into the device. Sometimes a loose connection can cause this problem. Try restarting your phone as well, a simple reboot can resolve technical glitches like this.

• Turn Off Airplane Mode: If the above method doesn’t work, turn off the airplane mode. This is suggested because airplane mode restricts cellular connectivity and could be the reason why you’re seeing only SOS on your screen.

• Update Carrier Settings: Ensure that your carrier settings are up-to-date by checking for any available updates in the settings menu of your device. Keeping everything current can help prevent issues like being stuck in SOS-only mode.

Other Ways To Disable SOS On iPhone

If you’re looking for alternative ways to disable emergency SOS on your iPhone, there are a few options you can explore. Those are as follows:

• Force Restart Your iPhone: Press and release the volume up button, followed by pressing and releasing the volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button. Now, release it once the Apple logo pops up. 

• Reset Network Settings: Follow the steps. Settings >> General >> Scroll down and click on Transfer or reset iPhone >> Reset >> Reset Network Settings.

• Set Heath App: One method is to adjust the settings in your Health app. Turn off the “Show When Locked” option by going into the Medical ID section and editing your information. Doing this will prevent the emergency call feature from being easily accessible on the lock screen.

Tips to Avoid Accidental Activation of Emergency SOS

Emergency SOS can happen quite often when you can’t overlook it. Incorporate these tips to avoid and prevent accidental activation of Emergency SOS on your iPhone:

• Consider adjusting your settings to require confirmation before initiating the emergency call.

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency call shortcuts on your device. You must be aware of how they work and be able to confidently navigate them without triggering an unintended SOS alert.

• Regularly check and update your emergency contacts in the Health app.

• Stay informed about any software updates or changes related to Emergency SOS functionality

Conclusion

Now that you know how to turn off emergency SOS, you must take control of your emergency settings for a safer and more efficient experience with your iPhone. By following the methods mentioned in this guide, you can prevent accidental calls to emergency services and ensure that the feature is only used when truly needed. 

Remember to familiarize yourself with the steps specific to your iPhone model, implement additional precautions like disabling Auto Call options, and stay informed about any updates or changes in the SOS functionality. 

If nothing works or you prefer a more direct approach, contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for assistance with disabling Emergency SOS may be beneficial. The professionals working there can provide guidance tailored to your specific device model and preferences.

Stay proactive and empowered concerning managing your iPhone’s Emergency SOS settings for a smoother user experience overall. 

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