How to enable and use emergency SOS features

The process of enabling and using emergency SOS features can vary depending on the device and operating system you are using. Below, I’ll provide instructions for a few popular platforms:

iPhone (iOS):

Enabling Emergency SOS:

1. iPhone X or later:
   • Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
   • Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services.
2. iPhone 8 or earlier:
   • Rapidly press the side or home button five times.
   • Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services.
3. To enable Auto Call (automatic dialing of emergency services):
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
   • Enable the “Call with Side Button” option.

Using Emergency SOS:

• If Auto Call is not enabled, press and hold the side (or home) button and the volume button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the slider to call emergency services.
• If Auto Call is enabled, rapidly press the side (or home) button five times to initiate the emergency call.

Android:

Enabling Emergency SOS:

1. Samsung Devices (may vary based on model):
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Scroll down and tap on “Advanced features.”
   • Select “Send SOS messages” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up emergency contacts.
2. Google Pixel Devices (may vary based on model):
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Scroll down and tap on “Safety & emergency.”
   • Choose “Emergency SOS” and enable the “Press power button 3 times” option.

Using Emergency SOS:

• The process to use emergency features may vary depending on the device and software version. Typically, it involves pressing a specific button combination or using a dedicated emergency button on the lock screen.

Apple Watch:

Enabling Emergency SOS:

• On your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the slider to call emergency services.

Using Emergency SOS:

• Press and hold the side button until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the slider to call emergency services.

Always check the specific instructions for your device and software version, as they can change with updates. It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the emergency features on your specific device to ensure you can use them effectively in a crisis.