Turning off the SOS feature on your iPhone might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Whether you’ve triggered it by accident or just want to disable it entirely, doing so takes just a few taps.
Step by Step Tutorial: Turning Off SOS on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to do here. The SOS feature on your iPhone is designed to help you quickly call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts if you’re in trouble. By following the steps below, you’ll learn how to turn this feature off.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
In the Settings app, you’ll find a plethora of options for customizing your iPhone experience.
Step 2: Access Emergency SOS Settings
Scroll down and tap on ‘Emergency SOS.’
This is where you can adjust all settings related to emergency calls and the SOS feature.
Step 3: Disable Auto Call
Toggle the ‘Auto Call’ option to off.
Disabling ‘Auto Call’ prevents your iPhone from automatically dialing emergency services when you press the side button five times.
Step 4: Confirm your choice
Confirm that you want to turn off Auto Call if prompted.
A confirmation may pop up to ensure you don’t turn off this feature accidentally.
After completing these steps, the SOS feature on your iPhone will be turned off. You’ll no longer be able to call emergency services by pressing the side button multiple times.
Tips: Managing SOS on iPhone
- Keep in mind that turning off SOS might make it harder to reach emergency services quickly in a crisis.
- Consider customizing your emergency contacts in the Health app to ensure the right people are alerted if you use SOS.
- Practice triggering and canceling the SOS to become familiar with how it works in case you ever need it.
- Remember that you can also trigger SOS by holding the side button and one of the volume buttons if Auto Call is on.
- Check your local emergency services to see if they support the SOS feature for the most efficient assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOS on iPhone?
SOS on iPhone is a feature that allows you to quickly call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts by pressing the side button multiple times.
Can I still use SOS if I turn off Auto Call?
Yes, you can still use SOS by manually selecting ‘Emergency SOS’ after holding down the side or volume buttons, even if Auto Call is turned off.
Will turning off SOS affect my ability to call 911?
Turning off SOS will not affect your ability to make regular phone calls to 911.
Is it possible to turn SOS back on after disabling it?
Yes, you can turn the SOS feature back on at any time by going back into your settings and toggling ‘Auto Call’ to on.
What should I do if I accidentally trigger SOS?
If you accidentally trigger SOS, you can cancel it by pressing the stop button on your screen and confirming that you want to stop the call.
Summary
- Open Settings app.
- Tap on ‘Emergency SOS.’
- Turn off ‘Auto Call.’
- Confirm your choice.
Conclusion
Turning off the SOS feature on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. While SOS can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, there are times when you might prefer to have it disabled to avoid accidental triggers. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage this feature to suit your preferences. Remember, even with SOS turned off, you can always dial emergency services manually if needed. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of disabling this feature and make an informed decision based on your circumstances. Stay safe, and make sure to familiarize yourself with all the safety features your iPhone offers.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.