How to Use Emergency SOS on iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)

When something goes wrong, your iPhone can literally become a lifesaver. With Emergency SOS, you can quickly contact emergency services, share your location, and alert your emergency contacts with just a few taps or button presses. 

In the latest iOS versions, Apple has also added Satellite support, so you can get help even in a remote place. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how Emergency SOS works, how you can set it up on your iPhone, and how to use it in real-life situations.

What is Emergency SOS on iPhone?

Emergency SOS is a built-in safety feature that lets you instantly call emergency services from anywhere, even when you’re not connected to your usual cellular network. It can also send alerts and your real-time location to the people you trust the most. 

In iOS 26, this feature got even smarter, with improved satellite connectivity and faster location sharing. It’s available on iPhone 8 and later, but satellite perks shine on iPhone 14 and up.

Your Complete iOS 26 Playbook:

Get our exclusive Ultimate iOS 26 Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

Key Features of Emergency SOS in iOS 26

Here’s what you can do with Emergency SOS:

• Make a quick call to your local emergency number, such as 911 in the US or 112 in Europe, using button presses or on-screen options. 
• Automatically send your location and your Medical ID to first responders (in supported regions). 
• Notify emergency contacts with your location updates. 
• Use satellite SOS when you’re off the grid. 
• Trigger Crash Detection to call for help after severe car accidents.

These features work quietly in the background but activate instantly when needed. You can also set up and use Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch. It’s quite useful when you’re experiencing an emergency, and your iPhone is out of reach.

How to Set Up Emergency SOS on iPhone

Before you rely on Emergency SOS, take two minutes to set it up.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 
2. Scroll down and tap Emergency SOS.
3. Here toggle on: 
   • Call with Hold and Release 
   • Call with 3 Button Presses 
   • Call After Severe Crash (if available)
4. Next, tap Set up Emergency Contacts in Health.
   
5. It will take you to the Health app. Tap Create Medical ID if you have not set it up yet. 
6. Enter your basic details and tap the checkmark in the top-right corner. 
7. Tap Add Emergency Contact, then select the people you trust.
   

Setting up Emergency Contacts is essential as they’ll receive your location when SOS is triggered. On the other hand, Medical ID helps first responders see important info right from your Lock Screen. So, add details such as your blood type, allergies, and medications. 

To learn more, check out our guide on How to set up Medical ID on iPhone and Apple Watch.

How to Use Emergency SOS on Your iPhone

When seconds count, you need speed. Here are all the ways to activate SOS in an emergency, even if your iPhone is locked.

Method 1: Hold and Release

1. Press and hold the Side and Volume button together. 
2. Keep holding until the countdown finishes.
   
3. Release to automatically call emergency services.

This is the fastest method because it works even when your screen is off.

Method 2: Press the Side Button 3 Times

This is ideal if you want to be discreet. 

Just press the Side button three times quickly, and the SOS screen will appear with the countdown. Once it finishes, your iPhone will connect to the emergency services

Method 3: Use the On-Screen SOS Slider

1. Hold the Side + Volume button. 
2. When the screen appears, drag the Emergency SOS slider.
   

This gives you control if you want time to make a decision.

Note

In some situations, you may want to contact emergency services without your iPhone flashing or announcing. For that, go to Settings > Emergency SOS and toggle on Call Quietly.

Also read: Fix iPhone Stuck in Emergency SOS Mode

How Emergency SOS Works After You Call

Once a call is made, the iPhone automatically does the following: 

• Sends your location: Your emergency contacts receive your initial location plus updates for a period, usually 10–20 minutes if you move.  
• Shares your Medical ID: If turned on, emergency responders can access critical health information.

It also notifies you with follow-up options. You can even stop location sharing at any time.

Share Live Photo or Video to Emergency Services

Emergency services can send a prompt to share live videos or upload previously recorded photos and videos to understand your surroundings. This live video won’t be saved on your device.

1. When asked to start sending live videos to emergency personnel, tap Share.  
2. To pause or resume sharing at any moment, select the Camera button.  
3. Tap the End Call button and then select Stop Sharing Camera to end live streaming.  

If you only want to share an existing photo or video, select Choose on the prompt, then select the image or video. Finally, if you don’t want to share images or videos with emergency personnel, tap Not Now when asked. 

How Satellite Emergency SOS Works (iOS 26)

If you’re somewhere without cellular or Wi-Fi, like hiking or camping in a remote area, your iPhone can use satellite connection to contact emergency services. Here’s how to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone: 

1. If your call to emergency services doesn’t connect, you get an alert. Tap Emergency Text via Satellite > Report Emergency.
2. Now, you need to answer quick questions, like what’s the emergency, are you injured, your current surroundings, etc.
   
3. Apple sends your info to emergency responders through a relay center. Your iPhone guides you to point your device toward a satellite. 
4. Once you’re connected, start a conversation with emergency responders. 

Note that you need a clear view of the sky for the satellite connection. Also, messages may take several seconds to send, and it’s available only in supported countries on iPhone 14 and later. 

Tips for Using Emergency SOS Safely 

• Be careful with accidental triggers, especially if “Call with 3 Presses” is on. 
• Keep your Medical ID updated for accurate help. 
• Tell your emergency contacts that they may receive alerts from you. 
• Practice the SOS Demo so you don’t panic during a real emergency.

Emergency SOS is a Must for Every iPhone User!

Emergency SOS is one of the most important features on your iPhone. You might never need it, but if you do, it can save your life or someone else’s. With iOS 26 improvements, it’s faster, smarter, and easier to activate than ever before. 

Take a few minutes today to set it up. You’ll thank yourself later.