Stay safe at Christmas

Turn your smartphone into an emergency device

Set up built-in SOS features so your phone can quickly call 999/112, share your location, and show first-aid details on the lock screen.

iPhone (iOS 17+)

  1. Set up Emergency SOS
    Open Settings > Emergency SOS.
    Turn on Call with Hold and Release and/or Call with 5 Presses (side button).
    Optional: turn on Call After Severe Crash (supported models only).
  2. Add your Medical ID and emergency contacts
    Open the Health app > tap your profile photo > Medical ID.
    Add medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, and choose Show When Locked so responders can see it from the lock screen.
    Tap Edit > Emergency Contacts to add people who will be notified if you use SOS.
  3. Share your location during SOS
    In Settings > Emergency SOS, turn on Share During Emergency to send your location to emergency contacts when an SOS call ends.
  4. Test the lock screen access
    On the lock screen, press Emergency > * Medical ID to confirm details are visible.

Helpful links: Use Emergency SOS on iPhone | Set up and view your Medical ID

Android (Android 12+)

Menu names can vary by device. Look for “Safety & emergency” or “Safety and emergency”.

  1. Add emergency information
    Open Settings > Safety & emergency (or About phone > Emergency information).
    Add medical info (conditions, allergies, medications) and emergency contacts. Enable Show on lock screen if available.
  2. Enable Emergency SOS
    Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency SOS.
    Turn on the shortcut (often 5 presses of the power button). Choose actions such as calling 999/112, sharing your location, and recording video where supported.
  3. Pixel phones (Personal Safety app)
    Open Safety app > set up Emergency SOS, Emergency sharing, and Medical info. Optional: enable Car Crash Detection on supported models.
  4. Samsung devices
    Open Settings > Safety and emergency.
    Set up Emergency SOS (power key presses), Emergency sharing, and Medical info on lock screen.
  5. Test the lock screen access
    On the lock screen, tap Emergency > Emergency information to confirm details show correctly.

Helpful links: Use emergency features on Android | Pixel Personal Safety features | Samsung Galaxy Emergency SOS

Good practice

  • Teach family how to open the emergency screen on your phone.
  • Keep emergency contacts up to date and include a local, trusted person.
  • Turn on location services so SOS can share your position when you call.
  • In the UK, you can call or text 999; register for 999 text service if you might need to text in an emergency.

Note: Features differ by model and software version. Always follow on-screen prompts when contacting emergency services.