How to Stop Your Phone From Calling 911 by Accident
If you’ve ever found yourself in a panic after realizing your phone was dialing 911 by accident, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Whether it’s a feature like Emergency SOS or just an unfortunate pocket dial, it can happen to the best of us. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent it. In this guide, I’ll show you how to stop your phone from making accidental 911 calls, covering both iPhone and Android solutions.
Why Does Your Phone Call 911 By Accident?
Emergency SOS: iPhone vs. Android
Both iPhones and Android phones have emergency features that allow you to call 911 quickly. These are life-saving tools, but when activated accidentally, they can cause unnecessary stress. For instance, on iPhones, pressing the side button along with a volume button activates the Emergency SOS feature. On Android phones, it’s often a combination of pressing certain buttons or shaking the device that can trigger a 911 call.
While these features are essential for emergencies, they can easily be triggered by mistake. A slip of the hand or just trying to adjust the volume can set off the alarm. On top of that, pocket dials are a common cause, especially if your phone isn’t locked properly.
Common Causes of Accidental Calls
In my experience, accidental 911 calls usually happen due to quick-button actions or screen sensitivity. For example, I’ve found myself hitting the wrong button while trying to use Apple Pay, only to realize I’ve triggered the emergency feature instead. Some newer phones also have features like Crash Detection, which can automatically dial 911 if it senses an impact—even if you’re just dropping the phone.
Stopping Accidental 911 Calls on iPhones
Disabling the Emergency SOS Shortcut
One of the easiest ways to prevent accidental calls is to disable or adjust the Emergency SOS settings on your iPhone. Here’s how:
- Open Settings and tap on Emergency SOS.
- You’ll see options like Call with Side Button and Call with 5 Presses. You can turn these off to prevent accidental activation.
This change means that, rather than pressing a button accidentally, you’ll need to use the manual SOS slider, which reduces the risk of accidentally calling 911.
Additional Settings You Should Adjust
Another setting I always recommend turning off is the Auto Call feature. With this off, even if you accidentally activate the SOS function, your phone won’t automatically dial 911. Here’s how to disable it:
- Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
- Switch off Auto Call.
Also, using a lock screen adds another layer of protection. With the screen locked, the chances of an accidental emergency call are much lower.
Preventing Accidental 911 Calls on Android
Managing Emergency SOS Settings
Android phones have a similar SOS feature, though the settings can vary depending on your model. Here’s how you can manage it on most Android devices:
- On a Google Pixel, for example, go to Settings > Safety & emergency.
- Toggle off the Emergency SOS feature or modify the settings to prevent automatic dialing.
On Samsung phones, you can follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Send SOS Messages.
- Turn off the feature or customize it so accidental calls are less likely.
Reducing Pocket Dials on Android
If pocket dialing is the issue, make sure your phone has an active screen lock. Set a PIN, pattern, or use fingerprint unlocking to keep the screen off when not in use. Additionally, adjusting your phone’s sensitivity and using a case with a screen cover can also prevent accidental presses.
Extra Tips to Prevent Accidental Calls
Lock Your Screen
This is probably the simplest way to avoid accidental 911 calls. If you’re like me and often toss your phone into a bag or pocket, locking your screen is a must. On iPhones, you can enable Auto-Lock:
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
- Select Auto-Lock and set it to a short duration (30 seconds to 1 minute).
For Android users, it’s a similar process:
- Open Settings > Display.
- Select Sleep and adjust the time to lock your phone after inactivity.
Avoid Triggering the Emergency Feature
If you’re doing activities that involve a lot of movement—like jogging or driving—be mindful of how you handle your phone. Accidentally pressing buttons during these moments is easier than you think. I suggest enabling airplane mode or using a protective case if you’re going to be active. That way, you won’t accidentally press buttons or trigger the SOS feature.
What to Do If You Accidentally Call 911
Handling an Accidental Call
So, what happens if your phone dials 911 by mistake? The worst thing you can do is hang up! It’s important to stay on the line and explain what happened. If you hang up, emergency services may still send someone to check on you, which could divert resources from real emergencies.
I’ve had this happen once, and the operator was understanding once I explained the mistake. Just calmly let them know it was an accident, and they’ll handle it from there.
Final Thoughts
Accidental 911 calls are definitely frustrating, but they’re preventable. By making a few changes to your phone’s settings, like disabling automatic SOS calls and locking your screen, you can avoid those embarrassing moments when your phone decides to dial 911 without you realizing it. It’s all about taking simple precautions that keep you in control without losing access to emergency services when you really need them.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to stop your phone from calling 911 by accident and save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress.
