In today’s fast-paced world, our smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. They help us stay connected, access information, and even keep us safe in times of emergency. However, there are instances when our phones can cause more trouble than help, such as when they get stuck in Emergency SOS mode. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to disable the Emergency SOS feature on both iPhone and Android devices.
Understanding Emergency SOS Mode
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what Emergency SOS mode is and why it can be both a helpful and troublesome feature.
What is Emergency SOS Mode?
Emergency SOS mode is a feature available on both iPhone and Android devices that allows users to quickly contact emergency services and their designated emergency contacts in times of need. By simply pressing a combination of buttons or using specific gestures, users can activate this feature and initiate a call to emergency services, ensuring help is on the way.
Why Would You Want to Disable Emergency SOS Mode?
While Emergency SOS mode can be a life-saving feature, it can also lead to accidental calls to emergency services. This can happen when the feature is mistakenly triggered in your pocket or bag, causing unnecessary panic and inconvenience for both you and the emergency services.
Moreover, some users may find that they accidentally activate Emergency SOS mode too frequently, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. In such cases, disabling the feature can help prevent any unintended calls to emergency services.
Now that we have a clear understanding of Emergency SOS mode, let’s proceed to the step-by-step instructions on how to disable it on your iPhone and Android devices.
How to Turn off Emergency SOS on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, follow these simple steps to disable the Emergency SOS feature:
Step 1: Access the Settings
On your iPhone, locate and tap on theSettings app from the home screen. The Settings app icon resembles a gear.
Step 2: Find the Emergency SOS Option
Scroll down the Settings menu until you find theEmergency SOS option. Tap on it to access the Emergency SOS settings.
Step 3: Disable Emergency SOS
In the Emergency SOS settings, you will see various sliders and options. Look for the slider that corresponds toCall with Hold orCall with Side Button and tap on it to turn it off. Disabling this feature will prevent your iPhone from initiating an emergency call when the specified buttons are pressed.
Note: If you disable theCall with Hold option, you can still use the Emergency SOS slider to make a call if needed.
Step 4: Confirm the Changes
After disabling the Call with Hold or Call with Side Button option, exit the settings menu. Your iPhone will no longer initiate emergency calls when the specified buttons are pressed.
By following these steps, you can easily turn off Emergency SOS mode on your iPhone and avoid any accidental calls to emergency services.
How to Disable Emergency SOS on Android
If you’re an Android user, the process of disabling Emergency SOS mode may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer and operating system version. However, we will provide you with general instructions that should work for most Android devices.
Step 1: Open the Settings
Begin by opening theSettings app on your Android device. The Settings app icon is usually represented by a gear or similar symbol.
Step 2: Navigate to Safety & Emergency or Advanced Settings
In the Settings menu, look for either theSafety & Emergency option (on devices running Android 12 or newer) or theAdvanced settings option (on Android 11 or older devices). Tap on the respective option to proceed.
Step 3: Access the Emergency SOS Settings
Once you’re in the Safety & Emergency or Advanced settings, locate and tap on theEmergency SOS option. This will take you to the Emergency SOS settings on your Android device.
Step 4: Disable Emergency SOS
In the Emergency SOS settings, you should find a toggle or slider that allows you to disable theUse Emergency SOS feature. Toggle off this option to turn off Emergency SOS mode on your Android device.
Note: The name of the toggle may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer. For example, on Vivo devices, it may be labeled asSOS Call.
Step 5: Adjust Emergency Actions (Optional)
If you still want to keep Emergency SOS mode enabled but prevent your device from dialing emergency services each time it’s activated, you can adjust the Emergency Actions settings. Look for an option that allows you to toggle offCall emergency services. This will ensure that your device only connects to emergency contacts without initiating a call to emergency services.
Following these steps will help you disable Emergency SOS mode on your Android device, alleviating any concerns of accidental emergency calls.
Troubleshooting: “SOS Only” Message on iPhone
Aside from getting stuck in Emergency SOS mode, some iPhone users may encounter another issue where their device displays a message that reads “SOS only” at the top of the screen, instead of showing the carrier’s name. This typically indicates a problem with the cellular network, preventing users from making or receiving calls, sending text messages, or using mobile data.
If you encounter this issue, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
Restart Your iPhone
Begin by restarting your iPhone. This simple step can often resolve temporary network connectivity issues.
Check Network Signal
If restarting your iPhone didn’t solve the problem, try moving to a location with a strong network signal. Poor network coverage can sometimes cause the “SOS only” message to appear.
Remove and Re-insert SIM Card
Turn off your iPhone and carefully remove the SIM card. After a few seconds, re-insert the SIM card and turn on your device. This can help establish a fresh connection with the cellular network.
Toggle Cellular Data
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to theCellular orMobile Data settings. Toggle off theCellular Data option, wait for a few seconds, and then toggle it back on. This can refresh your device’s connection to the cellular network.
Restart Network Settings
If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, you can try resetting your network settings. To do this, go to theSettings app, selectGeneral, then tap onReset. From the available options, chooseReset Network Settings. Keep in mind that this will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so make sure to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network afterward.
Update iPhone and Carrier Settings
Check for any available software updates for your iPhone and carrier settings. Keeping your device’s software up to date can help fix bugs and improve network connectivity.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “SOS only” message issue on your iPhone and restore normal network functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Emergency SOS mode can be a valuable feature on our smartphones, it can sometimes cause inconvenience and panic when triggered accidentally. Fortunately, disabling Emergency SOS mode on both iPhone and Android devices is a straightforward process that can help prevent any unintended emergency calls.
By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can easily turn off Emergency SOS mode on your device and enjoy a hassle-free smartphone experience. Remember, it’s important to prioritize safety and only disable this feature if you frequently encounter accidental activations.
Stay connected, stay safe, and enjoy your smartphone experience without the worry of accidental emergency calls!
