SOS on an iPhone is a vital feature that can potentially save lives. It’s a distress signal that allows users to quickly seek help in emergencies. 

In this article, we will explain what SOS means on an iPhone and provide you with a straightforward guide on how to fix it if you encounter any issues.

Understanding the Meaning of SOS on iPhone 

SOS is an acronym for “Save Our Souls” or “Save Our Ship”. On an iPhone, it serves as an emergency signal that can be used to contact emergency services, such as the police, fire department, or medical assistance. 

When you activate the SOS feature on your iPhone, it sends a signal to local authorities with your location, ensuring that help arrives swiftly when you’re in a crisis.

How to Trigger SOS on iPhone?

To trigger SOS on your iPhone, follow these steps:

  • Quickly press the power button (located on the side or top of the device) five times in succession.
  • Next, the Emergency SOS slider will appear on your screen.
  • Finally, drag the slider to make the emergency call.

It’s crucial to remember that using the SOS feature should be reserved for genuine emergencies. Now, this is advised to avoid unnecessary disruptions during emergency services.

4 Common Issues with SOS on iPhone & How to Fix 

Let’s go through the common issues that you might associate with SOS on iPhone.

Condition 1. Unintentional SOS Calls

Sometimes, accidental SOS calls can happen, especially if you carry your iPhone in a way that makes it easy to press the power button inadvertently. To prevent this situation, you can turn off the “Auto Call” feature in your iPhone’s settings. 

Here’s how: 

  • First, go to “Settings”.
  • Next, scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS”. 
  • Finally, toggle off the “Auto Call” option.

Condition 2: Wrong Emergency Contacts

If your iPhone is not calling the correct emergency contacts when you trigger SOS, you should check your Emergency Contacts list which is present in the Health app. You need to make sure your emergency contacts are updated with the right information.

Condition 3: Location Services Issues

For SOS to work effectively, your iPhone needs access to your location. If you’re experiencing problems with this, ensure that your Location Services are enabled for the Phone app. 

To do this, here are the steps you must follow:

  • First, go to “Settings”.
  • Next, scroll down and select “Privacy”.
  • Tap on “Location Services”. Scroll down and find “Phone”.
  • Choose “While Using the App” or “Always”.

Condition 4: No Cellular Signal

In emergency situations, having a stable cellular signal is crucial. If your iPhone has no signal, it won’t be able to make an SOS call. You must also check your signal strength and consider moving to a location with better reception if necessary.

Additional Tips for Using SOS on iPhone

Let’s check out some additional tips that you can implement while using the SOS on your iPhone.

Share Your Medical ID

In the Health app, you can set up your Medical ID with important health information. When you make an SOS call, emergency services can access this information, which could be life-saving in certain situations.

Teach Your Family

Ensure that your family members or close friends know how to use the SOS feature on your iPhone. In case you are in a situation where you can’t make the call yourself, they can do it for you.

Local Regulations

Keep in mind that the regulations regarding the use of SOS may vary based on the country or region of residence. You must also familiarize yourself with the local laws and guidelines to use this feature correctly.

In Conclusion….

SOS on an iPhone is a crucial feature designed to help you during emergencies. Understanding what it means and how to use it correctly can make a significant difference when it matters most. 

By following the steps to trigger SOS, resolving common issues, and using it responsibly, you can ensure that this feature serves its purpose effectively and efficiently. Moreover, your iPhone becomes not just a handy device, but also a potential lifesaver.