Lifehack: this is how you set the SOS function in case of emergency

Of course, you think you’ll never need it, but if you’re in an emergency, it’s good to be able to get help quickly. Prepare your phone to send SOS with these tips.

Most modern telephones are equipped with an SOS system. This allows you to call for help with a hotkey combination.

You can also call 112 if you cannot look at your screen. You can also tell your friends or family. You can even automatically send your location so your contacts know where to find you.

SOS on iOS

If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, you’ll find this option in the settings under Emergency SOS Notification. Here you can choose how the emergency signal sounds: by pressing the side button five times in quick succession, or by pressing and holding the side button and volume button.

Both options begin a countdown and trigger an alarm. If you don’t break the clock, your smartphone will then call 112.

To add your friends or family as an emergency contact, go to the “Health” app and tap your profile picture. There, go from “Medical ID” to “Edit” and tap the plus sign under your SOS contacts to add someone from your contact list.

After calling the emergency services via the SOS signal, these emergency contacts will receive a text message with your location. They get an update every time you move. This way they can find you or share your location with the police.

SOS on Android

On Android phones, it’s a bit more complicated, as is often the case. Where exactly you will find the SOS settings depends on the brand and type of smartphone. Some older devices may not have this option. In that case you need an app from the Play Store (search for ‘SOS’).

You will most likely find SOS features in your settings. Do you own one of the popular Samsung phones? Then go to the settings for “Security and Emergencies”. Here you can enable the “Send SOS messages” option.

You then have the option to add contacts to your emergency numbers. These emergency numbers are automatically alerted when you press the power button three or four times. You can also choose to send a piece of photo and audio. On some Android phones, you’ll also find the option to call emergency services by pressing the button five times in quick succession.

Emergency contacts also allow you to add contacts that you can call anytime, even if your phone is locked. You can also enter important information about yourself in the “Medical Information” section, such as your blood type or allergies. This means that emergency services can still access your data in the event of an emergency, even if you cannot unlock your phone yourself.