Emergencies can strike without a moment’s notice. Apple, a leader in the smartphone industry constantly innovating, ensured you’re never caught unprepared with the introduction of the Emergency SOS feature on iPhones. But what happens when you accidentally trigger this feature when it’s not an emergency? Let’s delve into it.
The Emergency SOS Feature Explained
First introduced with iOS 11, the Emergency SOS feature is designed to silently dial emergency services when you’re unable to do so physically or verbally. With an uncomplicated press of the side button five times in rapid succession, your iPhone will automatically call the local emergency services, even if you do not take further actions.
The Accidental Call
Now, what if you accidentally trigger the Emergency SOS call? It’s not an uncommon occurrence and one which Apple foresaw.
Once the call is made, you’ll get a prompt on the screen, allowing you to stop the call if pressed in error. It’s crucial not to panic in these moments and swiftly click on the ‘Stop’ option to end the call. Failure to do so could mean the inadvertent deployment of emergency services to your location – an affair nobody wants.
Potential Repercussions
In some areas, accidental emergency calls could have legal implications or could be deemed a misdemeanor. It can also take valuable resources and attention away from real emergencies occurring simultaneously, which is why it’s so important to cancel the call if you accidentally set it off.
Prevention is Key
The best course of action is to prevent accidental Emergency SOS calls, to begin with. You can do so by changing some settings on your iPhone. You can choose to turn off the “Auto-call” option in the Emergency SOS settings. This way, you’ll get an on-screen slider that requires a swipe to make the emergency call, reducing the chance of accidental triggers.
Key Takeaways
While the Emergency SOS feature is a valuable asset to have at your disposal during critical situations, it’s also important not to misuse it or trigger it unintentionally. Remember, false calls can divert crucial emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere. With the right knowledge and a little attention, we can make the most of our devices’ safety features and keep them from becoming an unintended nuisance.
The Emergency SOS feature was designed with the safety of iPhone users in mind. However, like all powerful tools, it needs to be used responsibly and wisely. By understanding how to control and manage this feature, iPhone users can ensure they’re prepared for emergencies without the risk of accidentally causing unnecessary mayhem.