Setting an emergency contact makes it simple to reach out to a spouse, trusted friend, or family member in the event of an emergency.
Because so many smartphone owners carry their phones all day long, it’s no surprise that manufacturers have developed phone emergency features. One example is the ability to set an emergency contact who will receive a call or notification if you (or someone who finds your device) activate the SOS feature. This feature can prove valuable for everyone from senior users to avid travelers, and beyond. Wondering how to set your emergency contacts? We’ll explain the steps below.
Quick answer: Emergency contacts let you call for help by pressing just a few buttons. You can usually set your contacts by accessing your phone’s settings, contacts, or health app.
For iOS users
Apple has made it easy to set your emergency contact on iPhone devices. Follow these steps to get started:
- Open the Health app that comes installed on every iPhone.
- Tap “Medical ID”.
- Here, you’ll be able to edit your emergency contacts and other important information.
- Activate the “Show When Locked” feature if you’d like your emergency contact information visible whenever your phone’s not in use.
If you don’t want your information on the lock screen, you can still activate the SOS feature on your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X device by pressing and holding the side button and a volume button. Drag the emergency slider when it appears to contact emergency services. Using an iPhone 7 or older? Activate SOS by pressing the side button five times.
For Android users
Android’s emergency features are designed with simplicity in mind.
Android’s emergency features are also designed with simplicity in mind. Here’s how to display your emergency contacts on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9.
- Open your Contacts app and tap “Groups.”
- Add contacts to the “ICE – emergency contacts” group.
- Lock your device, place your finger on the phone icon, and drag it toward the center of the screen.
- Tap “Emergency Call.” Then, tap the large plus sign to choose which contacts are shown on the home screen.
To activate the SOS feature, open your settings. Tap “Send SOS messages.” After you activate SOS messages, contacting emergency services is as simple as pressing your power button three times in a row.
Stay safe
Smartphones are convenient for many reasons – personal safety included. With a smartphone and affordable service from Tracfone, your essential contacts are just a call away in the event of a medical issue, auto accident, or other emergency situation.
Tracfone is a registered trademark of TracFone Wireless, Inc. Android, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
