How to Disable SOS on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide
SOS features on smartphones are designed to get help quickly in emergencies—but they can also trigger accidentally during daily use. If you're looking to turn off SOS functionality on your device, the process varies depending on your phone type and operating system. Here's how to navigate your options. 📱
What Is SOS and Why You Might Disable It
SOS mode is an emergency feature built into most smartphones that allows you to quickly call emergency services or alert your emergency contacts with a single action. On iPhones, it's typically activated by pressing the side button and volume button simultaneously. On Android devices, the method varies by manufacturer.
Many people—particularly seniors or those prone to accidental button presses—may want to disable or restrict SOS to prevent unintended emergency calls. Others might disable it temporarily during travel or when the phone will be in a pocket or bag where buttons could be pressed accidentally.
Understanding your device's specific implementation is the first step, since SOS settings are not universal across all phones.
Disabling SOS on iPhone
For iPhone XS and Newer Models (Including iPhone 14, 15, and Beyond)
- Open Settings on your home screen
- Navigate to Emergency SOS
- Toggle off "Call with Side Button" (this removes the automatic call feature when you press the side button and volume button together)
- You can keep the remaining emergency contact options active if desired
Note: Disabling "Call with Side Button" prevents automatic emergency calls, but you can still manually dial emergency services through the Phone app or by using Siri.
For Older iPhone Models (iPhone 8 and Earlier)
- Open Settings
- Go to Emergency SOS
- Toggle off "Auto Call" to prevent automatic dialing
- You may still see the SOS slider, but it won't automatically connect without your deliberate action
Additional iPhone SOS Options
- Emergency SOS via satellite (iPhone 14 Pro and newer): Can be toggled separately in Settings > Emergency SOS
- Medical ID sharing during emergencies: Can be customized or disabled in the Health app
- Emergency contacts: You can remove specific contacts while keeping others
Disabling SOS on Android Devices
Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Open Settings
- Search for "Emergency SOS" or navigate to Advanced features (varies by model)
- Disable the feature or toggle off "Emergency SOS messages"
- Some models allow you to disable the power button shortcut separately
Other Android Manufacturers (Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, etc.)
Android doesn't have a universal SOS system, so steps vary widely:
- Google Pixel: Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency SOS (toggle off)
- OnePlus: Settings > Safety > Emergency information
- Motorola: Settings > Safety > Emergency information
Check your specific device's Settings menu or search "Emergency SOS" to locate the feature.
Key Distinctions to Understand
| What You're Disabling | What Still Works | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-call to emergency services | Manual 911 dialing | You can still reach help—it requires deliberate action |
| SOS button shortcut | Siri voice commands ("Call 911") | Emergency contact still reachable via other methods |
| Emergency SOS alerts to contacts | Direct phone calls | You maintain other emergency communication channels |
Important Considerations Before Disabling SOS
Safety trade-off: Disabling SOS reduces the risk of accidental emergency calls, but it also removes a quick-access safety feature if you experience a genuine emergency and need help immediately. Consider whether the risk of accidental activation outweighs the benefit of instant access.
Alternative approaches instead of full disabling:
- Use a protective case with raised edges that prevent button presses
- Enable screen lock settings that require additional steps before emergency dialing
- Lock your phone regularly so buttons won't activate features in a pocket or bag
- Add emergency contacts to your Medical ID or Health app for context if you do call 911
For seniors specifically: If accidental SOS calls are a concern but emergency access is important, discuss with family members whether a modified approach (like disabling auto-call but keeping the feature active) might serve you better than full removal.
Restoring SOS if You Change Your Mind
Re-enabling SOS is straightforward: return to the same Settings menu and toggle the feature back on. Your emergency contacts and settings will remain intact.
The right choice depends on your personal risk profile. Some people benefit from the quick-access feature; others find the accidental-activation risk too high. Evaluate your actual usage pattern and whether alternative safeguards (like a protective case) might address the problem without sacrificing emergency access entirely.
