How to customize or disable Emergency SOS on the Apple Watch

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in Apple Watch edited October 2020
Emergency SOS can be a lifesaver, literally, but it can also be relatively easy to trigger on accident. We take a look at how to configure, and disable, the Apple Watch's emergency feature.




If you are ever in an emergency situation, you can simply hold down the side button of your Apple Watch and it will automatically call emergency services for you. It will choose the correct emergency services number based on your location, and once the emergency call ends, a text alert with your location will be sent to your emergency contacts.

Sounds handy if you are in a dire situation, but if you trigger it inadvertently, it can also be a hassle. Before we look at how to customize and disable Emergency SOS, let's take a look at how it works.

Invoking Emergency SOS on Apple Watch

There are two different ways to trigger Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch. The first is by holding the side button for three seconds, then sliding the red "SOS" button to the right.

The second is by holding the side button for three seconds, then continuing to hold it until you see a countdown and hear an alarm, at which point, the emergency call will be placed.

If you accidentally trigger a call, be it by accidentally swiping the wrong slider, or holding the side button too long, fret not. If you are quick, the emergency call can be canceled by firmly pressing on the display and confirming you'd like to end the call.

Once you finish a call with emergency services, a text will be sent to all of your emergency contacts. The text will contain your GPS location, even if location services were turned off.

Customizing emergency contacts

One thing you may want to do is add (or remove) emergency contacts.

To add an emergency contact:



  • Open the Health app on your iPhone.

  • Tap on the Medical ID tab along the bottom.

  • Tap Edit located in the top right corner.

  • Then tap the green + circle that says "add emergency contact".

  • Choose a person from your list of contacts, and choose their relationship to you.

Removing a contact is even easier; simply tap the red - button next to an existing emergency contact.

Disabling Emergency SOS

One of the easiest ways to accidentally trigger Emergency SOS is by holding the side button for too long.

If you prefer to trigger Emergency SOS manually via the slider, you can easily disable Hold to Auto Call.

To do so:



  • Launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

  • Choose General under the My Watch tab.

  • Select Emergency SOS.

  • Slide the toggle to the left for Hold to Auto Call. Black means it is disabled, and green signifies it is enabled.

Emergency SOS is a great feature to have. Understanding how it works and how to customize it is important if you ever trigger it without the need.

A good thing to remember, if you do ever call emergency services like 911 by accident, explain the situation to the operator. If you simply hang up on them, they are still required to send emergency personnel to your location, wasting valuable resources and not responding to real emergencies.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    GeorgeBMacGeorgeBMac Posts: 11,421member
    Apple needs to exploit this function with some "I've fallen and I can't get up" ads...
    For decades seniors living alone have relied on expensive, bulky obtrusive LifeLine type devices that too often weren't there when they needed them.

    The Apple Watch is simple, unobtrusive -- and can provide services beyond simply calling emergency help.  For instance, it could be used to trigger medication reminders...

    And, since it can be put on in the morning and worn all day -- even in the shower -- it is superior to any product previously available.
    ... But, people have to know about it and its wondrous abilities!
    caladanianpscooter63
  • Reply 2 of 4
    Tower72Tower72 Posts: 22unconfirmed, member
    This happened to me the first night I had my watch. My hands were cold so I put them under my legs. Next thing I know I hear someone talking to me, and couldnt figure out where it was coming from. Looked at my watch and it was the 911 operator. After explaining what happened, I had to wait for the cop to arrive to check everything out, was given a warning, and when she left she told me it happens more then she cares to admit. While that made me feel alittle better, it also angered me that if it happens again, I will get a ticket.
  • Reply 3 of 4
    GeorgeBMacGeorgeBMac Posts: 11,421member
    Tower72 said:
    This happened to me the first night I had my watch. My hands were cold so I put them under my legs. Next thing I know I hear someone talking to me, and couldnt figure out where it was coming from. Looked at my watch and it was the 911 operator. After explaining what happened, I had to wait for the cop to arrive to check everything out, was given a warning, and when she left she told me it happens more then she cares to admit. While that made me feel alittle better, it also angered me that if it happens again, I will get a ticket.
    The only way that can physically happen is if the watch is positioned so low on the wrist that it's almost on the hand rather than on the wrist.   But even then, I've tried that and still cannot cause it to press that button accidentally.
  • Reply 4 of 4
    appledude77appledude77 Posts: 16member
    It's definitely a little hard to manage, but I'm embarrassed to say I've managed to do it too. I don't necessarily think the Apple Watch should change because of that though-- I think I'd rather have it be easily accessible in an emergency and have to be more careful about accidentally pressing it, then having it be harder to accidentally press and then hard to use in an emergency...
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