People are just realising iPhone has hidden life-saving must-know tricks – and they’re totally free

zinghayLast Updated: August 4, 2024

2 minutes read

Unlock Your iPhone’s Life-Saving Secrets: Free Features You Need to Know About

Every iPhone user should be aware of the life-saving features built into their device. By simply activating the right settings, you can potentially save yourself or someone else in an emergency. Let’s dive into some must-know tricks that could mean the difference between life and death.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to activate these potentially life-saving features! We’ll guide you through setting them up and using them effectively.

Emergency Contacts: A Lifeline in Times of Need

Setting up Emergency Contacts on your iPhone is an absolute must. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that loved ones are notified and can help in an emergency.

Your iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature allows you to quickly call emergency services, but the Emergency Contacts feature takes it a step further. Here’s how it works:

• Instant Notification: After an emergency call ends, your iPhone automatically sends a text message to your Emergency Contacts, alerting them of the situation.
• Location Sharing: Your current location is shared with your Emergency Contacts, providing them with vital information to assist you.
• Location Updates: If your location changes, your Emergency Contacts will receive updates, giving them peace of mind and ensuring they can locate you.

Setting Up Emergency Contacts

Setting up Emergency Contacts is a quick and straightforward process:

1. Open the Health app.
2. Tap on your profile picture.
3. Select “Medical ID” and then “Edit”.
4. Scroll down to “Emergency Contacts”.
5. Add your desired Emergency Contacts.

Activating Emergency SOS: The “Five Click” Trick

Once you’ve set up your Emergency Contacts, you’ll need to know how to activate Emergency SOS. There are two methods:

1. Method 1: “Five Click” Trick
   • Press the side or top button five times in quick succession.
   • This will bring up the Emergency SOS slider.
2. Method 2: Hold and Press
   • On iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the side button and one volume button simultaneously.
   • The Emergency SOS slider will appear.

Once the slider appears, drag it to initiate the emergency call.

Customizing Emergency SOS Settings

You can customize how Emergency SOS functions within your iPhone’s settings:

1. Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
2. Choose your preferred method for calling emergency services.
3. Enable or disable the automatic call feature, which will automatically dial emergency services after a countdown if you hold down the buttons for a specified duration.

Medical ID: Sharing Vital Health Information

In addition to Emergency Contacts, Apple has a feature called Medical ID, which allows you to share critical health information with first responders in case of an emergency.

Medical ID can display vital information like allergies, medical conditions, medications, and who to contact in case of an emergency. This information can be crucial for first responders to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care.

Setting Up Medical ID

Setting up Medical ID is easy:

1. Open the Health app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Tap “Medical ID”.
4. Select “Edit” and then activate “Show When Locked”.
5. Enable “Share During Emergency Call” (this feature is currently available only in the US).
6. Enter all of your relevant health information.
7. Tap “Done”.

With Medical ID activated, first responders can access this vital information directly from your iPhone’s lock screen, even if they don’t have your passcode.

Staying Safe and Prepared

Taking the time to set up Emergency Contacts and Medical ID on your iPhone can make a significant difference in an emergency situation. These free, easy-to-use features can provide a crucial lifeline for you or someone you know. Don’t delay – activate these features today and be prepared for any eventuality.