Emergency SOS lets an Android phone quickly call emergency services and, on many models, alert selected contacts with location information. It is designed to work from a button shortcut instead of requiring you to unlock and dial manually.
These steps apply to Android 12 through Android 15 on Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, and similar phones.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want emergency calling set up before you need it, or if SOS keeps triggering by accident in a pocket or bag.
Set Up Emergency SOS
- Open Settings.
- Tap Safety and emergency.
- Tap Emergency SOS.
- Turn on Use Emergency SOS.
- Review the trigger method shown on your phone.
- Add emergency contacts from the same Safety and emergency area.
- Add emergency medical information such as allergies, conditions, medications, or blood type if you want first responders to see it from the lock screen.
Trigger Emergency SOS
Pixel and Many Stock Android Phones
- Press the Power button quickly five times or more.
- Watch for the countdown and alarm.
- Cancel if it was accidental.
- If not canceled, the phone calls emergency services and may message emergency contacts if configured.
Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Press the Side key three times quickly, unless you changed the trigger.
- Wait through the countdown or cancel if it was accidental.
- The phone can call emergency services and send SOS messages with location to selected contacts.
Prevent Accidental SOS Calls
If SOS triggers too easily, open Emergency SOS settings and turn off automatic calling if your phone allows it. The shortcut can then open the emergency screen without dialing until you confirm. Some phones also offer alternate trigger behavior.
Emergency Access Without Setup
Even if Emergency SOS is off, Android still lets you call emergency services from the lock screen. Tap Emergency call on the PIN or password screen, or use the phone icon if your lock screen shows one.
Related Safety Features
The same Safety and emergency menu may include car crash detection on supported Pixel or Samsung models, plus emergency information access from the lock screen. Availability depends on model, country, and carrier support.
Sources
- Google Support: Use Emergency SOS on Android
- Samsung Support: Set up and use SOS messages on Galaxy phones