How to Make an Emergency Call on iPhone

Accessing Emergency Features on iPhones

In critical situations, it may become necessary to utilize an iPhone – either one that is locked and belonging to another person, or your own device when it’s inaccessible – to request assistance.

Apple has integrated features designed to address these scenarios. These include an emergency dialing keypad and the capability to initiate emergency calls through Siri, provided the voice assistant is enabled and configured for hands-free operation.

Using the Emergency Dial Pad

The iPhone provides a dedicated emergency keypad that can be accessed even when the device is locked. This allows individuals to directly dial emergency numbers without needing to unlock the phone.

Siri for Emergency Calls

If hands-free operation is required, or the device is out of reach, Siri can be used to place an emergency call. Ensure Siri is activated and set up for “Hey Siri” functionality for optimal use.

Location Information Considerations

It’s important to be aware that relying on cell phone location tracking during emergencies can be unreliable. Therefore, be prepared to provide supplementary details regarding your location to emergency responders.

Location tracking for emergency services isn't always precise, and providing additional information can significantly aid in a swift and accurate response.

Further Information

For more detailed information regarding the limitations of location tracking when dialing 911 on a cell phone or VoIP service, refer to related resources.

Initiating an Emergency Call via the Keypad on iPhones

iPhones are equipped with a feature allowing access to a keypad for emergency situations, functioning even when the device is secured with a passcode. To access this, simply swipe right on the welcome screen to reveal the emergency options.

Following this, select "Emergency" located in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Using the Emergency Keypad

The keypad that appears can be utilized to dial the designated emergency number for your current location. Notably, the "Emergency call" label at the top dynamically adjusts to display the phrase in various languages.

As a security protocol, this keypad is restricted to emergency dialing only. Attempts to contact non-emergency numbers will be unsuccessful.

The display will then indicate "Emergency calls only," confirming the restriction.

Utilizing Siri for Emergency Calls

Emergency calls can be initiated through Siri on your iPhone. Provided Siri is enabled on the lock screen, voice commands can be used to place calls even when the device is locked. Furthermore, hands-free operation via "Hey Siri" proves particularly beneficial when physical access to the phone is limited or dialing is impossible.

Siri can be activated by either a prolonged press of the Home button or by voicing the "Hey Siri" command. Upon activation, a variety of instructions can be given. It’s important to note that "Dial" or "Phone" can be used interchangeably with "Call" in the following commands.

"Call 911": While 911 is the standard emergency number in the United States, it’s crucial to use the appropriate emergency services number for your current location. In certain regions, Siri intelligently identifies the correct number even when "911" is specified, but this functionality isn't universal.
"Call Emergency Services": This command ensures connection to the correct emergency number based on your geographical location.
"Call the Police" or "Call the Cops": Using either of these phrases will connect you to the standard emergency services number for the country you are in.
"Call the Fire Department": This instruction will also result in a connection to the standard emergency services number for your current location.
"Call an Ambulance": Siri will initiate a call to the standard emergency services number in your country when this command is given.

Upon issuing a command, Siri will immediately initiate the call without requesting confirmation. Cancellation is possible within a five-second window, but requires tapping the 'Cancel' button on the screen. Voice cancellation is not supported.

Making emergency calls on an iPhone is a simple process, even when the device is secured with a lock. While it is hoped this functionality will remain unused, possessing this knowledge can be invaluable in critical situations.