The SOS feature on iPhones is a valuable safety tool that can quickly connect you with emergency services. However, there are times when you might accidentally trigger it or simply want to disable it temporarily. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to turn off the SOS feature on your iPhone.
Why Turn Off SOS:
While the SOS feature is designed to help in critical situations, it can also be inadvertently activated, causing unnecessary panic or inconvenience. Some users might find themselves triggering SOS accidentally, such as when the side button is pressed multiple times rapidly. If you want to prevent this from happening or disable the feature for a specific period, follow these steps.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Turn Off SOS on iPhone:
Method 1: Temporarily Disable SOS:
- Access Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Navigate to Emergency SOS: Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
- Disable Auto Call: Find the “Auto Call” option and toggle it off. This prevents your iPhone from automatically dialing emergency services when the side button and volume button are pressed simultaneously.
Method 2: Disable SOS from Lock Screen:
- Access Emergency SOS: From the lock screen, swipe right or press the side button five times rapidly to access the Emergency SOS slider.
- Cancel the Call: Instead of sliding the SOS slider, tap on the “Cancel” button. This will stop the emergency call from being placed.
Method 3: Adjust Side Button Behavior:
- Go to Settings: Launch the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Accessibility: Scroll down and select “Accessibility.”
- Choose Side Button: Under the “Touch” section, tap on “Side Button.”
- Change Presses: You can choose between different options for the number of button presses required to activate SOS. Select “None” to completely disable the feature.
Method 4: Disable SOS on Apple Watch:
- Access the Watch App: Open the “Watch” app on your paired iPhone.
- Go to My Watch: Tap on “My Watch” at the bottom of the screen.
- Select General: Tap on “General” and then choose “Emergency SOS.”
- Toggle Off SOS: Turn off the “Hold to Auto Call” option. This prevents your Apple Watch from automatically making the emergency call when the side button is held down.
While the SOS feature on iPhones is undoubtedly beneficial, there are times when you might want to turn it off temporarily or prevent accidental activations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily disable the SOS feature on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Remember that you can always re-enable it when you feel the need for its emergency capabilities again. Stay in control of your device’s functions and ensure a smooth user experience.