Simple key combination for emergency call SOS and emergency passport on the iPhone

If you need to make an emergency call quickly from your iPhone, you can find the relevant option using a key combination. This can also be used from the lock screen and does not require unlocking with Face ID or Touch ID. Incidentally, your emergency pass can also be called up on the same display if you have set it up. In addition, the whole thing has another advantage: After pressing the key combination, no Touch ID or Face ID is accepted, only the unlock code. In some situations, this can help prevent others from accidentally giving access to iPhone.

Key combination for emergency call SOS and emergency passport on the iPhone

The key combination itself is quite simple: you press on the iPhone (from iPhone 8 and iPhone X from 2017) simultaneously the side tests on the right and one of the volume buttons on the left for a few seconds. So it's the same procedure as with a screenshot, except that you don't just press the keys briefly for the screenshot, but hold them down a little longer. 

To then make an emergency call, you drag the "Emergency SOS" slider from left to right. If you cannot operate the display in your emergency situation, continue to hold the side button and a volume button. This triggers a countdown after which an emergency call is automatically started. After the call, an SMS will be sent to emergency contacts with the current location of the device.

Make an emergency call and call up an emergency pass on an iPhone 7 or older

If you are using an iPhone 7 or an even older Apple smartphone, you can of course also call up the screen described above. For that she will Side button or the button on the top of the smartphone quickly five times in a row. Due to legal regulations in India, for devices sold there, the buttons only need to be quickly pressed three times to display the emergency and similar functions. 

Prevent unlock by Face ID or Touch ID

Do you look briefly at your iPhone to see the time (or from iOS 16 different widgets) on the lock screen, then the device could be unlocked directly via Face ID. If you then put it down without turning off the display, it will remain unlocked for a short time. This opens up the possibility for others – both curious kids and thieves – to grab the phone and access the content. 

To prevent accidental or forced unlocking, you can also use the key combination described above. Because if you bring up the power off and emergency call screen by holding the side button and a volume button or by pressing the side button five times, you then have to enter the unlock code to unlock the iPhone. Apple provides more information about the function, the emergency call, the emergency passport, emergency contacts and more in the support document HT208076. Be sure to check it out!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.