How to set up Emergency SOS on Android

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Safety & emergency, then Emergency SOS, and tap Start setup. Pressing the power button five times quickly then starts the emergency actions you chose, including a call to the emergency number. Add emergency contacts and medical information on the same Safety & emergency page.

Emergency SOS calls for help with a button sequence you can do without looking at the phone. It can also share your location with people you trust and show your medical details on the lock screen.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsSecurity & privacyLocationSafety & emergencyPasswords & accounts

    Open Settings and tap Safety & emergency

    On Samsung: Settings, Safety and emergency.

  2. Safety & emergencyMedical informationEmergency contactsEmergency SOSCar crash detection

    Tap Emergency SOS, then Start setup

    Check the emergency number shown. Choose how the call starts: after you touch and hold the red circle for 3 seconds, or by itself after a countdown. You can also have it alert your emergency contacts.

  3. Add emergency contacts

    Go back and tap Emergency contacts, then Add contact. They can be called from the lock screen and can receive your location.

  4. Add medical information

    Tap Medical information and enter blood type, allergies and medication. Anyone can read it from the lock screen by tapping Emergency.

  5. Know how to use it

    Press the power button quickly five times or more. Depending on your choice, hold the red circle for 3 seconds or wait for the countdown, and the phone calls the emergency number. On Samsung, check the number of side button presses under Safety and emergency, Emergency SOS.

Good to know

Emergency SOS does not work in aeroplane mode or while Battery Saver is on.

If you trigger it by accident, cancel during the countdown. If the call has already connected, stay on the line and say it was a mistake.

Emergency sharing sends your live location to your emergency contacts. It stops by itself after 24 hours.

Car crash detection is available on Pixel phones and some others, in the same menu.

In short: Settings, Safety & emergency, Emergency SOS on. Press power five times to call.

Sources
  • Google Android Help: Get help in an emergency using your Android phone

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