iPhone Stuck in SOS Mode? : Deactivate Emergency SOS (2023 Guide)

This guide provides a thorough walkthrough on managing and troubleshooting the Emergency SOS feature available on iPhone. Whether you’re looking to understand how the feature works, prevent accidental activations, or find solutions when your iPhone gets stuck in SOS mode, this article has you covered.

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Understanding Emergency SOS on iPhone 13

Emergency SOS is a vital safety feature on the iPhone 13, designed for quick and efficient connection to emergency services. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions and its potential for accidental activation:

Quick and Efficient Access to Help

Immediate Connection: Initiate a call to emergency services by quickly pressing the side button five times or holding the side button along with the volume button continuously.

Automatic Countdown: Once activated, a short countdown begins, accompanied by an alert sound, giving users a moment to cancel if the call was triggered accidentally..

Potential for Accidental Activation

Sensitive Trigger: The feature’s design for quick access can lead to accidental activations, especially when the side button is pressed unintentionally in a pocket or bag.

Unintended Emergency Calls: These accidental activations can lead to unintended emergency calls, causing distress for the user and potentially diverting resources from actual emergencies.

Despite its sensitivity, Emergency SOS is invaluable in emergencies, providing a fast method to call for help.

How to Disable Emergency SOS Activation via Side Button

To prevent accidental activations of Emergency SOS, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Emergency SOS.”
3. Find the “Call with Hold and Release” or “Call with 5 Button Presses” option and toggle it off.

By disabling this option, you prevent your iPhone from automatically dialing emergency services when the side button is pressed continuously.

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Troubleshooting: When Your iPhone is Stuck in SOS Mode

If your iPhone is unresponsive or stuck in SOS mode, a force restart may be necessary. Follow these model-specific instructions:

For iPhone 8 and Later (Including iPhone X, XR, XS, 11, 12, and 13)

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo, then release the button.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

1. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake (Side/Top) button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

For iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and Earlier Models (Including iPhone SE 1st Generation)

1. Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake (Side/Top) button at the same time.
2. Keep holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, then release them.

Restore Your iPhone Using iTunes

If a force restart doesn’t resolve the issue, try restoring your iPhone using iTunes. Remember, this will delete everything on your device, but iTunes will create a backup for restoration:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes.
3. Click the Device button, then “Summary.”
4. Click “Restore” and follow the onscreen instructions.

Ensure you have backed up your data before proceeding.

What to Do After a Force Restart

• Check for Recurrence: Monitor your iPhone to see if the issue persists.
• Update iOS: Ensure your device runs the latest iOS version to prevent future issues.

Conclusion

The Emergency SOS feature is a vital safety tool on the iPhone, but it can sometimes lead to accidental activations or system issues. By following the guidelines and troubleshooting steps provided in this article, you can resolve issues related to SOS mode and ensure your device functions smoothly.