How to Stop Your Phone from Calling 911 by Accident

Calling emergency services like 911 can be alarming and potentially tie up emergency resources. Here are some practical steps you can take to prevent your phone from dialling 911 unintentionally:

  1. Disable Emergency SOS Features

IPhone and Android phones have emergency SOS features that can be triggered accidentally. Here’s how to adjust these settings:

  • iPhone:
    • Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
    • Toggle off Auto Call. This will prevent your phone from automatically dialling 911 when you press the power button multiple times.
    • Adjust Call with Side Button settings to avoid accidental activation.
  • Android:
    • Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency (or similar, depending on your device).
    • Disable quick access settings for emergency calls, such as pressing the power button multiple times.
  1. Change Lock Screen Settings

Sometimes, emergency calls can be made from the lock screen. Adjusting your lock screen settings can help prevent this:

  • iPhone:
    • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
    • Please scroll down and toggle off Emergency SOS to prevent it from being accessed from the lock screen.
  • Android:
    • Go to Settings > Lock Screen.
    • Disable the emergency call button or adjust settings to make it less accessible from the lock screen.
  1. Use a Secure Case

A phone case that covers the buttons can prevent accidental presses that might trigger an emergency call. Look for cases with button covers or harder-to-press button designs.

  1. Avoid Pocket Dials

To prevent accidental pocket dials:

  • Use a Screen Lock: Ensure your phone is locked before putting it in your pocket.
  • Screen Sensitivity: Adjust the screen sensitivity settings if your phone supports this feature, making it less likely to register accidental touches.
  1. Check Accessibility Settings
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Accessibility features can sometimes trigger emergency calls. Review these settings to ensure they are not causing accidental dials:

  • iPhone:
    • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side Button.
    • Adjust the clock speed to reduce accidental triggers.
  • Android:
    • Go to Settings > Accessibility.
    • Review settings for gestures or shortcuts that might lead to accidental emergency calls.
  1. Regularly Update Your Phone

Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help prevent accidental calls. Ensure your phone’s operating system and apps are up to date.

  1. Use Apps for Call Management

Some third-party apps can help manage and prevent accidental calls. Look for reputable call management apps that offer features like confirming calls before they are placed.

  1. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding how your phone’s emergency features work can help prevent accidental calls. Share this knowledge with family members, especially children or elderly relatives who might not be familiar with the technology.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your phone accidentally dialling 911, ensuring that emergency services remain available for those needing them.

Can You Block a Phone from Calling 911?

Blocking a phone from calling 911 is not advisable and is generally impossible due to legal and safety reasons. Emergency services like 911 are critical for public safety, and ensuring they can be accessed quickly and easily is essential. However, there are ways to minimize accidental calls without completely blocking the ability to dial 911.

How Do I Make My Phone Not Call 911?

To reduce the risk of accidentally calling 911, you can adjust your phone’s settings and take certain precautions. Here’s how:

  1. Disable Emergency SOS Features:
    • iPhone:
      • Go to Settings > Emergency SOS.
      • Toggle off Auto Call to prevent the phone from automatically dialling 911 when the side button is pressed multiple times.
      • Adjust settings to disable Call with Side Button.
    • Android:
      • Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency (or similar).
      • Disable quick access features for emergency calls, like pressing the power button multiple times.
  2. Adjust Lock Screen Settings:
    • iPhone:
      • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
      • Toggle off Emergency SOS to prevent access from the lock screen.
    • Android:
      • Go to Settings > Lock Screen.
      • Adjust settings to remove or hide the emergency call button from the lock screen.
  3. Use a Secure Case:
    • Invest in a phone case that covers the buttons to prevent accidental presses.
  4. Prevent Pocket Dials:
    • Always lock your phone before putting it in your pocket.
    • Adjust screen sensitivity settings if available to reduce accidental touches.
  5. Review Accessibility Settings:
    • iPhone:
      • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side Button.
      • Adjust click speed to reduce accidental triggers.
    • Android:
      • Go to Settings > Accessibility.
      • Check for any gestures or shortcuts that might cause accidental emergency calls.
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How to Block 911 on Android?

Directly blocking 911 on any phone, including Android, is generally impossible or recommended due to the critical nature of emergency services. However, you can reduce the likelihood of accidental calls by:

  1. Disabling Quick Access Features:
    • Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency (or similar).
    • Disable features like pressing the power button multiple times to dial emergency services.
  2. Adjusting Lock Screen Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Lock Screen.
    • Remove or hide the emergency call button from the lock screen.
  3. Using a Protective Case:
    • Use a case that covers the buttons to prevent accidental presses.
  4. Implementing a Strong Lock Screen:
    • Ensure your phone is always locked when not in use to avoid accidental dials.

What Does 911 Do If You Accidentally Call Them?

If you accidentally call 911, here’s what typically happens:

  1. Do Not Hang Up Immediately:
    • If you realize you’ve accidentally called 911, do not hang up. Please stay on the line and inform the operator that it was an accidental call. This helps them understand that there is no emergency and prevents them from dispatching emergency responders unnecessarily.
  2. Provide Information:
    • The operator may ask for your name, location, and a brief explanation of what happened. Providing clear and concise information helps them verify that there is no actual emergency.
  3. Verification:
    • Sometimes, the operator may ask additional questions to ensure no hidden emergency. This is a standard procedure to confirm that everything is indeed okay.
  4. Follow-up:
    • If you hang up before speaking to an operator, they might call you back to verify your safety. If they cannot reach you, emergency services may be dispatched to your location to ensure everything is alright.
  5. Avoid Repeated Accidents:
    • Repeated accidental calls can be problematic, as they tie up emergency resources. Taking steps to adjust your phone settings can help prevent future accidental calls.
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By following these guidelines and making appropriate adjustments to your phone settings, you can minimize the chances of accidentally calling 911 while ensuring that you still have access to emergency services when needed.

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