In extreme cases, your life may just depend on your iPhone. These features protect you in an emergency situation.
An accident is in a small corner, so it’s smart to be well prepared with your iPhone. Important features can save lives in dangerous situations. Checking these settings will make sure your iPhone is ready for emergencies.
There are four settings you really want to check to make sure they are right. These settings can really make a difference in an emergency.
These iPhone features could literally save your life
With an iPhone in your pocket, you’ll be a lot safer during emergencies. That’s because of these four life-saving features. We’ll take a quick look at each of them with you.
#1 Feel safe with Check-ins
Last year, with the iOS 17 update, Apple added a handy feature called “Check-in. This feature automatically notifies a friend or family member when your iPhone has arrived somewhere.
If your iPhone doesn’t check in, your contact will be sent important information including your location, battery percentage and phone signal. Of course, you can choose what information is shared.
To send a Check-In, open the Messages app and start a chat or go to an existing conversation. Tap the plus sign, go to More, choose Check-In and tap Edit. Here you can set exactly what your Check-In should look like.
Cool colors. (Image: Apple)
#2 Accident detection
Another useful feature is Accident Detection. As the name suggests, this feature detects when you are involved in a car accident and helps you contact emergency services.
It is available on all iPhone 14 models or newer, as long as they have been updated to iOS 16 or higher. And it even works on newer Apple Watch models. Good news: the feature is enabled by default, so you don’t have to do anything at all.
#3 Medical ID on your iPhone
Medical ID may not be new, but it’s easy to overlook. It’s a place where you can add important information that comes in handy in emergencies. Think allergies, medical conditions and your emergency contacts.
This info can be displayed on your iPhone for emergency responders to easily access. To set it up, go to the Health app, tap your photo and then Medical ID. Be sure to update it regularly.
The medical ID (Image: Apple)
#4 SOS emergency notification
Built into iPhone 14 and newer, this feature lets you contact emergency services. Even if you don’t have mobile signal. The feature works via satellite, so you don’t need Wifi or mobile network.
If you try to make a call without a signal, your iPhone will look for a satellite connection. Make sure you are outside and have a good view of the sky and horizon. It may take a while, from a few seconds to even a minute, before you are connected.
A good tip is to get used to the feature before you really need it. Try the official demo by going to Settings > SOS emergency notification. That way you’ll learn how to make a satellite connection so you’ll be ready if you ever need it.