👐 I Accidentally Called SOS On Samsung Phone What’s Gonna Happen? 📵
Have you ever accidentally triggered the emergency SOS call feature on your Samsung Galaxy device? You’re not alone. Read on to learn what happens when you inadvertently activate the SOS call, and how to prevent pocket dials to 911.
You Accidentally Call SOS – Now What Happens?
You’re rushing to silence a call during an important meeting and – whoops! – you’ve activated the emergency call function by pressing the power button multiple times. An extremely loud, jarring alarm starts blaring as your Samsung’s screen displays the emergency call menu.
Your initial reaction is panic as your heart races. You hurriedly try to cancel the call by tapping the on-screen button. Luckily, you’re able to stop it before the call connects fully.
The 911 Call Back
However, soon after your accidental SOS call, you receive a call back from 911. Though embarrassing, you explain to the operator that you pocket dialed emergency services and confirm there is no actual emergency. The 911 responder is understanding and shares that this occurs more often than people realize.
Emergency Personnel Still May Be Dispatched
Even though you were able to cancel the call quickly, emergency services may still dispatch police to your location. This is just to visually confirm that you are safe and not under any duress. Having to explain an accidental SOS call to police at your home or workplace is less than ideal.
Your Phone Sends Important Details During an SOS Call
When emergency services receive an SOS call from a Samsung device, it automatically transmits your location details to them. The 911 operator may also be able to access any photos, audio recordings, or videos stored on your phone.
So even if you are able to promptly clarify the call was an error, the emergency personnel will still have a trove of information about you and your whereabouts. This is critical for them to provide aid during real crisis situations.
How to Prevent Accidental SOS Calls
After an anxiety-inducing accidental Samsung SOS call, you’ll probably want to prevent any repeats. Here’s how to disable the auto emergency call feature:
- Open Settings and tap on Safety and emergency.
- Select Emergency calls.
- Turn off Auto call emergency services.
While the SOS function can be a lifesaver during true emergencies, pocket dials do happen. Disabling the auto-call is recommended to avoid inadvertent 911 calls. If you ever need emergency help, you can always dial 911 manually.
Takeaways From an Accidental SOS Experience
Being on the receiving end of an accidental SOS call is unsettling. But it also provides valuable insights about how these emergency features work on our ubiquitous mobile devices. Smartphones play many roles in our lives, including rescuer during crisis situations. However, just like any powerful tool, you must handle safety features carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Let your embarrassing pocket dial serve as a lesson in responsibly managing the amazing technology we all carry around!
Here are 5 frequently asked questions and answers about accidentally calling SOS on a Samsung phone, including details on the 5 second window to cancel:
FAQs About Accidental Samsung SOS Calls
Q: How do I accidentally trigger an SOS call on my Samsung?
A: Samsung phones are programmed to dial emergency services if you press the power button 3 times quickly. This activates the auto SOS call feature.
Q: What happens after I accidentally dial SOS?
A: You’ll have 5 seconds to cancel the call by tapping the on-screen button before it connects. If you don’t cancel in time, 911 will be dialed and personnel may be dispatched.
Q: Will 911 call me back after an accidental SOS?
A: Yes, you’ll likely receive a call back from 911 to verify you are safe, even if you canceled the initial call. Explain it was an error.
Q: What info does my phone send during an SOS call?
A: It automatically sends your location details. 911 operators may also access any photos, videos, or audio recordings on your device.
Q: How do I prevent accidental SOS calls?
A: You can disable the auto SOS feature in Settings > Safety and Emergency > Emergency Calls. Turn off “Auto call emergency services.”