We carry our phones everywhere, but most of us barely tap into the safety tools Apple quietly builds into every iPhone. While camera upgrades and new widgets get all the attention, the features that can actually protect you in a crisis are buried several layers deep in your settings. These tools are not flashy, but they can make all the difference when seconds matter. Here are the life-saving iPhone features you should activate before you ever need them.
1. The Emergency SOS Shortcut You Should Know by Heart
In a high-stress moment, you may not be able to unlock your phone or dial 911. That is where Emergency SOS comes in. On most iPhones, rapidly pressing the side button five times triggers an SOS call to local emergency services. Once the call ends, your phone automatically notifies your emergency contacts with your location. It continues sending updates for a short period if you move. It is discreet, fast, and works even if your phone is in your pocket. You can also enable Precise Location for Emergency Services, which helps dispatchers find you inside large buildings or remote areas.
2. Automatic Check-Ins That Alert Loved Ones
The Check In feature in Messages lets you share your expected arrival time with a trusted contact. If you do not reach your destination, your iPhone automatically alerts them. It shares key details like your location and battery level. This provides a simple digital safety net for late-night commutes, rideshares, or solo travel.
3. Turn Your Phone Into a Digital Medical ID
If you are unconscious or unable to speak, first responders need fast access to critical medical information. Your iPhone Medical ID remains accessible from the lock screen. It can display your allergies, medications, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. It takes less than two minutes to set up, and it is one of the most overlooked safety tools on the device.
4. Back Tap: A Hidden Shortcut for Quick Actions
Back Tap lets you trigger an action by tapping the back of your phone two or three times. You can set it to turn on your flashlight or activate a loud sound through a Shortcut. It is especially useful in dark parking lots or unfamiliar areas where you need quick access without fumbling through menus.
5. Safety Check for Regaining Control of Your Privacy
If you ever need to quickly cut off someone’s access to your location or shared accounts, Safety Check lets you reset permissions in seconds. Apple designed this for situations involving stalking, harassment, or domestic abuse. It gives you immediate control over who can see your information.
6. Emergency SOS via Satellite
Cell service is not guaranteed during road trips, hikes, or rural drives. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can contact emergency services via satellite when you are off the grid. Your phone guides you to point it toward the nearest satellite and send a short emergency message. It is not something you want to learn for the first time during a crisis, so Apple includes a built-in demo to practice.
Your iPhone Is More Than a Phone—It’s a Lifeline
These features cost nothing to set up, but failing to activate them could cost you precious time in an emergency. Take a few minutes today to turn your device into the safety tool it was designed to be. Which of these features were already on your radar, and which ones are you setting up now? Let’s help each other stay safe.
What to Read Next…
- Georgia Parents: The School Phone Ban Is Coming in July (Prepare Your Kids Now)
- 5 Places Stalkers Hide AirTags on Women’s Cars (Check the Wheel Wells First)
- 9 Personal Safety Habits Every Woman Should Strengthen Before Trusting Someone New
The post 6 Hidden Features on Your iPhone That Can Save Your Life in an Emergency appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
