The SOS button is a safety function that lets you send a pre-made custom SMS message or call the emergency services. Depending on whether you have a regular smartphone or a rugged phone, this feature is activated and used in different ways.
In this article, we’ll talk about the SOS button on phones, including how to use, activate, and disable it. Plus, we’ll mention some phones that incorporate this feature.
- What is the SOS Button?
- When to use the SOS Button
- How to program the SOS Button
- How to use the SOS Button
- Phones that incorporate the SOS Button
- How to disable the SOS Button
What Is the SOS Button?
Every phone has some sort of emergency function that can be very useful in unexpected emergency situations. For example, some rugged phones have an SOS button, while most smartphones don’t have a special designated key. Instead, you have to press and hold a combination of buttons to activate the SOS feature.
With Android and iPhone devices, turning on the SOS feature will allow you to call a local emergency number of your choice. For instance, you can choose whether you want to call an ambulance, the fire department, or the police. You even have the option to use this function to alert your emergency contacts or automatically send your location to your friends or family. The great thing about the SOS feature is that it can be customized in numerous ways. On iPhones, it even allows you to enter your medical ID by providing details about your allergies, blood type, height, weight, and more.
Rugged phones incorporate an SOS button for easier access. Once you press the button, you will send a custom SMS that you’re supposed to set up beforehand. The text message contains your current location, and it will be sent to your chosen emergency contacts. In most cases, you have the option to send the predefined text message to more contacts at once.
When to Use the SOS Button
This panic button is extremely convenient in emergency situations, allowing you to call for help when you’re hurt or in immediate danger. If you’re constantly on the road, or if you work in an outdoor environment in potentially hazardous conditions, you could definitely benefit from a phone with an SOS button.
For example, if you work in a warehouse, construction, law enforcement, or transportation, you never know when accidents will occur. If you’re into extreme sports, like rock climbing, cave diving, sailing, motocross, skydiving, windsurfing, and similar, you can potentially be injured in numerous ways.
Rugged phones are a better option in these scenarios as they won’t break so easily when dropped or impacted. What’s more, these toughened phones are resistant to vibrations, shock, water, and dust. They can even work perfectly fine in extremely hot and cold weather.
If you accidentally get hurt or incapacitated, all you need to do is press the SOS button on your phone. This is much more convenient than pressing a combination of buttons on your smartphone or pressing one button multiple times, and waiting for the emergency feature to be activated.
The SOS button is also more convenient for elderly people, who might not know how to use any complicated smartphone features.
How to Program the SOS Button
If you’re wondering how to enable the SOS button, it depends on the type of phone you have. Most phones with SOS buttons are designed to be activated in a relatively easy way. Before you even use the SOS feature, you must set it up.
This may include writing an SMS message that will automatically be sent when you press the SOS button. In some other cases, you can add emergency contacts or phone numbers of emergency services. These options can usually be found in your phone’s settings. If you want to be able to send your current location to your emergency contacts, make sure your location or the GPS feature is enabled on your phone.
If you want to customize the SOS feature on your iPhone, you have the option to add emergency contacts, call emergency services, turn on the “Auto Call” feature, and even set up your medical ID. When the automatic message is sent to your emergency contacts, they will also be notified that you called emergency services.
For CAT phones, which have a designated SOS button, you can create your emergency SMS message that will include your current whereabouts. This is done via the Location Alert app, which is installed on your device by default.
How to Use the SOS Button
Once again, how you use the SOS button depends on your phone’s operating system and overall specifications. To use the SOS feature on an iPhone, simply press and hold the power button and the volume up button at the same time. Then, tap on the “Emergency SOS” slider. If you have an iPhone 8 or a newer model, you can also press the power button five times to activate this feature.
On Android devices, activating the SOS feature will send your emergency contacts your current location. To do so, press the side key three times. For CAT phones, all you need to do is open the SOS button cover and press and hold the SOS button for 1.5 seconds. Keep in mind that you have to write down the message before you set up this feature. You also need to choose your emergency contacts beforehand.
However, on CAT phones, to call emergency services, your device has to be unlocked. If you’re concerned that you won’t be able to unlock your phone in such situations, you have the option to set the “Long Display Sleep Time” feature. This way, your screen will be unlocked for a longer period of time, so you won’t have to worry about not being able to use the SOS button.
Phones That Incorporate the SOS Button
Just because a phone has an SOS button, doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily an outdated model with buttons instead of a touch screen. In fact, many modern phones come with SOS buttons.
Here are some of the best models to choose from:
CAT S62 Pro
This rugged smartphone has a PPT button that can be programmed to be the SOS button. The CAT S62 Pro is fully rugged, making it convenient for harsh working conditions and outdoor environments. What’s more, it’s resistant to impact and pressure, and it’s waterproof. You don’t even have to use a protective case for it. The SOS button is yellow, so you’ll spot it easily.
Spectralink Versity 9640
This device not only has one, but three buttons that can be programmed for the SOS feature. However, the red SOS button is already set up and situated on top of the screen. The Spectralink Versity 9640 is designed for various working conditions, ideal for warehouses, hospitals, and retail. Although it’s primarily intended for business, you can use it in virtually any environment.
CAT S42 H+
This is another rugged smartphone that incorporates the SOS button, which can be fully customized. The Cat S42 H+ is made from durable and sturdy materials, so it can withstand the toughest of environments. In other words, you would be able to call for help no matter where you are. In addition, this phone is resistant to water, dirt, vibrations, humidity, dust, and salt mist.
Samsung Xcover 4s
The Samsung Xcover 4s also has a button that you can adapt to your preferences. Although this device isn’t as rugged as a CAT phone, it’s still water-resistant and dustproof. It’s also weather-sealed, so it can be used in various conditions. The customizable button is located on the side of this distinctive orange phone.
How to Disable the SOS Button
Just like enabling, the process of disabling the SOS button depends on the phone you have. Typically, you would need to go to your phone’s settings and find the SOS feature. On some phones, it’s in the “Accessibility” tab.
On other devices, you can’t disable the SOS feature altogether, but you can program the button to be used for something else. That said, it’s highly recommended you don’t disable this emergency function, as it could end up saving your life. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Even if you press the SOS button by mistake on some phones, you can just press the button again to cancel the call. However, if it activates a predefined text message, you won’t be able to unsend it. If any emergency service answers the call, simply explain that it was a mistake.
Contact an Expert to Find a Phone With SOS Button
If you want to buy a phone that has an SOS button but you’re not sure where to start, the best thing you can do is reach out to professionals in this field. They will be able to tell you which phones with SOS features are best suited for your particular needs.
Energy Electronics has some high-quality phones on offer, which incorporate the SOS button. For example, if you’re interested in the CAT S62 Pro or the CAT S42 H+, we can give you a quote for single or bulk orders. In addition, we can help you make a decision on which phone works best for you.
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