How to Set Up Emergency Contacts for SOS on iPhone 12/12 Pro

Updated at: 11/06/2025

Knowing how to quickly alert emergency contacts during a crisis is crucial. This guide shows you how to effortlessly set up emergency contacts for the SOS feature on your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. We'll walk you through the simple steps to ensure your loved ones are notified immediately in an emergency. Don't wait until it's too late—take a few minutes to set up this life-saving feature today and gain peace of mind. Learn how to configure emergency contacts and utilize the SOS function effectively.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access Settings

    • Go to the home screen by swiping up from the bottom.
    • Tap on 'Settings'.
    Tap on 'Settings'. Tap on 'Settings'.
    Access Settings

  2. Navigate to Emergency SOS Settings

    • Tap on 'Emergency SOS'.
    • Tap on 'Setup Emergency Contacts'.
    Tap on 'Setup Emergency Contacts'. Tap on 'Setup Emergency Contacts'.
    Navigate to Emergency SOS Settings

  3. Create or Edit Medical ID

    • Tap on 'Create Medical ID' (if you don't have one already).
    • Fill in your medical information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications, allergies, blood type, weight, height, primary language).
    Fill in your medical information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications, allergies, blood type, weight, height, primary language). Fill in your medical information (name, date of birth, medical conditions, medications, allergies, blood type, weight, height, primary language).
    Create or Edit Medical ID

  4. Add Emergency Contacts

    • Tap on the 'Add' button to add emergency contacts.
    • Choose contacts from your list and select their relationship to you.
    Choose contacts from your list and select their relationship to you. Choose contacts from your list and select their relationship to you.
    Add Emergency Contacts

  5. Set Medical ID Visibility

    • Choose whether to show your Medical ID when the screen is locked.
    Choose whether to show your Medical ID when the screen is locked.
    Set Medical ID Visibility

  6. Save Changes

    • Tap 'Next' and then 'Done'.
    Tap 'Next' and then 'Done'.
    Save Changes
[RelatedPost]

Tips

  • Consider adding multiple emergency contacts with varying relationships.
  • If you choose to show your Medical ID when locked, anyone can access your information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Incorrect Contact Information

Reason: Typos in phone numbers or using outdated contact details can prevent emergency services from reaching the right person.
Solution: Double-check all contact information for accuracy and ensure the numbers are up-to-date.

2. Not Regularly Updating Emergency Contacts

Reason: Contact information changes frequently; neglecting updates means your SOS may not reach the intended person during an emergency.
Solution: Review and update your emergency contacts list at least annually, or whenever there's a significant life change.

FAQs

What happens when I activate SOS on my iPhone 12/12 Pro?
Activating SOS automatically dials emergency services and sends a text message to your emergency contacts with your location. It also shares your location with them for a period of time after the call ends. (Note: location sharing depends on your settings and network availability).
Can I add multiple emergency contacts?
Yes, you can add multiple emergency contacts to your iPhone. This ensures that several people are notified in case of an emergency.
What if my emergency contacts don't answer the phone?
Even if your contacts don't answer, the message containing your location will still be sent. They will receive a notification that you initiated an SOS call. You should also ensure they have your latest location via your shared location features outside of SOS.