Emergency SOS: How to set up alerts and calling on iPhone and Android amid India-Pakistan conflict

In times of geopolitical tension, such as the current strain between India and Pakistan, staying connected and informed becomes critically important. Whether you're in an affected area or want to ensure your loved ones can reach you in an emergency, activating your phone’s emergency messaging and alerts features is a smart precaution. Both Android and iPhone offer built-in tools that allow users to quickly notify contacts, share real-time location, request help, and receive critical government-issued emergency alerts. This guide will walk you through how to enable and use these life-saving features on your device.

How to turn on emergency alerts on iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app
Locate and tap on the Settings icon on your iPhone's home screen.

2. Scroll down and tap on “Notifications”
This section manages all your alert preferences, including emergency and government alerts.

3. Scroll to the bottom
Keep scrolling down past your app list until you see the section titled Government Alerts (in some regions, this may be titled differently, like Emergency Alerts).

4. Toggle on the alerts you want to receive
You’ll see options like:

• Emergency Alerts
• AMBER Alerts
• Public Safety Alerts

How to turn on emergency alerts on Android

1. Open the Settings app
Tap on the Settings icon from your home screen or app drawer.

2. Tap on “Safety & emergency”
(If you don’t see this, try searching “Emergency alerts” in the Settings search bar.)

3. Select “Wireless emergency alerts”
This may also appear under Advanced, More settings, or Cell broadcast depending on your phone model (e.g., Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel).

4. Tap on “Allow alerts” or toggle it ON
Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled.

5. Customize alert types
You’ll typically see:

• Extreme threats
• Severe threats
• AMBER alerts
• Public safety messages
  

Test alerts (can usually be enabled/disabled here)

6. Optional: Vibration or alert tone settings
Some devices let you choose how the alerts behave—whether they vibrate, override Do Not Disturb, or play a specific tone.

Emergency Calling on iPhone

Using the Side Button (Emergency SOS)

Press and hold the Side button + one of the Volume buttons
Keep holding both buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears.

Drag the Emergency SOS slider
This will immediately call local emergency services (e.g., 112 or 100 in India, 911 in the U.S.).

Or continue holding to auto-call
If you keep holding the buttons, a loud countdown will begin and the call will be placed automatically (you can turn this on/off in Settings).

Please note -
Your iPhone sends a message with your current location to your emergency contacts.

To set contacts, go to: Settings > Health > Medical ID > Edit > Emergency Contacts
Emergency calling on Android

• Quickly press the Power Button 5 times (this can also be configured)
• Send location to emergency contacts.
• Start a call to emergency services
• Share your status updates in real-time (on supported phones).
  

Writer’s Note:
We sincerely hope that none of our readers ever encounter a situation where these features become necessary. Nevertheless, taking precautionary measures is always wise. We strongly encourage you to ensure these emergency settings are activated on your devices for your safety and peace of mind.