Keep Safe: How to Set Emergency Contact and Medical ID on iPhone

Setting up an emergency contact on an iPhone is one of the simplest yet most important steps you can take to stay safe. In case of an accident or medical emergency, first responders can access your emergency information directly from your iPhone — even if it’s locked.

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This guide explains how to set it up in a few easy steps.

1. What Is an Emergency Contact on iPhone?

An emergency contact is someone who can be reached if you’re in trouble. This information is part of your Medical ID, which also includes details like blood type, allergies, and medical conditions.

When enabled, rescuers can view and call your emergency contact from the lock screen without unlocking your phone.

2. How to Add an Emergency Contact on iPhone

You can set it up using the Health app or through Settings:

  • Option 1: Using the Health App
  • Open the Health app on your iPhone.
  • Tap your profile picture (top right corner).
  • Select Medical ID → Edit.
  • Scroll down to Emergency Contacts.
  • Tap Add Emergency Contact and select a person from your contacts list.
  • Choose your relationship to that person.
  • Tap Done to save.
     
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Option 2: Through the Settings App

  • Open Settings → tap Health.
  • Tap Medical ID → Edit Medical ID.
  • Add or remove emergency contacts as needed.
  • Turn on Show When Locked so it’s accessible during emergencies.
  • Tap Done.
     

3. How Emergency Contacts Work

Once set, your emergency contact details can be accessed:

  • By pressing and holding the Side + Volume buttons on iPhone → then tapping Medical ID.
  • On the lock screen, rescuers can tap Emergency → Medical ID to view and call your emergency contact.
  • If you use the Emergency SOS feature, your iPhone automatically notifies your emergency contact and shares your current location.
     

4. Bonus Tip: Enable Emergency SOS

To make it even safer:

  • Go to Settings → Emergency SOS.
  • Turn on Call with Side Button or Call with Hold and Release.
  • This lets you call emergency services quickly by pressing the power button five times or holding it down with the volume button.
     
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5. Why It’s Important

Having an emergency contact can:

  • Save valuable time during medical emergencies.
  • Ensure loved ones are informed quickly.
  • Help first responders access critical medical details.
  • It’s a small setup that can make a life-saving difference.
     

Final Thoughts

Setting up an emergency contact on your iPhone takes less than a minute — but it ensures help is always within reach. Keep your Medical ID updated and review your contacts regularly to stay protected.