Setting up emergency features on your iPhone isn't fun but highly important. Since Apple added these features to iOS in 2014, medical professionals know to look for them. Taking a few minutes now could make a huge difference later.

To create your Medical ID, open the Health app, select your profile picture, and choose Medical ID. Enable Show When Locked and Share During Emergency Call so first responders can view details like age, medications, allergies, and conditions. Add Emergency Contacts who will be alerted with your location when you use Emergency SOS.

Emergency SOS activates by holding the Side button and Volume button, or with Call with 5 Button Presses. The countdown alarm prevents accidental 911 calls. Call After Severe Crash can automatically get help. On iPhone 14 and newer, satellite messaging works without cellular service.

Enable Emergency Bypass for trusted contacts so calls ring even when silenced. Check if Text to 911 is available in your area as a backup. Test satellite features via Control Center.