Adding emergency contacts to your phone helps first responders and medical workers reach the right people if something happens to you. The best part is that these contacts can often be seen even if your phone is locked.
This guide explains how to add emergency contacts on both iPhone and Android phones, step by step.
What Are Emergency Contacts?
Emergency contacts are people that:
- Medical workers can call in an emergency
- Can be viewed from your lock screen
- Are listed in your phone’s medical or emergency settings
These are usually:
- A spouse or partner
- A child
- A close friend
- A caregiver
How to Add Emergency Contacts on iPhone
On iPhones, emergency contacts are part of your Medical ID.
Step 1: Open the Health App
- Find and open the Health app (white icon with a red heart)
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner
Step 2: Open Medical ID
- Tap Medical ID
- Tap Edit in the top corner
Step 3: Add an Emergency Contact
- Scroll down to Emergency Contacts
- Tap Add emergency contact
- Choose a contact from your list
- Select their relationship (spouse, child, friend, etc.)
- Tap Done
You can add more than one.
Step 4: Make Medical ID Available From Lock Screen
This is very important.
- In Medical ID settings, make sure:
- Show When Locked is turned ON
This allows emergency workers to see your emergency contacts without unlocking your phone.
How to Add Emergency Contacts on Android
Android phones use a feature called Emergency Information.
Steps may look slightly different depending on the phone brand, but they are very similar.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap Safety & emergency
(Sometimes called Emergency or About phone → Emergency information)
Step 2: Add Emergency Contacts
- Tap Emergency contacts
- Tap Add contact
- Choose someone from your contacts list
You can add more than one person.
Step 3: Make Emergency Info Visible on Lock Screen
- In the same area, make sure emergency information is set to show on the lock screen
- Some phones show this automatically when you tap Emergency on the lock screen
How Emergency Workers Access This Information
On iPhone:
- From the lock screen, tap Emergency
- Tap Medical ID
- Emergency contacts are listed
On Android:
- From the lock screen, tap Emergency
- Tap Emergency information
- Contacts appear
Tips for Choosing Emergency Contacts
Pick someone who:
- Answers their phone
- Knows your medical conditions
- Can make decisions if needed
Tell them you listed them as an emergency contact.
Common Questions
Can emergency contacts see my location?
No. This does not track you. It only provides contact information.
Do I need internet for this to work?
No. Emergency information works without internet.
Can I change contacts later?
Yes. You can update or remove them anytime.
Is this the same as 911 or emergency services?
No. This does not call emergency services automatically. It only provides information to helpers.
Final Tip
Adding emergency contacts takes just a few minutes but can make a big difference in a real emergency. It’s one of the most important safety settings on your phone.