4 Hidden iPhone Features That Can Save Your Life

iPhones are equipped with numerous settings that make users’ lives easier, including four hidden features Apple designed specifically for emergencies. Here’s an overview of these life-saving features.

Medical ID

Medical ID, though not new to iPhone users, is often overlooked. This feature stores vital health information such as allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. In the event of an accident, this information can be accessed on your iPhone by emergency responders.

To activate this feature, open the Health app, tap on your profile picture, and select Medical ID. Simply fill out the necessary information, and ensure you keep it updated, including emergency contacts.

Emergency SOS via Satellite

Introduced in the iPhone 14 and later models, this feature allows you to connect with emergency services via satellite when you’re out of network coverage. It does not require cellular or Wi-Fi signals to function.

To use this feature, position yourself in an open space with a clear view of the sky, free from obstructions or walls. Establishing a connection can take a few seconds to a minute.

To test this feature, go to Settings, select Emergency SOS, and try the feature’s demo mode, which teaches you how to establish a satellite connection, ensuring you’re prepared should you ever need it.

Check-In

The Check-In feature, added in iOS 17 in 2023, allows your iPhone to automatically notify a friend or family member when you arrive at a specified location.

You can also choose what details to share, such as your location, battery level, and phone signal strength.

According to Apple, both you and your contact must enable iMessage, log in with Apple IDs, and have two-factor authentication activated. Once a Check-In session is started, your destination and estimated arrival time are shared. If your iPhone stops moving or doesn’t reach its destination, the app alerts your contact. Upon arrival, your friend receives a notification confirming you reached your destination safely.

Crash Detection

Apple’s Crash Detection feature, available on the iPhone 14 and later models as well as recent Apple Watches, is designed to detect severe car crashes, including front, side, and rear collisions, as well as rollovers.

This feature is enabled by default, so there’s no need to adjust any settings. However, it’s wise to ensure it hasn’t been disabled.

When a serious crash is detected, the iPhone will emit an alarm and display an alert, which is also read aloud if you cannot view the screen. You can choose to call emergency services or dismiss the alert. If you do not respond, your iPhone will automatically call emergency services after 20 seconds.

If you’ve set up emergency contacts using Medical ID, your iPhone will also send a text to them with your location and details about the incident.

To verify that everything is set up correctly, go to Settings, then Emergency SOS, and confirm that the “Call After Serious Crash” feature is enabled.