The terror of being followed down a dark street or through an empty parking lot can inhibit your thinking about calling for help.
But iPhone users have recently uncovered a little-known feature that instantly connects them to emergency services.
Users just rapidly press the top side button five times to access SOS Emergency Call.
This feature calls 911 and shares your location information with emergency services and contacts.
iPhone users have recently uncovered a little-known feature that instantly connects them to emergency services
The feature initially rolled out to Apple Watches was added to iPhones with the release of iOS 11, but TikTokers are sharing the option again, finding that it could be a means between life or death.
User CJ Bathgate shared a video explaining how the ‘iPhone hack’ made her feel safe when being followed.
Another TikToker, sellingportland503, shared the feature during a recent podcast while noting being kidnapped is her greatest fear.
‘When you click on the iPhone power button, it goes into an emergency response system,’ the user said.
‘If you don’t press cancel, it automatically calls emergency services.’
Users just rapidly press the top side button five times to access SOS Emergency Call
After you end the call with emergency services, your iPhone will text emergency contacts that you have contacted 911.
Your iPhone sends your current location, and after you enter SOS mode, your emergency contacts receive updates when your location changes.
Apple announced Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022, allowing iPhone 14 users to send text messages in the event of an emergency outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
The messages are sent in about 15 seconds if the user has a direct view of the sky and horizon, but the call for help could take longer if there are obstacles, such as forests or mountains in the area.
The service is possible through 24 Globalstar satellites, in which users point their iPhones to the sky to connect with one of the devices that then beam their message to the closest dispatch.
Users open Settings, tap Emergency SOS and then follow the instructions on the screen.
When you use Emergency SOS via satellite, you can share your Medical ID and notify your emergency contacts.
