How do I stop my phone from accidentally dialing 911?

How to Prevent Accidental 911 Calls from Your Phone

It’s easier than you think to accidentally dial 911—especially when your phone is tucked in a pocket or bag. These unintended calls can tie up emergency lines and delay help for people who truly need it. The good news? A few simple steps can keep your phone from becoming a 911 nuisance.

Lock your keypad. Most modern smartphones automatically lock when idle, but older models or certain settings might leave the screen active. If your phone doesn’t lock quickly, enable auto-lock in your settings. This prevents buttons from being pressed during movement, stopping accidental dials before they start.

Next, turn off the 911 auto-dial feature if your phone has one. Some devices are designed to call emergency services after pressing and holding the power button or volume keys—a helpful feature in real emergencies, but risky if triggered by mistake. Check your phone’s emergency settings to disable this if you're concerned about false alarms.

And never program 911 into speed dial. It might seem convenient, but speed dial shortcuts increase the risk of an unintentional call, especially if the number is easily accessible from a locked screen. Emergency services are just a few taps away when needed—no shortcut required.

These small precautions go a long way. By locking your screen, adjusting emergency settings, and avoiding speed dial for 911, you help keep emergency lines clear for those in real distress. It’s not just about avoiding embarrassment—it’s about responsibility.

*Tips adapted from public safety recommendations for wireless phone users.