Text 911 on iPhone or Apple Watch
- June 7, 2024
- Apple
Table of Contents
Text 911 on iPhone or Apple Watch
You can quickly text 911 in the United States using your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Before you begin
Texting 911 requires an iPhone running iOS 13 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 6 or later. Your iPhone must have a cellular connection; your watch needs either a cellular connection or to be near the iPhone that it’s paired with.
You can text emergency services only in locations where it’s supported. In places that don’t support texting emergency services, you might receive a “bounce-back” message indicating that the text didn’t go through.
How to text 911 on your iPhone
- Open the Messages app.
- In the To field, type 911.
- In the Text Message field, type your emergency.
- Tap the send button.
How to text 911 on your Apple Watch
- Open the Messages app.
- Press the Messages screen firmly.
- Tap New Message.
- Tap Add Contact.
- Tap the number pad button, then type 911.
- Tap Create Message.
- Tap the Scribble button to write a message with your finger.
- Tap Send.
After you text 911, your device enters emergency mode for 30 minutes. To get out of emergency mode, restart your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Learn more
You can use Emergency SOS to quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts.
Published Date: May 17, 2021