In today’s fast-paced world, having quick and efficient access to emergency services is crucial. While most people are familiar with dialing 911 in case of an emergency, did you know that in some areas, it is also possible to call 914 for immediate assistance? In this blog post, we will explore the process of calling 914 using the power button on an iPhone. This method can be particularly useful in situations where you may not have access to your phone’s keypad, such as if your phone is locked or your hands are occupied. We will discuss the challenges you may encounter, the things you should prepare for, and provide step-by-step instructions for different methods to call 914 using your iPhone’s power button.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Calling 914 with iPhone Power Button
Calling 914 with your iPhone’s power button may seem like a simple task, but there are a few challenges you may encounter along the way. The first challenge is that not all areas have adopted the use of 914 as an emergency contact number. It is important to check if your local emergency services support this feature before relying on it. Additionally, calling 914 with your iPhone’s power button is not a default function, meaning you will need to set it up manually. This can be a bit complicated for some users who are not familiar with the settings and options on their devices. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you will be able to overcome these challenges and use your iPhone’s power button to call 914 in case of an emergency.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you can start using your iPhone’s power button to call 914, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, make sure that your iPhone is running on a compatible operating system. This method is supported on iPhones running iOS 11 or later versions. If you have an older iPhone model or are using an outdated iOS version, you may need to update your software. Secondly, ensure that your iPhone’s power button is in working condition. If the button is damaged or unresponsive, you will need to get it fixed before you can proceed. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the emergency services in your area and confirm if 914 is the designated emergency contact number. In some regions, an alternative number may be used, so it is crucial to confirm the correct number before using this method.
Method 1. How to Call 914 via Emergency SOS
Calling 914 with your iPhone’s power button can be achieved by utilizing the Emergency SOS feature. This feature allows you to quickly call emergency services by pressing the power button multiple times. Here’s how you can set it up and use it:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Scroll down and select "Emergency SOS."
Step 3: Enable the "Call with Side Button" option. This will allow you to call emergency services by pressing the power button quickly.
Step 4: Once the feature is enabled, you can test it by pressing the power button quickly five times in a row.
Step 5: A screen with the emergency SOS slider will appear along with an option to call 911. Slide the SOS slider to the right to call 911 or the designated emergency contact number in your area.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy access to emergency services.
2. Can be activated even if the phone is locked or you have limited access to the screen.
3. Can be activated with ease using just the power button.
Cons:
1. The power button may be accidentally triggered, leading to unwanted emergency calls.
2. The feature needs to be set up manually and may not be familiar to all users.
3. Availability of the feature may vary depending on the iOS version and region.
Method 2. How to Call 914 via Siri
Another method to call 914 using the power button on your iPhone is by utilizing Siri, Apple’s technical blogger. Siri can make calls, send messages, and perform various other tasks, including calling emergency services. Here’s how you can use Siri to call 914:
Step 1: Activate Siri by pressing and holding the power button or saying "Hey Siri" if your device supports it.
Step 2: Once Siri is activated, say "Call emergency services." Siri will initiate the call to the designated emergency contact number in your area, which may be 914.
Pros:
1. Can be used hands-free by using voice commands.
2. Works even if the phone is locked or you have limited access to the screen.
3. Can be activated quickly by pressing and holding the power button or using voice commands.
Cons:
1. Siri needs an internet connection to function, so if you are in an area with poor connectivity, this method may not work.
2. Voice recognition may not always be accurate, leading to errors in the dialed number.
3. Siri may not be available or supported in all regions or on all iPhone models.
Method 3. How to Call 914 via AssistiveTouch
AssistiveTouch is an accessibility feature on iPhones that allows users to perform various functions using on-screen gestures. By configuring AssistiveTouch, you can utilize it to call 914 with your iPhone’s power button. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to "Accessibility" and select "Touch."
Step 3: Choose "AssistiveTouch" and enable the feature.
Step 4: Set a custom gesture for calling emergency services, such as tapping the AssistiveTouch icon twice.
Step 5: Once the gesture is set, go back to the main AssistiveTouch menu and select "Custom Actions."
Step 6: Tap on the "Single Tap" or "Double Tap" option and select "Emergency SOS" from the list.
Step 7: Exit the settings and test the feature by performing the assigned gesture.
Pros:
1. The AssistiveTouch feature provides a customizable and accessible way to call emergency services.
2. Can be tailored to individual preferences by setting custom gestures.
3. Can be activated quickly and easily even with limited access to the physical power button.
Cons:
1. The setup process may be confusing for some users, especially those who are not familiar with AssistiveTouch.
2. Custom gestures may conflict with existing gestures or functions on the device.
3. The availability of AssistiveTouch may vary depending on the iOS version and region.
Method 4. How to Call 914 via Emergency Contact
If you have set up an emergency contact on your iPhone, you can use this method to call 914. By adding the 914 emergency contact number to your list of emergency contacts, you can initiate a call by using your iPhone’s power button. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Contacts app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Select the contact you want to assign as the emergency contact.
Step 3: Tap on "Edit" and scroll down to the "Add Emergency Contact" section.
Step 4: Tap on "Add Emergency Number" and enter 914 as the contact number.
Step 5: Save the changes and exit the contact details.
Step 6: Press the power button quickly to activate the emergency call feature.
Step 7: Select the emergency contact option that appears on the screen.
Pros:
1. Uses the existing emergency contact feature on iPhones, eliminating the need for additional setup.
2. Can be activated quickly and easily by pressing the power button and selecting the emergency contact option.
3. Works even if the phone is locked or you have limited access to the screen.
Cons:
1. Adding 914 as an emergency contact may be confusing for some users, especially if they are not familiar with the option.
2. The emergency contact feature may not be available or supported in all regions or on all iPhone models.
3. Accidental activation of the emergency call feature may lead to unwanted calls.
Why Can’t I Call 914?
If you are unable to call 914 using the power button on your iPhone, there can be several reasons for this. Here are some common reasons and their fixes:
1. Reason: Incompatible iOS version.
Fix: Make sure your iPhone is running on iOS 11 or a later version. If not, update your device’s software to enable the feature.
2. Reason: Damaged power button.
Fix: If your power button is unresponsive or damaged, you will need to get it repaired or replaced by a certified technician.
3. Reason: Unavailable emergency service.
Fix: Confirm if 914 is the designated emergency contact number in your area. If not, find out the correct number and add it to your emergency contacts.
Additional Tips
Additional Tips
To further enhance your ability to call 914 using your iPhone’s power button, here are three additional tips:
1. Enable Auto Call: In the Emergency SOS settings, you can enable the "Auto Call" feature. This allows your iPhone to automatically call emergency services when you activate the emergency call feature, without requiring an additional step of sliding the SOS slider.
2. Practice Emergency Calling: Familiarize yourself with the process of calling emergency services using your iPhone’s power button. Regularly practice the steps to ensure they become second nature in case of an actual emergency.
3. Keep Your iPhone Charged: Ensure that your iPhone is adequately charged at all times. In emergencies, every second counts, and having a fully charged device can help you quickly access the emergency call feature.
5 FAQs about Calling 914 with iPhone Power Button
Q1: Can I call 914 with my iPhone’s power button if my phone is locked?
A: Yes, you can call 914 with your iPhone’s power button even if your phone is locked.
Q2: Are there any additional charges for calling 914?
A: In most regions, calling 914 or any other emergency contact number is free of charge.
Q3: Can I customize the number I call with the power button?
A: The designated emergency contact number is usually set by your local emergency services and cannot be customized.
Q4: Will my iPhone’s power button dial emergency services accidentally?
A: While accidental activation is possible, most methods require multiple button presses or specific gestures to initiate the emergency call.
Q5: Can I call 914 using someone else’s iPhone?
A: Yes, as long as the iPhone has the necessary settings and configurations, you can call 914 using someone else’s device.
In Conclusion
Being able to quickly call emergency services can be a lifesaver in critical situations. While 911 is widely known as the emergency contact number, some regions also support calling 914 for immediate assistance. By utilizing the power button on your iPhone and setting up the necessary configurations, you can access this feature with ease. Whether through Emergency SOS, Siri, AssistiveTouch, or the emergency contact option, there are multiple methods available to call 914 using your iPhone’s power button. Remember to check the compatibility of your iPhone, confirm the designated emergency contact number in your area, and practice the steps to ensure a seamless experience in times of need. Stay prepared and stay safe!