Your smartphone can do more than make calls; it can help save your life in an emergency. Both iPhones and Android phones include built-in features that allow first responders to access emergency contacts and critical medical information, even when your phone is locked.
At Screen Fix Plus, we often see customers who didn’t know these features existed. This guide walks you through how to set up Emergency Contacts and Medical ID step by step, what apps are involved, and why it matters.
Why Emergency Contacts & Medical ID Matter
If you’re injured, unconscious, or unable to speak, first responders may check your phone for:
- Who to contact
- Allergies
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- Blood type
This information can be accessed without unlocking your phone, making it incredibly valuable when seconds count.
How to Set Up Emergency Contacts & Medical ID on iPhone
Apps used:
- Health app (built-in on iPhone)
Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone)
- Open the Health app
- Tap your profile picture (top right)
- Tap Medical ID
- Tap Edit
Now fill in:
- Medical conditions
- Allergies
- Medications
- Blood type
- Emergency contacts
Add Emergency Contacts
- Tap Add Emergency Contact
- Choose a contact
- Select their relationship (spouse, parent, friend, etc.)
Make It Accessible When Locked
- Turn ON “Show When Locked”
- Tap Done
📌 Tip: When someone presses Emergency on your lock screen, your Medical ID will now be visible.
How to Set Up Emergency Contacts & Medical Info on Android
Apps used (may vary slightly by brand):
- Safety app (Google Pixel & newer Android phones)
- Settings app
- Samsung Health (Samsung phones)
Method 1: Using the Android Safety App (Recommended)
- Open the Safety app
- Tap Your info
- Add:
- Medical information
- Emergency contacts
- Make sure “Show when locked” is enabled
Method 2: Through Settings (Most Android Phones)
- Open Settings
- Search for Emergency information
- Add:
- Emergency contacts
- Medical details
- Confirm lock-screen access is enabled
📌 On Samsung phones, you may also use Samsung Health → Profile → Medical info.
How First Responders Access This Info
- From the lock screen, tap Emergency
- Select Medical Info or Medical ID
- No PIN or Face ID required
This is why setting it up properly is so important.
What Information Should You Include?
We recommend adding:
- Full name & date of birth
- Emergency contacts (at least 2)
- Allergies
- Medications
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart issues)
- Blood type (if known)
Avoid sensitive notes that aren’t medically relevant.
