How to Set Up Emergency Contacts on Android: Easy Guide

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Prepare for the unexpected by setting up emergency contacts

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: July 20, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using the Contacts App

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Using the Pixel Personal Safety App

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Using Settings

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Did you know that you can create emergency contacts in your Android? Even if your phone is locked, you can quickly dial the number to contact a person set as an "in case of emergency (ICE)" or an emergency number. You can either download an app offered by Google to create this system, or you can use built-in tools to designate emergency contacts. Read on to learn more.

Easily Add Emergency Contacts on Android

Emergency contacts can be quickly dialed from your lock screen without having to unlock your phone.
You can add or manage your emergency contacts in the Contacts app.
Using Settings or Pixel's Personal Safety app also allows you to enter medical information, such as your organ donor status, blood type, and allergens.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Contacts App

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1
Open the Contacts app. The Contacts app generally has an icon that resembles people or an address book.
- If you have the Google Contacts app, you'll need to add an emergency contact in the Settings menu.
It's below "Favorites" and before the alphabetical list starts.

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3
Tap Emergency contacts. It's the first option on the list next to an icon of a phone and the letters "SOS."
- A list of current emergency contacts will appear.
4
Tap Add emergency contact. It's near the bottom of the screen. Your local emergency number (like 911 or 112) can't be changed or removed.
- Your contact list will open.
5
Tap a contact you want to add. Their contact picture will show a check mark to indicate that it is selected.
- Tap the contact again to remove it.
6
Tap Done. This saves the contact to your list of emergency contacts.
- If you want more than the local emergency number to appear on your lock screen, tap the toggle next to "Show on Lock screen" to turn it on.
- Tap the toggle next to "Share during emergency calls and texts" if you want to share your emergency contacts and medical info with any emergency service you call or text.
- Remember that your emergency contacts can be dialed from your lock screen without having to unlock your phone. If you're looking at a locked Android, you'll see an option to make an emergency call, and tapping that will show you emergency contacts as well as the main emergency number.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Pixel Personal Safety App

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1
Open the Personal Safety app on your Pixel. All Pixels come with the Google app to store your medical information so emergency workers can treat you correctly.
- The Personal Safety app is available on all Pixel phones. Pixel 4a and later, including Fold, download the app automatically.
- Sign in if you aren't already logged in.
This will open a list of your emergency contacts.
3
Tap Add contact. Doing this will allow you to browse your list of contacts and choose who to add to the emergency list.
- To show this information when your phone is locked, tap Allow access to emergency info > Show when locked.
- When you're done, return to the main page.
4
Tap Medical information. This page shows information important to medical professionals, including your blood type, medical history, and what you're allergic to.
- Tap an item on the list to edit it. ^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Settings

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Generally, the Settings app has an icon that resembles a gear. Tap the icon in your app drawer to open it.^{[3]
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2
Navigate to the "Safety and emergency" menu option. This might be in different places, based on the manufacturer, but you can also find it by searching safety and emergency in the menu.
- To search, tap the magnifying glass icon and enter safety and emergency, then tap the first search result.
This is where you can add information, like what you're allergic to and your blood type.
You want to include stuff like your name, medical conditions, allergies, and current meds. The pencil icon will allow you to edit the current information.
When someone looks at your phone, they can tap the "Emergency Call" button and tap your profile icon to see that medical information.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I use Google Speech?

Community Answer

When the keyboard interface is open, it will be the microphone icon along the top row.

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Tips

When you place an emergency call on your phone, all numbers are unblocked temporarily. You'll see an icon in the notification bar that signifies this. Swipe down to open that notification if you want to allow blocking again. Calls are unblocked just in case you blocked an emergency number from calling you.

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