This is how you send an emergency SOS message with the Apple Watch

We hope you never have to use it, but it’s nice that it exists. With the Apple Watch SOS-Emergency notification you are in contact with the emergency services in no time. This is how this new feature works.

Enable Apple Watch SOS Emergency Notification

Apple has added a special emergency button to the Apple Watch with the update to watchOS 3. As long as the smartwatch is paired with your iPhone or connected to WiFi, you can activate the emergency services within a few seconds. The built-in speaker of the Apple Watch is used to make the call. This means you don’t have to look for your iPhone first. You activate the function as follows:

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone or a WiFi network
2. Press and hold the button on the side (under the Digital Crown) for a few seconds
3. Swipe the switch labeled “Emergency SOS” to the right to start the call

You then have ten seconds to cancel the emergency call. It does not matter whether you are in the Netherlands or abroad. The SOS-Emergency report always looks up the correct emergency number. In some countries you will still have to choose whether you are looking for the fire brigade, the hospital or the police.

Assign contacts as SOS contact

After you have had the conversation with the emergency services, you can quickly send a message to specific contacts. You can set who these contacts are via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

To do this, go to My Watch -> General -> SOS Emergency Notification. Here you can add up to three SOS contacts. These people will always be notified when you activate the function, including your current location.

Read the latest news about watchOS 3

• This is how you share the colored Apple Watch Activity rings with your friends (11/16/2017)
• Theater Mode is a godsend for moviegoers with an Apple Watch (1/25/2017)
• watchOS 3.1.1 makes Apple Watches inoperable, Apple withdraws update (14-12-2016)
• Apple Watch Series 2 review: a small improvement on the original (9/30/2016)
• watchOS 3: the 5 best new features for your Apple Watch (9/14/2016)