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You can reduce accidental emergency calls from a Samsung Galaxy’s Side-button shortcut, but the available controls depend on the phone’s software. Samsung says that on devices updated after June 2023, the direct off switch for Emergency SOS automatic dialing is no longer available; a documented custom-number workaround disables the shortcut’s ability to place a real emergency call. If you want to keep an emergency route, use confirmation or countdown settings instead. These steps do not remove every way to call emergency services, including the lock-screen option.
First, identify what you want to stop
“Disabling 911” can mean different things on a Galaxy phone. Emergency SOS automatic dialing is the call action associated with the Side-button shortcut. SOS messages to personal emergency contacts are a separate feature. Emergency calling from the lock screen is another route, and changing the Side-button shortcut does not remove it.
Samsung’s settings and available controls can vary by model, region, carrier, and installed software. Check the labels on your own device rather than assuming every Galaxy has the same options.
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Find Emergency SOS settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap Safety and emergency.
- Tap Emergency SOS.
If you do not see the same labels, your device’s software version or regional configuration may differ. Samsung’s US guidance describes this settings path and notes that emergency calls may be possible with no active carrier service or very little signal. A custom number, by contrast, requires an active mobile network connection. Samsung: Use your Galaxy phone or tablet in emergency situations.
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What you can do depends on the June 2023 update
Phones updated after June 2023
Samsung UK says the former switch for turning off Emergency SOS automatic dialing is not available after the June 2023 software update. For Galaxy devices with One UI 5.0 or higher, pressing the Side button five times can start Emergency SOS. Samsung’s documented workaround is to assign a custom number that is null, which prevents the SOS shortcut from calling an emergency number. Samsung warns that with a null number, the shortcut cannot make a real emergency call. Samsung UK: How to turn off Emergency SOS on your Galaxy phone (updated October 9, 2025).
- Go to Settings > Safety and emergency > Emergency SOS.
- Tap Emergency number to call.
- Select Custom number.
- Enter a null number and tap Done.
This is not a way to remove emergency calling from the phone altogether. It disables the SOS shortcut’s ability to make a real emergency call, and a custom number requires an active mobile network connection.
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Phones without the June 2023 update
Samsung UK says devices that have not received the June 2023 update may still show a switch to deactivate automatic dialing at Settings > Safety and emergency > Emergency SOS. If the switch is present, use it to turn off automatic dialing. Its presence depends on the software installed on your device.
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Keep the shortcut but add protection against accidental activation
If you want to retain a usable emergency route, Samsung US documents confirmation and delay options in Emergency SOS settings. Require swipe to call adds a swipe confirmation before calling; a Countdown delays emergency actions and gives you time to cancel an unintended trigger. Samsung also lists Play warning sound and an emergency-number setting. The exact options may differ on your phone. Samsung’s US emergency-use guidance.
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- Choose swipe confirmation if you want an extra deliberate action before a call.
- Choose a countdown if you want a brief opportunity to cancel after triggering SOS.
- Review the countdown setting available on your device; Samsung UK says it can be customized.
Turn off SOS messages separately
SOS messages sent to personal emergency contacts are distinct from calls to emergency services. Samsung Business Insights describes a separate Send SOS messages to emergency contacts control under Settings > Safety and emergency. Turning that messaging feature off does not turn off Emergency SOS calling. Samsung Business Insights: How to set up emergency SOS on your Galaxy mobile device (March 31, 2025).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What these changes do not disable
Samsung US describes a way to make an emergency call from the lock screen. Changing the Side-button SOS shortcut or turning off SOS messages should not be treated as removing that route or all emergency access from the device. If your goal is to prevent access to emergency calling altogether, the cited Samsung instructions do not provide a method for doing that.
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- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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