How to set up an emergency call on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with a health check

An emergency call on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone can save lives in a critical situation, whether it is an accident, a sudden deterioration in health or a security threat. However, by default, the SOS function is often disabled or configured incorrectly: users face problems when sending messages to contacts, automatically dialing 112 or activating through the side button. In this article, we will discuss all ways to configure an emergency call on Redmi Note 12/11/10, Redmi A2/A1, POCO X5 and others, including hidden MIUI options that the manufacturer does not advertise.

Xiaomi has a unique feature of duplication of SOS functions in different menu sections. For example, dialing 112 can work even when the screen is locked, but sending SMS with coordinates requires separate activation. We tested all options on MIUI 14/13/12 firmware and identified key errors that may cause SOS to fail. At the end of this article, a unique feature compatibility table with Redmi models, which you will not find in the official documentation.

1. Basic emergency call settings via MIUI menu

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI settings. However, there are pitfalls: some Redmi models have a hidden menu item or a different name.

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security.

2. Scroll down to the Emergency Functions block (on MIUI 14 may be called SOS-challenge).

3. Activate the Emergency Call switch.

Once activated, you can add up to 5 contacts to which you will be sent a message with your location when you press the power button 5 times in a row. Importantly, if you have a global region firmware installed (MIUI Global), the contact list can be limited to 3 positions.

• 📱 How to check the version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔍 If there is no item: use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter «SOS».
• ⚠️ Restriction: on Redmi models 9A/9C function SOS It may be absent due to hardware limitations.

Added at least 2 contacts for emergency messages |Activated location sending |Protested power button activation |Verified with locked screen-->

2. Alternative method: setting up via "Emergency Information"

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden section Emergency information that allows you to configure additional SOS settings. This method works even on older versions of MIUI 11:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Emergency Information.

2.Click Edit information and fill in the fields: blood type, allergies, contacts for emergencies.

3. Turn on the option to Show on the lock screen - this will allow medics or rescuers to see critical data without unlocking.

Why it matters: When you call 112 (or a local emergency number), the dispatcher will see your medical information if the phone supports data transfer via eCall (European standard). On Redmi Note 12 Pro+ models and later, this feature works automatically, on budget Redmi A-series - only when manually configured.

SOS settings via the side button (only for selected models)

On flagship and some mid-budget Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO F4), the power button can be used for emergency calls, but by default this feature is disabled.

1. Go to Settings → Buttons and gestures → Power button.

2. Find the Emergency Call and turn it on.

3. Select the number of clicks (usually 3 or 5).

One important thing is that some firmware will turn off the double-press for the camera once it's activated, so if you want to shoot fast, you'll have to choose between convenience and security.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13 and below, when you press the power button often (for example, in your pocket), a false alarm may occur. SOS. To avoid this, set the delay between the clicks in the gesture settings.

Sending. SMS coordinate|Emergency power button call|Automatic set 112|Not using. SOS|Other function-->

4. Emergency call testing: how to check work without risk

Set up SOS is half the battle. Be sure to test the feature to make sure it works in a critical situation. Here's how to do it safely:

1.Verification SMS-warning:

Ask your friend to add his number to your emergency contact list.

Activate SOS (5 clicks on the power button or through the menu).

Make sure the coordinate message arrives (may take up to 30 seconds).

Call test on 112:

Don’t call 112, it’s a violation of the law.

Instead, use your operator’s emergency services test number (for example, MTS has 1122, Beeline has 004).

- Dial it manually or check if the offer to call appears when holding the lock button.

Checking the operation with the locked screen:

- Lock the phone.

Press the power button 5 times or hold it (depending on the model).

- A menu should appear with the Emergency Call button and a field for entering the PIN code (if installed).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI test-driven SOS may trigger a lock SIM-To avoid this, before checking, disable the PIN request to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Lockdown SIM-map.

5. Common errors and their elimination

If the emergency call does not work, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📵 No network: SOS oppressive SIM-Check the signal level and turn on Flight Mode and back if the connection is lost.
• 📍 GPS Disabled: No geolocation of coordinates in SMS They won't. Include high accuracy in the settings. → Location.
• 🔋 Weak battery: With a charge below 15%, some features SOS They're locked.
• 🛠️ Firmware failure: After update MIUI You can reset your phone, reboot your phone, and check the settings again.

If the problem persists, try resetting the security settings:

Settings → Passwords and security → Additional → Resetting security settings

This operation will not delete your data, but will return to factory settings screen lock, fingerprints and SOS settings.

💡

If an emergency call is triggered by chance (such as in your pocket), increase the number of clicks on the power button to 5 or turn off the gesture function. Alternatively, use the SOS Emergency Panic Button app from Google Play, where you can configure the activation delay.

6. Additional Applications for Extended SOS

Xiaomi’s built-in features are limited. If you need more features (such as hidden activation, audio recording or video broadcasting in an emergency), install one of these apps:

• 🛡️ SOS Emergency Panic Button - sends out SMS, email and geolocation with the possibility of hidden launch (for example, by voice command).
• 📡 Emergency Alert – supports sending messages to Telegram and Viber, as well as automatically turning on the flashlight and siren.
• 🚨 bSafe – allows you to set up a false call (for example, to get out of an uncomfortable situation) and broadcast video in real time.

When selecting an application, pay attention to permissions: it must request access to:

- SMS (for sending messages),

- Location (for coordinates),

- Microphone/camera (if recording is required).

Avoid programs with suspiciously broad rights

💡

Xiaomi’s built-in SOS function works even without the internet (via SMS), but GPS is required to transmit precise coordinates. Google Play apps are often network dependent, so they can’t completely replace system settings.

7. Features of settings for different regions

The emergency call features on Xiaomi Redmi may vary depending on the country of sale:

In Europe and Russia, the number 112 is activated by default.

In China and India, 110 (police) or 100 (ambulance) can be used.

In the United States and Canada, the number is 911.

To change the emergency number:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.

2. Find Emergency Information (or Emergency Information) in it.

3. manually add the desired number to the contact list.

Important: MIUI China models (such as those imported from China) may not support local emergency numbers, requiring unlocking the bootloader and firmware for the global version of MIUI.

Frequently asked questions